Kaleigh's Adventure in Costa Rica!

Kaleigh Mathis Start Date: Jun 8, 2018 - End Date: Jul 5, 2018
  • San José Province, Costa Rica

My Travel Story

by: Kaleigh Mathis Start Date: Jun 8, 2018 - End Date: Jul 5, 2018
Hi! My name is Kaleigh Mathis and I am a senior at Western Carolina University! This summer I will be traveling to San Jose, Costa Rica for 5 weeks. While abroad I will be taking courses that introduce me to skills that I will use in my future career as a physical therapist. One course I will take while abroad is Introduction to Physical Therapy, a course that will teach me about the most common injuries and illnesses that require physical therapy as well as provide me with general knowledge of techniques such as massage therapy, electrotherapy, and therapeutic exercises. The other course I will take while abroad is Spanish for Medical Professionals. This course will allow me to enhance my Spanish minor and allow me to focus on how to bridge the language barrier I may face with some of my patients. On top of taking classes I have been given the opportunity to shadow with physical therapists in Costa Rica, allowing me to compare their techniques to the ones used in the United States.

I have also been given several opportunities to give back while abroad. Most of my time outside of class will be spent at local public schools in San Jose where I will help teach their students English. I have also been given the opportunity to volunteer at Territorio de Zaguates, a local dog sanctuary home to over 900 dogs!

I have been dreaming of this trip since I found it online during my freshman year of college! I found out I was accepted into this program on May 8th of this year and have been saving my money ever since but sadly it isn't enough. After working 3 jobs this past semester and into the summer, I have saved enough to pay for my tuition and most of my living but am struggling to pay for my flight. I never thought I would be given the opportunity to take part in this experience (or have the courage to actually leave the country alone) but I am very excited to not only go and experience it all but also see what skills and memories I bring back! Thank you for taking the time to read my story!
  • San José Province, Costa Rica