FSW Global Perspectives in Health Study Abroad

As our trip comes to an end, we’re slowly settling back into the rhythms of everyday life by unpacking bags, catching up on routines, and returning to what’s familiar. But a piece of our hearts will always remain where the sunsets felt softer, the laughter came easier, and every moment carried the spirit of Pura Vida.

The friendships we made, the inspiration we found, and the memories we created will stay with us forever. Pura Vida isn’t just a phrase — it’s a reminder to slow down, cherish the simple moments, lead with gratitude, and truly live life fully.

Until next time… thank you for the memories, the magic, and the reminder of what really matters. 🌿☀️❤️🩺

Yesterday during our lecture and tour at Hospital Metropolitano, we discussed healthcare statistics. These are a few we discussed that were especially eye-opening:

• Costa Rica has a total population of approximately 5.3 million people compared to nearly 24 million in Florida, alone.
• Costa Rica’s infant mortality rate is about 9 per 1,000 live births, while the United States averages around 5.4 per 1,000 live births.
• The U.S. has approximately 12–16 nurses per 1,000 people, highlighting the whereas Costa Rica has 4-5 nurses per 1,000 people.

In the afternoon, we visited Hogar Adulto Mayor Tirrases, where we had an incredible time connecting with their community through movement, dancing, games, and active activities.

We ended the evening with thoughtful reflections as a group, discussing the lasting impact this experience is leaving on each of us — both personally and professionally.

We want to extend our gratitude to all of the incredible healthcare providers and professionals in Costa Rica who took the time to give us tours, share their expertise, and provide such valuable educational experiences. Your hospitality, passion, and dedication made a lasting impact on our group. Thank you for inspiring us through your knowledge and compassion!

What looked like an ordinary building in Costa Rica opened the door to one of the most beautiful places we’ve experienced — overflowing with lush nature, compassion, and some of the kindest souls. 🌿❤️

Today we had the privilege of spending time at a local senior center where intentional care goes far beyond medicine. From creative physical therapy activities to equine therapy, every detail was designed to keep residents active, engaged, and smiling. We assisted with exercise activities, helped during horse therapy sessions, and of course joined in on an intensely competitive game of bingo.

The joy, resilience, and warmth of the residents easily reminded us that healthcare is about so much more than treatment — it’s about connection, dignity, and quality of life.

Our afternoon shifted into learning more about Costa Rica’s healthcare system, epidemiology, and the realities providers face every day.

Some of the most common chronic illnesses seen here include hypertension, diabetes, asthma, skin disorders, and mental health conditions. Hypertension affects nearly 59% of elders, especially women, with providers emphasizing lifestyle changes before medication management. Diabetes care includes routine diabetic foot exams every 3 months, while asthma rates remain among the highest in the world due to humidity and environmental triggers.

We also learned about the differences between private and public healthcare systems:
• Private healthcare is often used for chronic illnesses, sports injuries, GI concerns, respiratory illnesses, and prenatal care due to shorter wait times.
• Public healthcare commonly manages trauma, low back pain, and increasing cases related to violence and criminal activity.

Hearing about rising homicide rates, traffic fatalities, addiction struggles, and limited healthcare resources reminded us how deeply public health is connected to social and economic realities.

We closed the evening with our farewell dinner, reflecting on everything we’ve learned, the people we’ve met, and the memories we’ll carry home with us. One more day of adventure left in Costa Rica before this journey comes to an end. 🇨🇷

We had the opportunity to tour Hospital Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia and gain a deeper appreciation for the scale and dedication behind Costa Rica’s public healthcare system.

We learned that the hospital currently operates with 498 patient beds and 60 emergency spaces, serving an incredible number of patients every day. Originally built in 1937.

What stood out most was how organized and coordinated everything felt despite the constant pace and high volume of activity. Most rooms accommodate 6 patients at a time in a very open space.

In the afternoon, we continued learning during a rotation at Hogar Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, a facility that houses and supports residents living with HIV/AIDS. We had the privilege of interacting with the residents in meaningful ways — discussing overall wellness, practicing proper hand hygiene, taking vitals, and even participating in mobility activities together.

The smiles, warmth, and resilience of the residents left a lasting impact on all of us and served as a powerful reminder of how important compassion and human connection are in healthcare.

Grateful for the opportunity to learn from these institutions and the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

Today’s experience blended culture, sustainability, and healthcare innovation all in one day.

We toured a local coffee farm and learned the incredible journey of the coffee bean — from the Gardenia family’s coffee plants that take 4 years to produce fruit, to the different roasting stages that completely transform flavor. We discovered that truly good coffee shouldn’t taste burnt or overly black, and that lighter roasts are actually more acidic. One fun tip we learned: when you add hot water, fresh coffee floats! ☕

Beyond coffee, we also learned how deeply connected Costa Rica is to nature and sustainability — from using banana leaves to trap water, to preserving coffee plants that no longer produce into wood for cooking, all while living among a country with over 200 volcanoes and extraordinary biodiversity, including beautiful butterflies everywhere we turned. 🌿🦋

The afternoon brought an enlightening lecture from a local physician about Costa Rica’s healthcare system. We learned about the creation of social insurance in 1941 and the expansion to family coverage in 1956. What stood out most was the country’s strong focus on prevention over treatment — investing in keeping people healthy rather than only curing illness later.

We also discussed current challenges, including long ER wait times and the ongoing effort to fully connect national health records by 2036. It was fascinating to hear how the Ministry of Health shapes public hospital policy and how national healthcare decisions are made.

Experiences like this remind us how much there is to learn when we step outside the classroom and into the community. Grateful for the opportunity to learn directly from local experts and see Costa Rica through a deeper lens.

Florida SouthWestern State College School of Allied HealthFSW EMS Firefighter ProgramMaximo Nivel

Today’s experience in Costa Rica gave us a powerful look into both the challenges and strengths of healthcare systems across different communities.

We began our day visiting Residencia Ma Celina Calderón – Adulto May, where we witnessed the incredible compassion and dignity shown to older adults. The cleanliness of the facility, the warmth of the staff, and the genuine affection they gave each resident stood out immediately. Every interaction reflected patience, respect, and humanity. It was a reminder that healthcare is not only about medicine, it is about connection, compassion, and preserving dignity at every stage of life. Our group assisted the staff with vital signs, hygiene, and played bingo with the residents.

Later, we visited Hospital Clínica Bíblica, a private hospital known for its advanced technology and specialized care. While touring the facility, we learned about the realities many patients and healthcare workers face throughout the country.

Some of the most impactful lessons included:

• Many Indigenous individuals must walk up to 8 hours just to access healthcare services. Additionally we learned that with the indigenous populations the providers strive to respect cultural preferences and traditions surrounding care and childbirth.
• In some peripheral hospitals, there may only be one specialist available because many physicians prefer to work in San José or in the private setting.
• Patients are required to visit smaller peripheral hospitals before being transferred to larger regional hospitals, even in emergencies.
• We heard heartbreaking stories about how delays in transfers, sometimes requiring 2 hours of travel, can impact patient outcomes.
• Healthcare workers endure demanding schedules, including 24-hour shifts every 4 days, in addition to the common 8-12 hour shifts.
• Costa Rica has only one specialized children’s hospital, serving patients only up to age 12.
• Patients may wait 3–5 years for surgeries in the public setting.

Despite the challenges, what stayed with us most was the resilience of both patients and healthcare professionals. The dedication, adaptability, and heart shown throughout these facilities was inspiring.

Today reminded us that healthcare systems around the world may look different, but compassion remains universal. We left with deeper gratitude, broader perspective, and immense respect.

Florida SouthWestern State College School of Allied Health FSW EMS Firefighter Program Maximo Nivel

From jungle adventures to hands-on service, the last two days in Costa Rica have been enlightening.

Yesterday was all about adventure, relaxation, and embracing the beauty of the outdoors. Our group spent the day horseback riding, boating, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun at the beach. We wrapped up the evening with a jungle tour where we learned about — and spotted — so many different species of frogs.

Today, we completed our service learning project, and what a rewarding experience it has been! From painting to learning how to hang drywall, everyone stepped up and worked hard to make a difference. Now we’re headed back to San José for even more activities and memories ahead.

Grateful for the experiences, the teamwork, and the opportunity to learn, serve, and explore together ❤️

Florida SouthWestern State College School of Allied Health
FSW EMS Firefighter Program

Yesterday, we got an eye-opening look into healthcare, emergency response, culture, and community.

We began the day visiting a rural Level II hospital, where we learned about the realities of healthcare access in Costa Rica. Medical professionals shared how limited staffing, especially specialists like anesthesiologists — can sometimes delay major surgeries. It was a humbling reminder of the resources we often take for granted in the U.S. We also learned that venomous snake bites are a common emergency in Costa Rica, and that the country is internationally recognized for producing lifesaving antivenoms.

Next, we had the opportunity to meet with Costa Rican firefighters, who gave us a hands-on look at their work and training. They showed us specialized snake-catching tools, protective bee suits, and even shared that they frequently rescue sloths — basically the Costa Rican version of saving cats from trees! 🦥🚒

To wrap up the day, we continued building our communication skills in medical Spanish class before ending the evening with a fun and energetic salsa dancing lesson. 💃🎶

Every day here brings new perspectives, unforgettable experiences. Grateful for the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom!

Maximo Nivel

Today’s service learning had us rolling up our sleeves in every way possible. From clearing out way too many spiders (yes, bravery was required 🫣) to prepping and painting, hanging drywall, and cutting wood — we made real progress transforming a bathroom space at a local substance abuse center. Every task, big or small, felt meaningful knowing it contributes to a place of healing and support.

The afternoon shifted gears as we dove into medical Spanish, building skills that help us connect, communicate, and care more effectively.

And just when we thought the day was done… the skies had other plans! 🌧️ We wrapped it all up with a very wet (and very memorable) walk back to the hotel — lots of laughs included.

Hard work, new skills, a few spiders, and a little rain, just another day of learning by doing.

Florida SouthWestern State College School of Allied Health FSW EMS Firefighter Program

Maximo Nivel

Yesterday our group explored the stunning beauty of Manuel Antonio! We took on a long hike through the national forest, getting up close with so many incredible species that call this place home 🐒🦜🌱.

The weather? Hot and very muggy 😅… but totally worth it for the experience and memories we made together!

We also enjoyed our first authentic Costa Rican meal 🇨🇷!

Today, we’re diving into our service learning project. Stay tuned, more details coming soon!

Florida SouthWestern State College School of Allied Health

FSW EMS Firefighter Program