Post Travel

It is hard to say if my trip turned out as I expected.  I did not know much about Costa Rica before this trip.  I still feel like I do not know much.  However I want to know more.  I am hoping to be able to chaperone a student exchange to Costa Rica next summer.  A desire to learn Spanish was kindled in me and a possible return to Costa Rica is an additional motivator to continue practicing Spanish.  I did not struggle as much with living with host families as I thought I would.  It was good to get to experience things I would not have if we had stayed in hotels.  It was a bit uncomfortable to not be in my own space but it made me learn to communicate in Spanish a bit more.  I did love being cooked for because I was exposed to foods I would not have been otherwise.

I greatly enjoyed being able to see new ecosystems.  I have a big interest in science and learned of things I did not even know existed.  This was especially impactful because to the effect these feature have on Costa Rica's culture.  The most significant experience of the trip was the reason for the trip, which was feeling what it is like to try to learn a language in a less than ideal environment.  It really made me consider more than I already had what it is like for students who move to the US and do not speak English.

During our various educational experiences I kept thinking that students struggle because those teaching them are not meeting them where they are.  This applies to all types of students.  For example while working with students at the school in San Luis we let students answer charades in which ever language the choose.  We encouraged them to answer in English if they knew it but did not require it. After each correct answer we would review the word in both Spanish and English.  This allowed all students to participate where if we had required English about half the students would have been left out.  This reenforces the need to be flexible in my classroom.  If I were to use only one teaching method I would be leaving out many of my students.

Overall I think this is a great experience and provides the experience advertised.  Outside of thinking about the US educational system I would advise not comparing the US and Costa Rica.  If you are feeling homesick comparing is not helpful.  Try to find the positives and get as much out of the experience while you have the opportunity.  Try to keep focus on why you chose this opportunity.