By Katie P., Guestblogger from Coronado, Costa Rica Independent Teen program
In my experience of living in Latin America for small increments of time always takes the process of adjusting. Culture shock can be very common when being entirely exposed to another way of life; especially coming from one of the wealthiest countries in world to what is considered a third-world country. Fortunately, my process of adjusting has been far from the extreme of Shock and by my third day I feel as though I am adapting well.
The first thing I realized I’d have to get used to was the steep mountainous landscape of Coronado. My host mother showed me the way to school by bus and by feet and oh’ it is a long way. The school is located half way up a mountain and the trek is about a 40-minute hike! Fortunately, I do not have to walk it alone, as there are other students who live in my area as well. So as not to get lost, I made sure to take mental notes of the landmarks along the way and I think now I will forever have imprinted in my mind a red and white sign reading, ‘La Casona’ followed by the signature ‘Imperial’ logo. The first is a Chinese cuisine restaurant and the latter marks the famous beer of Costa Rica. When these signs are in sight I let out a long ‘sigghhh’; I have reached my corner, just turn right down that street and I am home sweet home.
The process of adjusting can also be completely embarrassing, like my first shower experience: Freezing cold and very short. I had remembered my host mother saying something about the hot water but of course I didn’t understand exactly what that was. I stood there waiting for warmer water and kept turning the knob so when the ice cold continued to shoot from the showerhead I just thought maybe today was a no hot water day for Costa Rica. Well of course Host Mama comes to the rescue as she asked if the shower was okay. I said, ‘yes, but no hot water.’ And then she laughed and laughed and pulled me back into the bathroom. Slowly she explained and demonstrated the works of Costa Rican shower knobs. Quite the opposite of North America, you turn the knob very slightly and the softest water pressure is companioned by plenty of heat. All is good. Now I know. Oh, and another difference of daily habits that can be hard to remember in Costa Rica: Toilet Paper does not go in the toilet. Now you know.
Click for more information on AmeriSpan’s Independent Teen program in Coronado, Costa Rica. For more information and tips to deal with culture shock, download AmeriSpan’s Guide to Cultural Adjustment.
My Local Supermarket
My Bathroom!
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