Ruben Hernandez ’24 on his fall semester in Costa Rica

Ruben Hernandez ’24 is a math and economics major who studied abroad in fall 2022 through our Lafayette in Costa Rica program. Ruben was also a recipient of the federal Gilman Scholarship. He answered a few questions about his time in San Jose, Costa Rica with Universidad LCI Veritas.

Why did you choose the study abroad program that you did?

I chose to visit Costa Rica in order to improve my Spanish and communication skills with Ticos. I wanted to experience a beautiful tropical country and learn the customs of another Spanish-speaking country, which wasn’t entirely unfamiliar to me as I am Afro-Latino. I also wanted to treat this experience as a restful time and just treat it as a learning experience while enjoying wildlife, doing different activities, and having the company of new friends.

What was your favorite course abroad and why?

My favorite course was “Sustainability: Consumption and Production,” as I gained a ton of information surrounding the international market of consumer items, specifically how consumer items were produced. There are many processes that go into a pair of jeans in other countries that many consumers aren’t aware of, which are at times harmful to the producers.

What was your favorite local food or drink abroad?

My favorite dish was called a chifrijo, a Costa Rican appetizer that typically includes chips, salsa, beans, rice, and fried pork.

What was the most important thing that you learned abroad?

I was reminded to always count your blessings and to live in the moment.

In what ways did you interact with your local community and culture?

I set up my own excursions with a local travel company and went on trips with them. I also engaged in conversations with some local business owners.

What tips do you have for students about to study abroad or considering going abroad?

Don’t focus on the classes you want to take and decide what experience you desire as a whole.

In what ways did you grow as an individual while studying abroad?

I became better at communicating with others and allowed myself to go through life one day at a time.

What is your most cherished memory of your abroad experience?

My fondest memory is taking a group trip to Panama with the people I met and learning to navigate the new setting together with everyone’s company.