From Language Learner to Entrepreneur: My Journey in Costa Rica
- Posted by Intercultura Staff
- Date July 19, 2024
Embracing and building a life in Costa Rica: A 25-Year Journey of Language, Life, and Building Dreams
A 25-year journey in Costa Rica that began with language learning evolved into a fulfilling life of love, community, and founding a teacher training school to give back to the country.
By Barbara Miller, Med, MA.
Barbara is the owner and director of Costa Rica TEFL in Playa Sámara, having begun her journey at Intercultura Costa Rica at our Heredia City Campus as a language student 25 years ago. She is originally from Tustin Foothills, California.
Discovering Costa Rica: A Life-Changing Adventure Begins
As I sit down to reflect on the journey that brought me to where I am today, I can't help but marvel at the twists and turns life has taken. What began as a simple desire to learn Spanish and experience a new culture led me to Costa Rica, a land of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and warm-hearted people. Little did I know that this journey would not only change my life but shape it in ways I could have never imagined.
It all started 25 years ago when I made the decision to embark on a language-learning adventure in Costa Rica. Drawn by the country's reputation for its excellent language schools and immersive cultural experiences, I applied for a job at the ESL department at Intercultura Costa Rica Language School, eager to learn Spanish, gain valuable overseas work experience, and broaden my worldview.
Falling in Love with the Culture, People, and Landscape
From the moment I set foot in Costa Rica, I was captivated. The vibrant colors, the rhythmic sounds of salsa music, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee that fills the air… it’s a sensory tapestry unlike anything I had ever experienced. But it was the warmth and hospitality of the Costa Rican people that truly stole my heart. From students and coworkers at Intercultura to the locals I encountered in the streets, everyone welcomed me with open arms, eager to share their culture and language with a curious outsider like myself.
As I immersed myself in the language and culture, I found myself falling deeper in love with Costa Rica with each passing day. I explored its breathtaking landscapes, from the misty cloud forests of Monteverde to the sun-drenched shores of the Nicoya Peninsula, marveling at the bio-diversity and richness of this small country.
But it wasn't just the natural beauty of Costa Rica that captivated me—it was the sense of community and connection that I found here. Whether I was sharing a meal with my host family, dancing salsa at a local fiesta, or volunteering with rural teaching projects, I felt a profound sense of belonging that I had never experienced before.
Building a Home and Family in a New Land
As my time in Costa Rica drew to a close, I knew that I couldn't simply return to my old life back home. Costa Rica had become a part of me, and I knew that I had to find a way to make it my home permanently. So, I made the bold decision to stay, determined to build a life for myself in this beautiful country.
From Language Learner to Entrepreneur: Founding Costa Rica TEFL
Fast forward 24 years, and I am proud to say that Costa Rica is not just my home—it's the place where I have built my dreams. I completed two master’s degrees in ESL Teaching and International Education, and I met and fell in love with a wonderful Costa Rican man. Together we have created a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. We have two beautiful children who are proud to call themselves "ticos," and our family is the embodiment of the rich cultural fusion that, for me, defines Costa Rica.
Giving Back: Empowering Future Educators and Strengthening Community Bonds
But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of building my life in Costa Rica has been the opportunity to give back to the country that has given me so much. Inspired by my own language-learning experience and my experience directing Intercultura’s English department for 10 years, I founded Costa Rica TEFL, a teacher training school certifying others to teach English and offering free English classes to the local community. I also give workshops on Second Language Acquisition at local universities and language institutes, and through our programs, I aim to empower my students to discover the same sense of adventure and opportunity that I found in Costa Rica as they unlock their full potential to become excellent teachers, and pursue their dreams, just as I did all those years ago.
A Journey of Gratitude and Growth: Reflecting on 25 Years in Costa Rica
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