Kira, a third-year student at the University of Oregon, is majoring in environmental science and minoring in sustainable business. She chose to study abroad to supplement her coursework and have a new adventure by immersing herself in a different environment.
Kira's favorite part of studying abroad has been meeting other Oregon students that she wouldn't have had the opportunity to connect with otherwise. She's enjoyed exploring Costa Rica's natural beauty, like the beaches and rainforests.
Beyond just personal experiences, Kira has also gained valuable professional insights from her internship at Puerta a Puerta. She explains, "Something that I wouldn't have learned on campus without study abroad is just the work ethic of a company in another country. It's been really cool to see the dynamics of a company in a foreign country and how they approach sustainability, which is applicable to what I'm studying."
While Kira has faced challenges, like the language barrier and cultural differences, she's found the experience rewarding. "The most challenging part has been the language barrier and working to overcome that. But the most rewarding thing is realizing there are so many relationships here built fully in Spanish. When your jokes land in Spanish and people laugh, it's so gratifying."
Overall, Kira's study abroad program has allowed her to expand her academic, professional, and personal horizons in valuable ways.