Michaela Wiseman Class of '17
(XULA in Costa Rica summer 2016)
I believe that my Costa Rica study abroad experience made me a more competitive applicant when I applied to dental school. During my interviews, I could speak to my ability to integrate into a new culture. Despite being far away from home, in a different country where my first language was not the native language, I was able to navigate around new places and communicate with Spanish speakers. I believe this set me apart from other applicants because it was a testament to the fact that I could thrive in a new, challenging environment.
I think that this experience will also benefit me in the future if I go on a mission trip with the dental school. Typically they visit underprivileged countries to provide free dental care. Many of the mission trips visit Spanish speaking countries, such as Honduras. My study abroad experience allowed me to be immersed in the Spanish language and culture so I have some experience speaking with native speakers and this will prove useful in eliminating the communication barrier between myself and patients in other Spanish speaking countries.
Even closer to home, I might encounter patients on the clinic floor whose native language is Spanish and having a background will help me connect with that patient and foster a better relationship. Detroit is a very diverse area and my university is located in downtown Detroit where many of the patients are minorities. These are just some of the ways that my study abroad experience has proved beneficial after graduation; the experience was invaluable and if given the opportunity I would do it over again!
Michaela visits El Museo Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica July, 2016
Michaela at her white coat ceremony for the School of Dentistry in Detroit, Michigan August, 2017
Amber Domingue Class of '17 (Xula in Costa Rica summer 2014)
Amber visits Irazu Volcano and National Park. June 2014
¡Hola! I’m Amber Domingue, a double major in Spanish and Psychology here at Xavier University of Louisiana. When I started my Spanish journey, I had barely been placed into Spanish 1020. I was pre-med and determined to learn the language despite my tight course-load. The four-week summer study abroad program in Costa Rica was just what I was looking for! I was able to swim in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, walk on the cusp of a volcano, and enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of cheering TICOOOOS in the streets as Costa Rica advanced further than they ever have in the World Cup. My experience during June of 2014 changed my life.
I declared my additional major by the spring of 2015 and continued studying abroad the following summer of 2015. I intended to go to Cuernavaca, Mexico for a month, but (similar to my time in San Jose) one month was not enough. I decided to double my stay, and made lifelong friends that I still keep in touch with.
Next, I’ll be going to Lima, Peru for the upcoming summer of 2016. Although my previous journeys weren’t cheap, this time I will be earning that money back by going abroad. I’ve been accepted to Harvard’s Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program (MIRT). I’ll be paid to investigate public health from an international context in Lima, Peru. This program is especially advantageous because it is geared towards minority students. Being at an HBCU has proven quintessential in my college career, and it doesn’t end here. I don’t know what’s coming post-graduation, but I can say proudly that every opportunity I have had and will have can be credited to my first study abroad experience in San Jose, Costa Rica led by Xavier professor, Giti Farudi.
Amber in Mexico summer 2015
Amber and Professor Farudi cheer on the Costa Rican National Team during the World Cup 2014
Amber and her classmates at Irazu Volcano.
Amber at the National Gallery in San Jose, Costa Rica.
