IndexIntroductionMy Trip Abroad in Costa RicaLiving with a Host Family in Costa RicaOvercoming the Challenges of My First Trip AbroadConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionFrederick Douglass learned to read for the first time by his master's wife, Mrs. Auld. She then taught Frederick the alphabet and little words before her husband forbade her from teaching Frederick. Federico then understood that reading could be his path to freedom and decided to learn to read at any cost. This essay and specific quote then triggered my thoughts about how I studied on board for a year and how difficult it was for me to learn to read and write in Spanish. My first trip abroad to Costa Rica introduced me to different cultures, languages, idioms, customs and lifestyles that forever changed my perspective on the meaning of life. Being seventeen and fresh out of high school, I didn't know if I wanted to work or go to university, so I decided to study a foreign language and enroll in a Spanish school abroad. I had no idea what to expect going to a Spanish school in Costa Rica and living with a host family. I was born in Florida but grew up in the Bahamas and then after some time went to high school in Durham, North Carolina, so I've always been used to change. However, Costa Rica is very different from the Bahamas and the United States, the main reason being that its first language is Spanish. I also never imagined living with people who don't speak or understand English. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay My Trip Abroad in Costa Rica The day I first traveled to Costa Rica I was very nervous about the fact that I was actually going to study on board but I almost wasn't allowed to board the flight going from Fort Lauderdale to Juan Santamaria International Airport because I was supposed to return five months later, but you can only stay in the country for three months. For a moment I was relieved that I couldn't fly until the agents rescheduled my return to the US in 3 months to that exact date. My relief was now gone. Entering San Jose, all my anxiety suddenly hit me. As I looked around, everything was so different and all the people were too. I felt like an outcast. Upon entering my host family's backyard, I noticed that there were several houses, five in total, all made up of families related to my host family. In my observation, most Central American families build their homes in a plantation form which makes them very family oriented. The families then crowded around me and began asking me questions in Spanish. I tried to answer as many questions as I could. They then proceeded to show me my room and as I looked around it seemed much smaller than I imagined. As soon as we entered the room there was the bed and, very close to the bed, there was the wardrobe. I smiled at the family because I didn't want to hurt their feelings, but deep down I knew I had to adapt to the living conditions.Living with a Host Family in Costa RicaMy host family consisted of 3 adult children and their parents. All three kids, including me, shared a bathroom, which I hated. Imagine four of us get up in the morning and we all need to use the bathroom and shower. I also wasn't allowed to speak English at home because they wanted me to learn the language faster. I went to school Monday to Friday for. 1845.