Olivia Virgin's Study Abroad Experience Provides New Perspective

OLIVIA VIRGIN STUDY ABROAD PHOTO ALBUM 

BEVERLY, Mass. — Endicott equestrian sophomore rider Olivia Virgin (Burlington, Mass.) recently went on a study abroad trip to Costa Rica. Virgin, who is majoring in Environmental Science, caught ECGulls up on her trip to Costa Rica. 

1) ECGULLS: Can you give us an overall description of your trip?

The trip to Costa Rica was three weeks long. We spent our first week at Conversa, a Spanish school where we had four hours of class a day. The second week we ran a summer camp for the kids of Santa Ana, which was the town we were staying in.

Throughout the first semester, we raised almost $2,000 to buy the kids books, prizes, backpacks, notebooks, and other school supplies which we used during the summer camp. At the camp, we taught the kids a bit of English and kept them busy for a few hours before we returned to class in the afternoon. When we were not in class, or at the camp, we spent time exploring the sights of Costa Rica, or played a bit of soccer.

2) ECGULLS: Describe your overall study abroad experience?

The study abroad experience was incredible. We stayed with host families, so it was a really unique experience. My family didn't speak English, so I really practiced and improved my Spanish while I was with them.

Seeing how others live and being totally immersed in their culture is something I would recommend to everyone because you see the country in a way you could never see it staying in hotels.

3) ECGULLS: Why would you recommend studying abroad to other students?

I would absolutely recommend studying abroad to other students. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go and see a new country. When learning in a new environment, you see things from a completely different perspective. Not to mention all the people you meet and the friends you make while away from home! 

4) ECGULLS: What was the biggest lesson you learned?

The biggest lesson I learned was to be grateful for what I have. Costa Rica is not as developed as America is, and living with a host family really puts things into perspective. I take so much for granted here and I now know that I am a lot luckier than many others.

5) ECGULLS: What was your favorite experience?

My favorite experience in Costa Rica was our trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. I'm an environmental science major, so this was my own kind of Disneyland. To see the plants and animals I've grown up only reading about was surreal as well as such an awesome learning opportunity. It was also incredibly beautiful. It was definitely a postcard-worthy excursion. 

6) ECGULLS: Describe the educational side of the program.

We had a lot of educational opportunities on this trip. Living with a host family and interacting with the locals forced me to practice my Spanish. We also took classes at Conversa, a Spanish school. There, we were split up into groups by our previous knowledge of Spanish. Classes were no larger than four students and many lessons were brought outside into prop banks or food shops where we could practice what we know in a useful and practical environment. The interactive and intimate learning helped me learn more in the two weeks we were in class than all through high school and sparked my love for the Spanish language once again.

7) ECGULLS: Were there any funny stories from your trip?

There were many, many funny stories from our trip but the most memorable was accidentally hitting a street sign and splitting my eye open. It was very funny and unexpected, and the scar left me with a cool souvenir.

ENDICOTT EDUCATION ABROAD

STUDY ABROAD INCENTIVES | DEADLINES 

"At Endicott College, we believe our students are best prepared for our interconnected and globalized world if they are culturally aware, multicultural in their perspectives, and able to understand global issues from various points of view. Education abroad (study abroad & international internships) prepares students for success by offering alternative academic understanding, social & cultural literacy and life-changing experiences. Through semester-long academic study, faculty-led trips, or 3-to-15 week internships abroad help students gain new confidence and self-awareness, and obtain the skills necessary for success in today's economy." — said Warren Jaferian (Dean, International Education)

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(Photo Credit - Olivia Virgin '22)