Journal 6: Mentor Report

I interviewed Annie Garrison, who backpacked all around Central and South America after college. She stayed in many countries including Costa Rica. Annie is also holding the 101 and 201 information sessions that we need to attend tomorrow. I asked Annie a few questions about her travels in general as well as her time in Costa Rica.

• What was the benefit to traveling to many Spanish-speaking countries?

While I traveled I was able to learn about the different dialects and cultures of many different countries. I traveled to Costa Rica, Mexico, and other smaller countries. I was able to better my fluidity and conversational Spanish with native speakers of the countries I visited. In addition, as a professional, many companies looked for the fact that I spoke multiple languages and had the opportunity to travel and gain experiences from other countries.

• What is the best advice for someone who is homesick?

Bring something from home, a picture, stuffed animal, or something that reminds you of home to make it easier when you feel like you have no one around. I also made sure that I went out and tried to keep busy rather than stay inside and worry about how many days until I got home.

• What was one thing you brought that you wish you hadn’t?

The one thing that I regret bringing was too many clothing items. I realized I wanted to buy clothing or items in the countries I was at. I also brought too many of the same clothing item and avoiding bringing pants which I later regretted and had to buy. I also found that a ponch helped me a lot in the rainforest countries like Costa Rica with the nonstop rainy season.

• Did you spend a lot of money while traveling?

I had saved up previously before backpacking but I tried to go the cheapest route as I traveled. I stayed in cheap hostels, tried every student discount and avoided eating out. I also looked at what restaurants had bundle deals when eating. For example, one restaurant had where you could get an appetizer, a beer and a meal for very cheap. I also did splurge a bit on some keepsakes to bring back from my travels to remember my time. I brought postcards, little keychains and smaller items that I could give to my friends and family. I overall tried to avoid spending a lot on clothes and food so that I was able to do more fun things like zip lining and more cultural activities instead.

• If you could go back to Costa Rica would you?

Definitely! Costa Rica was beautiful and the people were so friendly and welcoming that I wish I could take time off work and go back. I also want to add that even though the people are friendly that that doesn’t mean you can not watch your things and keep an eye out for yourself. I never want to hear on the news about a student or someone traveling and something bad happening to them. I want to add that if you don’t trust people while traveling within your own country you shouldn’t try it for the first time in a completely different country.