I can’t believe it is almost time for us to leave Atenas (and Costa Rica) and embark into our new adventure; Bocas del Toro, Panama. Before we leave, I would like to share some of my thoughts about our time here, in my hometown and home country. I have to say that this has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my professional career. Although past courses, either in Costa Rica – Panama or Belize – Guatemala, were academically rich and intense, this one has been special. Perhaps it is because the students have worked hard every day (including weekends) or that they are extremely interested in the culture and all the learning experiences that they are exposed to every day. I really enjoy sharing my culture and language with all of them.
It has been an amazing experience for all of us here in Costa Rica. This is the ultimate “integrated studies” course any student at CSW can take. Today, the students completed a social science exercise in which they had to interview their host family about recycling in Atenas. Obviously, that interview was conducted in Spanish! What a treat. Tomorrow the students will have the opportunity to learn more about waste management in the country and particularly in Atenas when we visit the Universidad Tecnica Nacional (National Technical University). Salud!
I would love to write more about this amazing experience, but there is a lot more to be planned still. Panama here we (almost) go.