It’s crazy how much a person can change in just four months—that’s something I learned first hand thanks to the semester I spent studying abroad in San José, Costa Rica. If you had told me in January about all of the things I would do during my time here—much of which was funded by a Sigma Tau Delta Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarship—I would’ve laughed in your face. Looking back now, though, I’m so grateful for each and every moment that allowed me to grow not only in my Spanish speaking skills, but as a person, too.
When I first arrived at the international airport after a night of no sleep and the immigration officer started asking me questions in Spanish, I couldn’t help but think it was going to be a long four months. I was 30 minutes into my 117 day program, and I was sure I wasn’t going to make it past the third week. Boy, was I wrong.
As I’m writing this reflection in the airport awaiting my flight home, it feels like the semester flew by. Between throwing myself into random situations to practice my Spanish—including working as an interpreter when a friend who didn’t speak Spanish got stung at the beach and needed help from the lifeguards—traveling to each of the seven provinces of the country over the weekends, and watching movies with my host sister, there’s not a second that was wasted here.
One of the most important parts of my experience, however, was my translation class, where I found a passion for working with the intricacies of the English and Spanish languages. As someone who’s been struggling to figure out what to do after graduation next year, this class opened my eyes to a whole new world of language immersion. Now, thanks to this course, I am considering a career in translation and interpretation!
I’m incredibly grateful for the Sigma Tau Delta scholarship, which allowed me to take numerous $13 dollar bus rides across the country and stay in inexpensive hostels for the weekend, walk to the bakery near my homestay to practice ordering a sweet treat, and go to various museums to learn about Costa Rican history. Thanks to all of those experiences, I discovered that I was capable of taking the initiative to do the things that I want to do, even if I had to do them alone.
While I’m sad to be leaving a country that gave me so much over such a short period of time, I also must acknowledge how lucky I am to be feeling that way. What a blessing it is to have a host family and new friends to miss so much and to have to rewire my brain again to do greetings in English instead of Spanish. No matter what, though, I know my experiences abroad will stick with me forever. ¡Pura vida!
Anna Rinaggio
Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient, Fall 2025
Epsilon Kappa Chapter
Berry College, GA
Study Abroad Scholarships
The scholarship provides funding for the purpose of studying in a program that furthers the applicant’s engagement with Sigma Tau Delta’s mission. Students may apply for either a Long-Term or Short-Term scholarship. Applicants should demonstrate academic scholarship and chapter service; they also must explain the relevance of their study abroad program and activities to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, or literacy.
Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarship
The Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarship provides up to $3,000 for students studying for a full academic term or year in a certified, undergraduate program outside the country in which the nominating chapter is located.
Short-Term Study Abroad Scholarship
The Short-Term Study Abroad Scholarship provides up to $1,500 to support participation in an undergraduate study-abroad program of less than an academic term. The program must be a certified, undergraduate program outside the country in which the nominating chapter is located.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student
- Plan to study abroad in a certified undergraduate program for all or part of an academic term
All applications will be submitted via the AwardSpring Online submission process.
Application Deadline: October 13 through November 3, 2025, 4:00 p.m. CT
Past Study Abroad Scholarship Recipients
Blooming from the Pages: Studying Abroad in Ireland
Fulfilling a Fantasy Dream with a Study Abroad
English Connections through Arcades and Gachapon Shops during a Study Abroad
Lo Spirito Impressa: A Study Abroad Experience
Publishing, Passion, and Paris: My Study Abroad Experience in Paris
Studying Abroad: From Museums to Host Moms
Study Abroad, Or How to Succeed during the Unexpected
Study Abroad Scholarship Sparks Creativity in Nottingham
Study Abroad Scholarship: English Education in Maastricht
Study Abroad Scholarship: Royal Holloway-University of London
Study Abroad and Diversify Your College Experience
On Studying Abroad
Summer Stories from Abroad
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.
Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.
