Finca de Samford, Samford’s newest international study center, welcomed its first cohort of students six weeks ago at the beginning of January 2026.
Grace Estes, a senior Political Science major, said that studying in Costa Rica has been a daily adventure. Estes stated that during the week, the students take multiple trips to Ciudad Colon, a town near the Samford property, to eat local food, shop for groceries, and attend Spanish worship services on Sundays. The students have also had the opportunity to visit sustainable coffee farms, historical sites, and local indigenous communities.
“Through these activities, we are constantly engaging with the community, whether it’s a quick ‘¡Buenos o Buenas!’ to Ticos (native Costa Ricans) we pass on the sidewalks or deeper conversations with employees and owners of establishments we frequent,” Estes said.
Studying at Finca de Samford allows students to have the unique opportunity to not only learn about Costa Rican culture, but to be immersed in it. For freshman Elementary Education and Spanish major, Reagan Bruce, cultural immersion has been a rewarding experience.
“People are so hospitable and friendly here,” Bruce said. “The worry that I had walking into this experience of being nervous to make mistakes is almost nonexistent.”
Bruce said that learning about cross-cultural perspectives, cooking authentic Costa Rican recipes and learning common Costa Rican expressions has been enriching and introduced her to new perspectives.
There are five students currently studying at Finca de Samford, and they have quickly formed a tight-knit community. Bruce stated that her favorite memory so far was Valentines Day, when she and her peers spent the day making flower bouquets, cooking meals, and watching movies.
“It was so special. I don’t think I have ever had such a close-knit, genuine group of girls that I can share both my struggles and successes with,” Bruce stated. “We have become family, and all of our experiences together have been nothing but a blessing.”
For Estes, studying abroad has allowed her to reconnect with herself and deepen her spirituality.
“We have been blessed with the space to reflect on who we were meant to be as men and women of God… Finca de Samford has provided healing in the solitude and thereby nourished our relationships with God,” Estes stated.
For students considering studying abroad in Costa Rica, Estes said not to be afraid of the unknown or to fear what they may be missing out on at home.
“When I was facing a difficult decision, I once had a friend pray that I would have the faith to follow God into the unknown. If Costa Rica is your unknown, I pray that you, too, will have the faith to follow God into the unknown,” Estes stated.
Applications to study abroad at Finca de Samford are currently open for Fall 2026. Four total courses will be offered, including Costa Rica Culture and Society, Spanish for Costa Rica, Tropical Biodiversity and a special topics course. Students interested in studying at Finca de Samford can apply through the Samford Abroad website.
Staff Reporter
