Mi Primera Semana in Costa Rica

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Photo courtesy of Jodi Laub

I have been warmly welcomed by everyone! My mama tica (Costa Rican mother) has been so kind and understanding from the very beginning. She accompanied me to orientation on my first day in Costa Rica and the next day to my Spanish class to make sure I understood the public transport system and felt comfortable using it. My room is a decent size with a large bed, a desk, and places to hang clothes or store folded clothes and other items.

The building is great! There is a big room filled with computers available to all students or if you bring your own computer there is WiFi. There are also multiple areas, including two patios, to hang out with your friends or do homework in. One of the patios includes a snack bar, with free coffee and tea available at all times.

Photo courtesy of Jodi Laub

The employees are all very kind and helpful! They are great people to practice your Spanish with and have tons of information on just about anything, from bus schedules and stops to where the closest laundromat is or what store will have a certain item that you are looking for.

The classrooms are small in order to prohibit the class size from being big. My first week I was one of four students with an amazing teacher! The teacher knows English well, which is helpful when you are having a hard time understanding a concept, and is great at creating activities that increase your vocabulary while allowing you to practice grammar. The activities are also a fun way to get to know your classmates and about the experiences they've had thus far!

Monique is a Working Abroad Ambassador for the Volunteer in Costa Rica program.