Reflections on the Homestay Experience 7/23/2015
Ciaran: My homestay was amazing. I went into this expecting to just hang around the house and eat meals with my family while doing everything else with the group, but I actually spent a lot of time and bonded with my family. I created relationships that I hope will last a lifetime. I never imagined myself saying this, but I actually cried when leaving my family. I am going to miss spending time everyday with my mom, brother, and numerous aunts (7). Overall, my stay in Santa Maria de Dota was a life changing experience full of emotions and laughter.
Carley: My homestay experience was very rewarding. The willingness of all the families in one community to take someone in for a few weeks was astounding. I was expecting my home just to be a place where I slept and ate, but it was so much more. Not speaking the same language was difficult but it really showed me how love is felt and words aren't needed to express how much you care for someone.
Manuel: My homestay experience was unforgettable. Both of my parents were very open with me and talked to me about their past which at the end made me learn a lot. Whenever I was home it felt as if I was in my real home. I was always anxious to be with my host parents because they are something different. There was always a joke, we were most of the time laughing and we really bonded together. My brother were very special both of them since I always wanted a little brother, now I had two and got to experience what it was like to have younger brothers. I really liked my family and I honestly would love to see them again. In general, I really like the fact that I didn't only felt home in my house but also in other host families houses. It was amazing, I'm really going to miss this place.
Gabbi: My homestay experience was quite unique. I stayed in a home with only my mother, Norma, and my brother Daniel. Fifteen days has never gone by so fast. My mother was willing to do everything and anything for me. It was a different and new experience. I really enjoyed the community, and was able to meet a lot of the community since my mother is quite the social person. I was also able to connect with her children who brought me out to the movies, hiking, and zip-lining. In fact I learned most games and words from my "pequeno maestra," my mother's granddaughter. I will miss the nights surrounding the dinner table and screaming our lungs out with my guide and bus driver over the many soccer matches. I will miss the abundant love provided to me whenever I was in need. I will miss Santa Maria, a nice little town tucked away in the valley surrounded by gorgeous views and smokey mountain tops. Until next time.
Avionne: I absolutely loved my family. I had a mother, father, and two sisters that will be forever in my heart! They are my second family and I hate that I left them! I learned a lot from them because I came on this trip knowing one year of Spanish and now I know a little bit more! My homestay was really the best and it felt like it was really my home! They took me places that were amazing! I even met my great grandparents. My little sister was 5 years old and that was my everything! She is my little princess! I didn't want to leave! My baby sister was 1 and she was the cutest. My mom was the best because I didn't really understand Spanish but she helped me out a lot. My mom is really a great mom. She keeps everything in order. My dad is a pretty great person. He is funny and takes care of his family. He makes sure they have everything they need. I even helped them with English! I will keep in contact with my family and I will come back to see them again because they are so special to me! It is so crazy how they became so close to my heart in 15 days. I love them with all of my heart. I care about them like they cared for me. They are my forever family!
Lorea: My homestay experience at Dota was incredible. It has been such a surreal experience I still cant wrap my head around the fact that I lived 2 weeks in a strangers home and that after those two weeks that stranger would suddenly become more like family. The amount of love and care we received was out of this world, so adjusting to so much affection at first was a bit difficult. I learned more at the homestay about the endeavors of Costa Rican people than the rest of the trip, and finally got to take a step into their shoes. I will never have enough words to describe my gratitude for Dota. I will be forever grateful.
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