Are you too old to travel, adapt to a new culture, and stay with a local family in a foreign country?
If you’re reading this blog, we think the answer is no. True, many of us become very set in our ways as we age; however, given sufficient motivation, we may be able to rediscover the flexibility of our youth. You see, our ability to adapt depends entirely on the situation.
Here are some examples of ways in which I cannot adapt. . .
Do you allow your phone to make an obnoxious noise every time you receive a text, which is approximately 33 times per hour? I am way too old to deal with you.
Do you think it’s okay to let your stuff overflow into my workspace? I am far, far too advanced in years to develop coping strategies for this.
Do you like to come home at 1:00 a.m., walk around picking things up and dropping them, and then call a friend so that you can have a loud conversation before drifting off to sleep? I am a good way past the point in my life when I could have tolerated you.
Do you expect me to go without coffee in the morning? I’m sorry, I am no longer able to negotiate things like this.
Here are some examples of ways in which I have adapted to life in Costa Rica:
I close car doors softly. I accept that pedestrians do not have the right-of-way. I smile and greet strangers. I sweat. I use sunblock. I eat larger lunches and smaller dinners. I take buses or walk more often than I drive a car. I don’t flush the toilet paper. I don’t tip taxi drivers.
Instituto Estelar’s location in Liberia, Costa Rica will give you a chance to experience authentic local culture without having to give up things like safe drinking water, safe transportation options, and access to modern medical care. You will need to adapt to some differences, but most North Americans and Europeans find that their time in Costa Rica requires only minor adjustments.
You may be a long way from home, but we think you will enjoy the challenges that come with new adaptations. Check out our Spanish Immersion programs today.