1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Insurance
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat
  • Success Stories

Willy Carvajal, of Costa Rica, is in the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program, Majoring in Law at the University of Mississippi

Willy Carvajal, of Costa Rica, is in the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program, Majoring in Law at the University of Mississippi

Jul 24, 2019

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

When I was an undergraduate student at the University of Costa Rica, I decided to apply for the Global Undergrad Program and to study in the United States for one year. I wanted to improve my English skills, get access to new sources of information and education, and to experience living in the US.

How did you choose your intensive English program? Please mention such factors as location, reputation, special programs offered. What attracted you to your particular school? Why is it a special place?

The US Embassy in Costa Rica, together with the Global Undergrad Program, chose the location of my intensive English program. Back then (2009), my English skills were not sufficient, and this is probably the reason why they sent me to the University of Mississippi for one year.

What do you like best about studying here?

It was my first time living abroad together with people of my age from all over the world. I made such amazing friends whose friendship remain nowadays. I enjoyed all the American celebrations very much, sharing food with people from different cultures, and realizing the cultural differences while making new friends. This opportunity marked my future in this regard.

What do you miss most about home?

The most challenging aspect was the food. In the beginning, my friends and I were very happy about all the different options at the cafeteria; however, after a while, it became an "issue" for us.

How long have you been studying here? How has your English improved?  How has this program helped you to handle future study at a U.S. university?

I studied for one year in the US, and my English skills were significantly improved. This opportunity gave access to a better job in Costa Rica, and it has been very useful to study in other places around the world.

What was your biggest surprise about U.S. life and education?

I did not use to have classes with a lot of people; for instance, I remember having a class together with more than 75 people. I was also very amazed by the significant number of foreigners living and studying in the US.

... your biggest disappointment?

Discrimination against people of color and other minorities. I remember being in a pool with black people on one side, white people on the other, and maybe other minorities (such as Latinos) in a different place. I also remember that it was a big issue if a white girl was dating a black guy. That was the first time in my life that I actually thought about it all.

How have you handled:
... language differences?

I believe the biggest challenge was not the language itself, but the cultural differences while approaching people. Different cultures mean different views and values in a set of matters such as personal space, friendship, religion, family, politics, future, so forth. It is important to be respectful and careful to do not offend others.     

... finances?

I was granted a full scholarship from the US State Department for which my finances were in a healthy condition. This was also the first time that I had a fixed monthly income for which I had to use it in a proper manner in order to reach next month with some savings.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

In my case, the adjustment was very well treated by the people working in the Intensive English Program at the University of Mississippi. I had a proper time before starting classes to improve my language skills and to learn from the educational system; in general, the adjustment was not difficult.

What are your activities (clubs, sports, student associations, travel, homestay programs, special activities, or trips sponsored by your Intensive English Program)?

We had a lot of activities such as trips to other States and cities, for instance, Alabama, Memphis, and Chicago. Furthermore, it was very common to celebrate and to learn from holidays or other celebrations from all over the world. Food was always an important social element.

How easy or difficult is making friends in the USA?

In my case, it was not very difficult to make new friends, although most of them were also foreigners. I also had the chance to meet American people throughout my roommates and classmates. 

What are your career goals? How is your U.S. education relevant to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?

Currently, I have different goals, such as creating a non-profit organization related to transparency and the information society. Furthermore, I want to create my own business and job opportunities in my country. At some point, I also want to get involved in politics, and to introduce significant transformations in Costa Rica.

Studying in the US gave me a set of skills to interact and to work with people from different backgrounds using the English language. It also gave me the chance to later apply to other educational experiences in different countries such as China, Chile, and Israel.

What is your advice to other students from your country who are considering studying English in the USA?

First, take advantage of this amazing opportunity and to enjoy it the most. Second, be open-minded to meeting people who may think very different from you. Third, be willing to meet people from different places who share similar values and they may become friends for the rest of your life. Finally, be prepared to know yourself better, and for a change in your vision about the world and your future.

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA



Download Study in the USA® Magazines

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Life After UT Austin: Alumni Advice, Career Support & Why Learning English Here Sets You Up for Global Success
Life After UT Austin: Alumni Advice, Career Support & Why Learning English Here Sets You Up for Global Success
Main image for the article titled Why Study English at The University of Texas at Austin?
Why Study English at The University of Texas at Austin?
Main image for the article titled Student Success Spotlight: From Nursing to Physics, Math, and Computer Science – Brandon Estigoy’s Journey
Student Success Spotlight: From Nursing to Physics, Math, and Computer Science – Brandon Estigoy’s Journey
Main image for the article titled Why Portland Community College Is the Smart Choice for International Students
Why Portland Community College Is the Smart Choice for International Students
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Irvine Valley College

Irvine Valley College

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Bachelor Degree Undergraduate Certificate/Short Term
Contact
University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Chicago

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Undergraduate Summer Bachelor Degree
Contact
Study Tennessee

Study Tennessee

$1,000—$5,000 Session

English Programs Undergraduate Bachelor Degree
Contact

Featured Programs

Santa Rosa Junior College

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Online
Learn More

Napa Valley College

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Undergraduate
Learn More

Butte Community College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term English Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

Understanding the American Education System

Main image for the article titled Understanding the American Education System
Understanding the U.S. Education System

Main image for the article titled Understanding the U.S. Education System
WATCH THE VIDEO! Planning for International Study: Understanding the U.S. Education System

Main image for the article titled WATCH THE VIDEO! Planning for International Study: Understanding the U.S. Education System
Canada’s Education System

Main image for the article titled Canada’s Education System

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Search for Education Loan Options today!

Search for Education Loan Options today!

Nomad Credit helps international students search for and compare education loan (student loan) options, including options for students with a US cosigner or those pursuing a graduate degree. The Nomad team will personally help you with your education...

Read more
Partner service logo for STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com is the world’s leading marketplace for international student housing, helping students find their perfect home abroad. We have the widest and most carefully selected range of rooms that were built and are managed specifically for students...

Read more
Partner service logo for campusSIMS

campusSIMS

campusSIMS helps international students get connected with mobile phone service in the US. Through campusSIMS’ exclusive partner Mint Mobile, students can sign up and get their US phone number while in their home country, and have mobile phone servic...

Read more

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Insurance
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2025 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.