This past Summer A, 2025, Antonio Sajid López—with support from graduate researcher Hannah Treadway—launched a new service-learning program in San José, Costa Rica. Twelve Spanish students split their weeks between morning service placements and afternoon language classes, living with host families and exploring the country on weekends.
Students served at a range of community partners: SINEM (Sistema Nacional de Educación Musical), the School of Theater, Dance, and Circus, CEGEA (Centro de Gestión y Educación Ambiental), Spirogyra (Butterfly Garden), and the Centro Infantil y Juvenil. With the backing of WorldStrides, the program plans to add a nursing-home placement next summer for students pursuing health-related careers.
What students said
Grace Farnworth (2nd-year, International Studies):
“During my time there, I learned a great deal about the country, Spanish-speaking culture, and my own career path as an international studies major. My days consisted of working at a butterfly garden in the mornings and learning more about the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts. Afterward, I would head back to my homestay to converse with my host parents, practice my Spanish, and learn more about their day-to-day life. Finally, I would go to class and complete my intensive intermediate Spanish course. I spent my evenings and weekends exploring the beautiful country with my classmates.
Those six weeks were an enlightening, transformative experience during which I developed a deep appreciation for the Spanish language. After the program, I was inspired to focus my studies on Latin America and to add minors in ecological policy and Spanish. My study-abroad experience is one I will never forget, and it has set me on the career path I hope to follow for the rest of my education and into my professional life.”
Angie Pleitez (3rd-year, Psychology & Women’s Studies; Spanish for the Professions certificate):
“During the six weeks I spent abroad, I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in a culture very different from my own and gain valuable insight into skills that will be a great asset in my future profession as a mental health counselor. Every week, I spent about eight hours volunteering at a daycare center called “Centro Infantil y Juvenil,” where I was able to hone my interpersonal skills while cultivating professional abilities such as critical thinking, active listening, and networking. I also spent four days each week attending classes at “Universidad Veritas,” where I continually enriched my knowledge of Latin American studies.
I also stayed with a host family—people who dedicated their time to ensuring that my classmates and I had the best possible study-abroad experience. On weekends, I explored the country and tried new adventures such as whitewater rafting and ziplining. Studying abroad opened the door to a whole new world I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise—I am forever thankful for the experience and the memories I will never forget. I urge everyone: if it’s possible, take the opportunity to expand your horizons. It can be daunting, but échale ganas—you’ll be grateful you did!”
Why it mattered
By pairing morning service with afternoon coursework and homestays, the program gave students the confidence to use Spanish with purpose—supporting music and theater programs, environmental education, a butterfly garden, and youth services across San José. For many, these six weeks reshaped academic plans and clarified career goals; for all, they offered a lasting sense of connection to Costa Rica and to one another. The Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies looks forward to welcoming the next cohort to continue cultivating community—en Español.
