I am just three weeks shy of being in Nicoya, Costa Rica!! I have had an incredible experience with the second grade class at Startown Elementary and it will be difficult to leave them, but I am very much looking forward to working with the students at San Ambrosio School. There I will be working with Pre-K to 2nd grade students.
I have been immersed in Hispanic cultures before, but never in a school type setting. I don't believe I will experience as much culture shock, because in my past experiences I have had more trouble with the reverse culture shock. Having contacted Karla, she has explained a bit how the school works in Nicoya. She has told me that schools there have an open air infrastructure and there are three recesses throughout the day. There is also 45 minutes given for lunch. Karla explained that the children there are a little more wild than those in the United States. After having been with students in the States she was in shock, saying our students 'were like little soldiers' compared to hers.
Karla has also explained that she sees how our curriculum in the States is mainly focused on reading and wishes her students could read like the students here. In Costa Rica not every classroom has its own mini library, like classrooms in the States. It has been hard for her to try and build up a Library at San Ambrosio and emphasize the importance of students' reading abilities, but she says she is not giving up yet!
Karla is an English teacher at San Ambrosio. She is 43 years old and has a son, Jose Maria, who is 23 and will be a doctor in 6 months. She lives on her own, and I am very much looking forward to experiencing her way of life! She loves drinking coffee and has promised to take me to get some good coffee while I am there.
She has told me that here are many pretty beaches, national parks and wildlife refuges in the area, so you will have a lot of places to visit and enjoy while I am there. The weather right now is hot and humid in Nicoya and they are coming to the end of the rainy season. The language, culture and traditions are different from what I am used to, but I am excited about the experience ahead of me!
To better prepare myself for my travels, I have been using my travel guides on Costa Rica, looking up places to go and things to see. I have also been able to find some internet resources that explain some about the culture and traditions of the people. On November 12, the people of Nicoya celebrate Pica de Leña which is the fiesta of wood cutting. It is one of the most colorful ceremonies in Nicoya. I am very excited that I will be in Nicoya for this fiesta!
Overall, I am very pleased with my placements at San Ambrosio and with Karla. I am looking forward to meeting Karla, the teachers at the school, and the children in Nicoya. I am ready to expand on my Spanish speaking skills and blend in as much as I can!