Costa Rica

Okay. I have a dilemma. There is a study abroad program through the Spanish Department to Costa Rica. I am torn about going. Here are the pros and cons:

PROS:

• It is $2,100 and covers food, housing, excursions and local transportation.
• I would be immersed in the language that I really really want to learn.
• I would also be immersed in the culture that I am studying.
• I could eat real homemade tortillas and beans EVERY DAY. (I can't tell you how much I miss real tortillas)

CONS:

• If I needed to take classes during the summer, I wouldn't be able to.
• I would miss a month's salary.
• I would be gone for my birthday.
• I would be gone for my sister's birthday.
• I would be gone for my one year anniversary with my boyfriend.
• I would be gone for my family reunion, where I get to see cousins that I only see once a year.

Spanish Dilemma

Okay, SO, this is the situation.

My sister and brother in law are living in Spain. We are going to visit them. They have offered to let me stay for the summer and fall semester, taking classes online and teaching English at a school there. They are moving back to the U.S at the end of the year.

So, opportunity of a lifetime to spend more than half a year living in Spain, BUT, I have hesitations. I decided to make a pro/con list.

Pros:
-Never again (I don't think) will I have this opportunity.
-Free expense of living
-I can take classes online and my sister can tutor me (she is a math major)
-I will be practically living on a private beach
-I will be getting paid for teaching English, AND I don't need to know any Spanish. (which is good, I have mostly forgotten everything I ever learned.)
-I might pick up some Spanish.
-I will spend time with my nephews and newborn niece

Cons:
-I will spend time with my nephews and newborn niece
-Limited television. This is sort of an embarrassing con.
-I will probably be expected to go to church. This is a major con.
-I might get stir crazy
-I get home-sick really easily.
-I don't want to miss anything at home, good or bad. (birthdays, or unexpected deaths)
-I had plans for the summer at home, such as: vegetable garden, fixing up tree house, lots and lots of bike riding.
-I don't know anyone in Spain except family.
-I will be expected to help with children A LOT. Which might be a good lesson to learn, but I am not sure if I want to.

Gah.