As a Gilman Scholar, I have been provided with the opportunity to further my education by attending a month-long study abroad program in Costa Rica in summer 2023. This program entails taking a Medical Spanish Course at Veritas University, volunteering in a health care setting and going on cultural excursions. In San Jose, I hope to gain knowledge not only about the Spanish language, but about Costa Rican culture. My ultimate goal is to become a well rounded physician. I know that this goal includes learning about other languages and cultures to make my patients feel comfortable in a time of vulnerability. This program will help me accomplish this by allowing me to advance my Spanish and reduce the language barrier that exists in healthcare.