Studying abroad ranks high on Emma Annett’s college bucket list. The passionate traveler and freshman at 鶹ý didn’t wait to embark on her first adventure.
“Just getting into college life, I knew it may be difficult to do an entire semester abroad,” she said. “But when I saw opportunities for shorter abroad experiences in J-term, I knew I had to do it.”
An exercise physiology major, Emma spent January 7-20, 2024, in Costa Rica studying “Costa Rican Healthcare Systems and Tropical Medicine” at Veritas University. She stayed with a Spanish-speaking host family and enjoyed views of volcanoes and native flora and fauna as she walked to class.
On weekends, she and her classmates explored the countryside, including a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, often described as a tropical paradise.
“It was absolutely breathtaking,” said Emma. “We enjoyed the beach, parasailing, hiking, and viewing wildlife. We visited the reservations of Indigenous people and learned about their culture.”
Her J-term experience forced her to be outgoing and taught her how to communicate with people from different backgrounds. These skills, she explained, will help her as a future occupational therapist.
“I learned that going out of your comfort zone so you can fully experience a new culture is one of the best ways you can improve yourself.”
