In an effort to acquire a better understanding of the Spanish language and experience culture from a point of view different than the American interpretation, I traveled to Panama and Costa Rica this summer to participate in two study abroad programs. Through twelve credit hours of Spanish coursework, daily interaction and conversation, and reading Spanish literature, I strived to increase my proficiency in Spanish conversation and comprehension. In the area of cultural immersion, conversation with native speakers and exploration of the country proved the most beneficial methods. Over the course of seven weeks spread across May and July, I applied these techniques during my study abroad experiences. As a result, my travels allowed me to develop more confidence and fluidity in speech, an expanded vocabulary, and awareness of unique word usage in different Spanish-speaking countries while simultaneously elevating my cultural consciousness as a result of observation, personal experiences and relationships, and meaningful conversation. Because of my exploration of the Spanish language and culture this summer, I know that I will be returning to a Spanish-speaking country soon so that I do not lose the progress I have made this summer in my Spanish conversation skills. In order to accommodate my professional and personal goal of becoming a bilingual doctor, I plan to revisit Central or South America in the future and would like to participate in a medical internship program. In this manner, I will continue to work towards greater exposure to and understanding of medicine and Spanish, keeping in mind my current academic, professional, and personal inclinations that motivate me.

1. Introduction
To enrich my knowledge of the Spanish language and broaden my
cultural perspective, I traveled to Panama and Costa Rica this summer. In
Panama, I participated in the University of Louisville’s Panama Study
Abroad Program, taking classes at Quality Leadership University in
Panama City, Panama. Later, I went to Costa Rica where I spent a month
taking classes at the University of Costa Rica. In these similar, yet unique,
Latin American countries, I not only studied Spanish but also had the
Three weeks in Panamá
opportunity to explore widely, forge newfound relationships, and immerse
myself in cultures remarkably distinct from my own.
Costa Rica in a Month
While my stay in Panama was a valuable trip and a necessary first step in cultural
During my adventure in Panamá, I was able to explore Spanish and and linguistic immersion, I believe that my journey to Costa Rica was even more
Panamanian culture in a number of ways. beneficial. My Spanish improved considerably more in Costa Rica as did my
• At Quality Leadership University, I took two classes, Spanish Conversation cultural understanding of the native population (Ticos) for multiple reasons.
and Panamanian culture. I received an A+ and an A respectively in these • At the University of Costa Rica, I took two classes, Spanish Composition I and
courses. Spanish Conversation II. I received an A+ and an A respectively in these
• Interaction with the Panamanians and Panama’s indigenous populations courses. However, these classes were challenging and required hours of
proved quite enlightening and offered an interesting perspective on diligent work as I prepared numerous essays and oral presentations.
Panamanian culture as a whole in addition to cultural differences within the • In Costa Rica, I lived with a host family that spoke no English whereas I lived in
country. a hotel with other UofL students while in Panama. As a result, I was forced to
• Through program and individual excursions, I was able to observe strikingly speak Spanish in Costa Rica to communicate with my host parents and had to
diverse lifestyles among the Panamanian people of different provinces. listen attentively in an effort to understand them. Indubitably, a month of lengthy
• By attending a traditional folk dance show, I learned about Panama’s oldest conversations and listening in Spanish trained me to become a better Spanish
customs and oral tradition. In addition, I had ample time to explore speaker.
Panama’s Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) and was fascinated by the • Additionally, my host family was the focal point of my understanding of Costa
architecture and history of the area. Rican culture. By observing their daily familial interactions, such as babysitting
• Conversing in Spanish in class and with vendors, cashiers, and service their year-old granddaughter, and celebrations of birthdays and Mass, I
representatives allowed me to practice speaking Spanish. Gradually, I absorbed a wealth of information concerning the Tico culture and lifestyle.
began to feel more comfortable in the language.
Did I achieve my goals? Conversation with them also proved invaluable to my understanding of the Tico
perspective on life, family, materialism, and many other topics.
Undoubtedly, my summer enrichment project was • My travels within the country revealed a great disparity in the sense of safety
tremendously successful. I believe that my travels abroad truly and the peace of mind of the Ticos based on demographics and urbanization.
allowed me to accomplish my goals of further study, retention,
and usage of the Spanish language as well as an expansion of
my awareness of culture beyond the American mainstream. In
more specific summation, my travels helped me to develop more
confidence and fluidity in speech, an expanded vocabulary, and
awareness of unique word usage in different Spanish-speaking
countries and elevated my cultural consciousness as a result of
observation, personal experiences and relationships, and
meaningful conversation.
Personal Implications
For me, this summer in Latin America was especially enriching as it relates directly to
my academic, professional, and personal goals.
• Firstly, I seek to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish during my undergraduate career and
because of this summer, I have earned twelve credit hours towards my degree. The Four-
Year Flight Plan, that I completed last year as a freshman, indicated that I would have to
take nineteen or twenty hours my junior and senior years in order to graduate on time if I
did not take summer courses. Fortunately, I will now have a bit more freedom in my
schedule and will be able to focus on challenging biology classes that I will inevitably take Future Plans
later in my undergraduate studies in order to complete my Bachelor of Science in Biology. Next summer, I would like focus my attention on the biology aspect
• In terms of my career, I plan to continue my education in medical school after my of my academic and career goals and would like to participate in a
undergraduate experience, earn a medical degree, and begin practicing medicine. If I medical internship. However, I do not want to lose the proficiency in
become a doctor, I believe that bilingualism will aid me in finding a position in most any Spanish that I have acquired as a result of my studies abroad these
setting. past few months. If I can find a program that connects these two goals,
• On a more personal level, I want to be a doctor because one of my strengths is I will be satisfied with my plans for next summer’s enrichment project.
compassion. I find it comfortable and rather rewarding to show empathy and serve others
by any means. Both Spanish and medicine are areas of great interest to me. Thus, in
conjunction with my passion for service, I would like, as a doctor, not to be restricted to
serving only the majority, English-speaking Americans, but Spanish speakers as well.