My name is Talena Monasmith, and I am an incoming junior in the College of Engineering at Michigan State University. I just recently returned from studying abroad in Costa Rica and it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my life. Unlike previous abroad experiences with my family, this program allowed me to be truly immersed in the local culture rather than just being a tourist.

My program consisted of ten MSU students, an MSU professor, two University of Costa Rica students, two National Technical University of Costa Rica, and two University of Costa Rica professors. I believe this also helped contribute to immersion as well as we got to spend prolonged time with people who actually live there.

The program was an excellent opportunity to practice Spanish daily, enhancing our language skills and understanding of cultural nuances. Although the Costa Rican students spoke English, occasional misunderstandings helped us improve our communication abilities across language barriers.

On a personal level, my experience in Costa Rica was transformative. Being in a new country with a different culture and language challenged me to become more adaptable and independent.

Aside from affecting me on a personal level I learned a lot more about what I want to do with my career through this study abroad. I have always been interested in sustainable engineering and how to make that happen. 99% of Costa Rica’s energy is produced through renewable sources and it is also one of the most biodiverse countries. We got to visit many renewable energy plants including wind farms, hydropower plants, geothermal plants, and much more. While there, I participated in projects such as water resource management and decentralized wastewater treatment. Getting hands-on experience helped me to be more confident in what it is I want to do in the future.

A common myth about studying abroad is that it is primarily about academics. Before going to Costa Rica, I thought my experience would mainly involve attending classes and sightseeing. However, I discovered that studying abroad is much more. It involves immersive cultural experiences and helped me to build meaningful relationships with the people from Costa Rica as well as the other MSU students.

I think my story is relatable to other students, especially those interested in environmental engineering and sustainability. My journey in Costa Rica demonstrates the impact that studying abroad can have on both academic and personal development. It showcases how stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing a new culture can lead to significant growth.

Name: Talena Monasmith
Status: Junior
Major: Environmental Engineering
Hometown: Okemos, Michigan
Program: Ecological Engineering in the Tropics in Costa Rica