Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica

  30 reviews
2012 Study Abroad Rankings Winner
Location(s): Traveling, Costa Rica
Program Type(s): Teach

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OVERALL RATING 5.0
Based on 30 Reviews
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Overall Experience
I gained a great insight on the Costa Rican culture, and a new respect for those who are struggling to learn a new language. I also gained an appreciation for beauty, nature, and peace. The land was beautiful, as were the people. I came back to Texas with a new outlook on life; one that is less stressful and more thankful. - Stephen F. Austin State University
A student studying abroad with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
I learned how it feels to be a student coming into an American classroom not understanding the language. It would be extremely difficult to just get by and ask simple question. It would be even more difficult to try to progress in a classroom. I loved the way the Ticos lived, they were so free, and just enjoyed every day life. C... - Stephen F. Austin State University
A student studying abroad with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
It was an amazing experience that I will never forget! I will definitely take what I learned on this trip and apply it to my classroom whenever possible! I did a lot of 'firsts' on this trip that I would not have otherwise done! - Stephen F. Austin State University
I gained respect for the people that come to America that do not speak English, do not know the currency, nor the customs. - Stephen F. Austin State University
A student studying abroad with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
I learned how it feels to be completely submersed in another culture. I was really lost in the language at the beginning. I know remembering that feeling will help me in the future with students in my class from another culture. - Stephen F. Austin State University
A student studying abroad with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
I learned how it feels to be the cultural other and adjust to the expectations of locals. It was definitely worthwhile. - Stephen F. Austin State University
09/06/2012 Pura Vida
Being sort of "thrown into" a culture that is completely different from my own and not knowing the language definitely showed me how ESL students might feel when coming into my classroom with no knowledge of English or American culture. - Stephen F. Austin State University
Studying abroad was truely a life-changing experience that impacted my life in many positive ways. I increased in maturity, independence, self-reliance and openness to new experiences. While on this trip i made friendships with some of the most amazing girls that I would have never meeet if werent for this trip. I also became mo... - Stephen F. Austin State University
Yes! It was worth every penny or Colones! - Stephen F. Austin State University
The trip to Costa Rica definitely made me more culturally aware. It helped everyone realize some of the stereotypes we may have about others. We were able to let go of these preconceptions and really experience other cultures for ourselves. - Stephen F. Austin State University
My experience abrad impacted my cultural awareness becuase I was able to make connections between the Costa Rican Culture and my culture. I was able to identify things that we had in common and things that were different. I was able to accept those differences and provide an experience that I will be able to carry over in my cla... - Stephen F. Austin State University
This was really the best trip for me personally because I really am looking at teaching in more of an inner city setting. I think I now have more of an understanding and empathy for the parents of the children that I serve; I also think I understand more of their mindsets and backgrounds. I always thought that I had an open mind... - Stephen F. Austin State University
This trip was so amazing. It prepared me for if I have students who are ESL. I also became more independent and enriched in a culture that I was clueless about before the trip. - Stephen F. Austin State University
A student studying abroad with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
I gained cultural knowledge and respect. I learned so much from their food to their language and to their living styles! It was absolutely worth it!! - Stephen F. Austin State University
A student studying abroad with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
What a great way to begin exploring the world! Visiting Costa Rica allowed me to expand my horizons as I was immersed in the heart of another country's culture. Costa Rica offered so many opportunities for my own personal growth as I gained a better perspective of my own self and culture. Even from a future teacher's perspective... - Stephen F. Austin State University
A student studying abroad with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
I was able to step outside my bubble and learn more about another culture. It really helps you think about others and appreciate everything. - Stephen F. Austin State University
I learned how to keep an open mind. I was able to take back what I learned from Costa Rica and use it in my classroom from day one. My principal told me it's like I have been in a classroom more than just a semester teaching and I told her Costa Rica made me more confident. - Stephen F. Austin State University
A student studying abroad with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
I learned to enjoy, cease every opportunity, to speak up and not be shy, I learned so much from going to Costa Rica that I will never forget and cherish the rest of my life. - Stephen F. Austin State University
A student studying abroad with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
I learned how different the Costa Rican culture is from America in the sense time isn't too important in Costa Rica. - Stephen F. Austin State University
I learned so much about being a culturally relevant teacher and person. My mind became opened up to more techniques for teaching in a diverse classroom, and how to become aware of critical pedagogy. I became more aware of how to deal with such diverse individuals and I made friends with everyone on the trip. - Stephen F. Austin State University
The study abroad trip to Costa Rica was great. I learned a lot of things about myself that I didn't know which was great. It has opened new doors for me and I am willing and ready to take on the world. - Stephen F. Austin State University
Very much worthwhile! Would do it all over again if I could! - Stephen F. Austin State University
Yes I gained the prospective of others visiting a foreign country which will help me in the long run if I have these students in my classroom. - Stephen F. Austin State University
My cultural awareness is at an all time high. I have never felt so alive in Costa Rica. Learning the culture is truly amazing and being fully emersed is life changing. I now have so much respect for immigrants in the United States, and I now have a grrater appreciation for diversity. - Stephen F. Austin State University
Studying abroad was an amazing experience! I gained so much from it! I acquired more patience with others and understanding of other cultures. I have become more aware of things that aren't just issues in America. - Stephen F. Austin State University

About

This course will provide the context for an authentic cross-cultural experience. Students will embark on a two week field adventure in the breath-takenly beautiful Central American nation of Costa Rica.
The course instructor and students will explore multiple cultural, social, and natural environments to include cities, towns, villages, schools, rainforests, mountain regions, coastal areas, and agricultural zones. An appreciation for indigenous flora, fauna, language, and geography will be cultivated and integrated into the culture-learning process, as well as an enhanced understanding of globalization processes and realities.

Program Type(s):
Teach
Program Length(s):
Unknown

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