Why did you decide to teach abroad with EVOLC in Costa Rica?
Judy: EVOLC’s opening line on its website resonated with me. As a volunteer it said I would be “contributing to the sustainability of the eco tourism sector in Costa Rica, public schools, and a wide range of sectors while affecting communities and the lives of students, teachers, and professionals”. That matched my vision where I’d hoped to “give back” while traveling the breadth and depth of Central or South America to experience the culture. EVOLC’s programs had so many categories, helping people to become bilingual that I didn’t know where best I might fit, or for how long given this was my first teaching assignment.
That’s where program co-ordinator Alexandra Johnson came into prominence. During my Skype interview she talked me through the categories and helped me decide what would work best for me. I was open to rural locations or cities, anywhere the organization felt the need was greatest and let EVOLC decide my fate. I couldn’t have been happier with the result. EVOLC placed me in San Pedro, a 15-minute bus ride from downtown San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, at a wonderful school with an amazing and hardworking English maestra, Silvia Córdoba Gonzalez, and matched me with an equally wonderful host family, the Castañedas, whose welcoming home was only minutes from the school.
What made this teach abroad experience unique and special?
Judy: I feel I won the trifecta. To have been so lucky to link up with EVOLC initially, then work beside such an amazing head English teacher who was so open to all new ideas, as well as stay with such a wonderful host family, all of which made my time volunteering as a teacher abroad an experience I’ll never forget. I also blogged my way through my travels, so to be in San Jose during President Obama’s inaugural visit to the region provided great material. On weekends, I spent my time visiting museums and beaches, using local transport, and trying to speak my best broken Spanglish! It was fun and exciting, and hard work. Nothing comes easy!
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc.)
Judy: This experience has been so positive. I know now I can achieve anything personally, professionally and academically should I decide to pursue teaching in a more formal university setting. While my trip abroad was packed with things other than volunteering, it was this experience that inspired the characters in a children’s story I wrote to accompany an app and website I developed. I didn’t know at the time whether I could master this new skill as a teacher and write but every afternoon after school, in the wonderful garden of the casa I retreated to, inspired by those cheeky chicos and chicas, my e-book came to life! I’ll never forget one moment of my time in Costa Rica.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering teaching abroad in Costa Rica?
Judy: Do it. Don’t think you can’t. The government in Costa Rica seeks to create a bilingual Costa Rica by 2020. The region wants motivated people, like you and me, and is particularly in need of volunteers. Costa Rica has a proud culture with a soft nature. There are dangers, like in any large capital city, but I felt safe. EVOLC ensured I felt good about where my placement, it also ran a three-day orientation, including a city tour to help volunteers integrate. My hosts did the same and the school welcomed me openly. One word of advice: either know some Spanish or make sure you attend classes while there to learn Spanish. It will enhance your experience and the kids will appreciate your efforts to understand their language. Knowing a few words to better explain how great it is to learn English and about English-speaking cultures other than the United States (they’d never had an Australian teacher before) made the exercise more fun. And remember you’re an ambassador for your country. What you say, and how you act, reflects on where you come from. Make your country proud!
Photo credit: RoamingRAVE 2013.