Mónica Barquero Molina is a 22 years-old senior stu-
dent of the BA of English with a focus on Translation at the
University of Costa Rica, in the Liberia, Guanacaste campus.
Last year, Mónica received a generous opportunity of having
earned the Mount Holyoke Fellowship Program.
Mount Holyoke College is a private institution of higher education in Liberal Arts, located half an hour West from Boston in a small town named South Hadley. This college part of the Seven Sisters Colleges, also, belongs to the Five College Corsortium, where students can attend classes at the five different campuses around, including Amherst College, Smith College, Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts. It stands as one of the best home institutions for women. The following is an account of her experience living abroad.
Mónica, why did you decide to go abroad?
I decided to study abroad after a professor talked to me about this program. One of my main goals was to improve my communication skills in English, which I have achieved during my stay here. Studying in the United States has been the most intensive En- glish practice that I have ever had. Now, I feel much more confident when using the language.
I was also really interested in knowing more in depth about the culture of the United States with the purpose of enriching not only my personal de- velopment, but also my field of study. In fact, this is the first time that I am living a real cross-cultur- al experience because Mount Holyoke College has students from different parts of the world, which makes it an incredibly cultural diverse community. The 2300 students in total are from 46 states and nearly 80 countries.
How did you hear about MHC Fellowship?
Last year, professor Ronny Ruiz made me aware of the University of Costa Rica-Mount Holyoke Col- lege Foreign Fellows’ program. I honestly had nev- er heard about this college before. He explained to me that it was a prestigious women’s college, which sounded interesting to me but unusual at the same time, being that I have always studied in a coed environment. Based on his advice, I applied to the program following the corresponding process. To my surprise, on the afternoon of October 31st, 2012 I received an e-mail announcing my acceptance to the program. I was about to get a scholarship for one academic year to study and live in the U.S. I honestly could not believe it.
So you traveled to MHC on the Fall of 2013, what vvwas your first impression?
The first thing that I thought when I saw this place was, “I can’t believe that I am already at Mount Holyoke College.” I was astonished with the beauty of the place. It seemed like a dream. Also, most of the people are very nice and welcoming, which is something that I honestly did not expect. As a mat- ter of stereotypes, I expected people to be colder. I have been very fortunate for meeting wonderful people, which makes me feel good, especially when your are far from home. Also, the daily life in resi- dence halls has been a new experience, too. I enjoy it because it is like living in a neighborhood, where you know that you have more than one person to count on, or it’s nice that you can get together and spend some time at meals, for a movie, or just for a little chat. It is like having a big family.
For how long have you been living in New England? How would you describe the courses, professors and students at MHC?
I have been here for 6 months already. In terms of academic life, I have enjoyed my classes a lot. I have taken courses of Education, English, Portuguese and Dancing. Actually, when I was about to come here, I was thinking of only taking classes that match with my field of studies, but then I decided to try new things that I do not have at my university. For in- stance, I am taking a class of Belly Dance this semes- ter, which is something that I have wanted to learn
I decided to study abroad after a professor talked to me about this program. One of my main goals was to improve my communication skills in English, which I have achieved during my stay here. Studying in the United States has been the most intensive En- glish practice that I have ever had. Now, I feel much more confident when using the language.
I was also really interested in knowing more in depth about the culture of the United States with the purpose of enriching not only my personal de- velopment, but also my field of study. In fact, this is the first time that I am living a real cross-cultur- al experience because Mount Holyoke College has students from different parts of the world, which makes it an incredibly cultural diverse community. The 2300 students in total are from 46 states and nearly 80 countries.
How did you hear about MHC Fellowship?
Last year, professor Ronny Ruiz made me aware of the University of Costa Rica-Mount Holyoke Col- lege Foreign Fellows’ program. I honestly had nev- er heard about this college before. He explained to me that it was a prestigious women’s college, which sounded interesting to me but unusual at the same time, being that I have always studied in a coed environment. Based on his advice, I applied to the program following the corresponding process. To my surprise, on the afternoon of October 31st, 2012 I received an e-mail announcing my acceptance to the program. I was about to get a scholarship for one academic year to study and live in the U.S. I honestly could not believe it.
So you traveled to MHC on the Fall of 2013, what vvwas your first impression?
The first thing that I thought when I saw this place was, “I can’t believe that I am already at Mount Holyoke College.” I was astonished with the beauty of the place. It seemed like a dream. Also, most of the people are very nice and welcoming, which is something that I honestly did not expect. As a mat- ter of stereotypes, I expected people to be colder. I have been very fortunate for meeting wonderful people, which makes me feel good, especially when your are far from home. Also, the daily life in resi- dence halls has been a new experience, too. I enjoy it because it is like living in a neighborhood, where you know that you have more than one person to count on, or it’s nice that you can get together and spend some time at meals, for a movie, or just for a little chat. It is like having a big family.
For how long have you been living in New England? How would you describe the courses, professors and students at MHC?
I have been here for 6 months already. In terms of academic life, I have enjoyed my classes a lot. I have taken courses of Education, English, Portuguese and Dancing. Actually, when I was about to come here, I was thinking of only taking classes that match with my field of studies, but then I decided to try new things that I do not have at my university. For in- stance, I am taking a class of Belly Dance this semes- ter, which is something that I have wanted to learn
of her experience living abroad.
since I was in high school.
Besides being a student at Mount Holyoke, I am also working as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Spanish, Latina/o, and Latin American Studies. I can say that my goals of challenging myself and learning in an international context have been reached in unimaginable ways.
How is the lifestyle different from the Guanacaste campus?
I actually feel more active and productive here than when I am at home. Something that has really called my attention is seeing people with their laptops and iPads studying and working in coffee common areas. That is unusual to me because I never go to study to a coffee shop, and I honestly have not seen people in my hometown doing that, either. I only like to go there with my friends to have some coffee and talk.
How often do students ask you if you are an Inter- national Student? What are their reactions when you tell them that you come from Costa Rica?
When I say that I come from Costa Rica, I would say that most people (if not all of them) have a positive reaction. They always say things like, “Oh wow! Cos- ta Rica, such a beautiful country!” or “¡Pura vida!,” or “I really want to go to Costa Rica!” When I came here last semester, I did not know that Mount Holy- oke College has an exchange study program in Mon- teverde, located in the Tilarán region. I have met students who have had the opportunity of doing community service and working in the Environmen- tal Studies field, and they come back, literally, in love with Costa Rica. It is very rewarding when peo- ple say positive things
about your country.
What is the best les- son or a funny story that you have experi- enced so far that you will never forget?
I have a funny story that happened to me in McDonald’s once, and that made me remember the docu- mentary called Super size me. I was ordering some food and I asked the salesperson for a small drink, so he gave me the paper cup, but that paper cup was too big, so I repeated to him, “No, I asked for the small size,” and he told me, “Yes, this is the small size.” I was very surprised because that size is actually the large one in my country, it made laugh, though. I’m sure other people have ex- perienced the same.
Besides being a student at Mount Holyoke, I am also working as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Spanish, Latina/o, and Latin American Studies. I can say that my goals of challenging myself and learning in an international context have been reached in unimaginable ways.
How is the lifestyle different from the Guanacaste campus?
I actually feel more active and productive here than when I am at home. Something that has really called my attention is seeing people with their laptops and iPads studying and working in coffee common areas. That is unusual to me because I never go to study to a coffee shop, and I honestly have not seen people in my hometown doing that, either. I only like to go there with my friends to have some coffee and talk.
How often do students ask you if you are an Inter- national Student? What are their reactions when you tell them that you come from Costa Rica?
When I say that I come from Costa Rica, I would say that most people (if not all of them) have a positive reaction. They always say things like, “Oh wow! Cos- ta Rica, such a beautiful country!” or “¡Pura vida!,” or “I really want to go to Costa Rica!” When I came here last semester, I did not know that Mount Holy- oke College has an exchange study program in Mon- teverde, located in the Tilarán region. I have met students who have had the opportunity of doing community service and working in the Environmen- tal Studies field, and they come back, literally, in love with Costa Rica. It is very rewarding when peo- ple say positive things
about your country.
What is the best les- son or a funny story that you have experi- enced so far that you will never forget?
I have a funny story that happened to me in McDonald’s once, and that made me remember the docu- mentary called Super size me. I was ordering some food and I asked the salesperson for a small drink, so he gave me the paper cup, but that paper cup was too big, so I repeated to him, “No, I asked for the small size,” and he told me, “Yes, this is the small size.” I was very surprised because that size is actually the large one in my country, it made laugh, though. I’m sure other people have ex- perienced the same.
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