How Study Abroad in Costa Rica Helped Me Rediscover My True Self
These past weeks feel like a dream. It’s as if I’ve been transported to another world—a completely different country, immersed in an unfamiliar family, experiencing things I had never imagined. For me, this journey has been filled with so many “firsts,” and that is exactly what I was seeking: to continually create and embrace these moments.
Coast Rica boasts rich natural resources, from wildlife walking right before your eyes to beautiful beaches that took my breath away. One weekend, I joined my classmates on a trip to the coast. Perhaps for many, these experiences are ordinary, but for me, they were transformative. It was the first time I wore a bikini and laid on the sand, the first time I got a massage, and the first time I danced in a club to the rhythm of the music. It felt surreal—things that had once made me shy or uncomfortable suddenly became natural here.
Experiencing new things has opened me up, not just to the world but to myself. I find joy in this process of discovery and acceptance. When we ventured into the breathtaking tropical rainforest, I felt like a wild horse set free. Being surrounded by nature felt like returning to myself—where I belong. Nature has a way of dissolving our barriers, grounding us in the moment, and in doing so, it reminded me of my purest, most unburdened self.
Embracing a new culture
The people in Costa Rica are different from my experiences in Australia, where I am a student at University of Queensland. Australians, in my experience, are generally polite, reserved, and deeply respectful of personal boundaries. They often say “sorry” and share polite smiles with strangers, always maintaining a certain level of courtesy. This is quite different from my in hometown, where people are direct, loud, and not big on greetings or pleasantries.
In Australia, I was often worried about accidentally offending others due to cultural or linguistic misunderstandings, so I spoke cautiously. But here, I’m living with a host family, and none of us are native English speakers. Strangely, this lifted a lot of pressure off me. I’ve found myself speaking more, enjoying conversations, and even laughing while guessing what others are trying to express.
“When we ventured into the breathtaking tropical rainforest, I felt like a wild horse set free.”
Finding family in unexpected places
My host mom is stunning and takes time to dress beautifully every day. One day, she handed me nail polish and, without saying a word, gestured for me to paint her nails. The simplicity of that moment—without overthinking, without formality—made me feel like part of the family. Every time I finished a nail, she’d exclaim how “beautiful” it was. I had never done this even for my own family before, and it made me feel closer to her.
Another day, I visited her workshop. The family runs their own business, and she proudly introduced me to every part of it, from their studios to her colleagues. She even took me along to buy supplies. It was like being absorbed into their daily life, as though I were truly a member of their family.
One of my favorite moments was when I spent an entire afternoon playing games in the yard with my host mom’s grandson. When I wasn’t there, he would send videos saying, “I miss you,” which melted my heart.
Growing up in China, families often express love in more reserved ways. My parents, like many others, showed their care through their hard work, rather than through verbal or physical affection. Here, my host mom says, “I love you,” kisses me goodnight, gives me warm hugs, and compliments my clothes as “beautiful” every single day. These are simple acts of love that had never been part of my upbringing, and I feel deeply moved every time I witness them. She also shows the same affection to her own children, and it fills me with both admiration and envy. This family has taught me what it means to express love directly and purely, without fear.
“I don’t know how two people with such broken English can spend hours chatting, but we manage it, laughing the whole time.”
A sister I never had
I’ve grown especially close to my host mom’s second daughter. I don’t know how two people with such broken English can spend hours chatting, but we manage it, laughing the whole time. One evening, she and her friends drove over 30 minutes to take me to another province for dinner at a restaurant they thought I’d love.
She often holds my hand when we’re out, a simple gesture that feels deeply comforting. Even though we’ve only known each other for a short time, our bond feels stronger than the one I share with my cousins back home. She even read my first blog post eagerly and wrote me a 2,000-word response filled with praise and encouragement, something I’ll cherish forever.
The beauty of simple moments
Sometimes, instead of going out after class, I’d rather come home to spend time with my host family—chatting, helping in the kitchen, or simply enjoying the everyday routines that make a house feel like a home. Everyone here is busy with their own work, yet they still make time to love, support, and welcome people from all over the world. Their openness and generosity inspire me.
As someone who’s always been introverted and closed off, I’m amazed by how this family has opened my heart. Through their kindness and love, they’ve shown me that language barriers don’t matter—what truly connects us is emotion and intention.
Finding myself again
This journey has helped me rediscover something I had lost—the essence of who I am. The natural beauty of Costa Rica, the pure kindness of its people, and the uninhibited expressions of love I’ve witnessed here have reminded me that love, at its core, is pure and eternal. And in the embrace of this country and this family, I’ve found my way back to myself.
Shiyi Chen | University of Queensland | IFSA January in Costa Rica | January 2025