Every Wednesday students have time in the mornings to journal about their experience in a new culture. I have included some of Maddie and Juliana’s journal entries from this week.

Maddie –       “Class was long today, but helpful. It was good review and I feel like class is helping me a lot with conversational Spanish, while also reviewing difficult aspects of grammar. This evening, my family took us all to my grandma’s house to celebrate father’s day because they didn’t get a chance to on Sunday. It was an interesting experience! I met sooooooo many people, ate chicharones, and was able to keep up a decent conversation with my grandma tica. It was a great feeling, being surrounded by so many people who love each other. The kids running around playing with each other and the adults laughing and talking in the kitchen reminded me of my family, and what our family gathering are like back home. “

Juliana –       “I’m so glad to have a host sister my age. I always observe what she does and her lifestyle. It’s also great to share with each other stories dealing with our personal lives and our cultures. It gives me an opportunity to compare and contrast our lives. We both love learning new things and dogs. She is very creative and loves painting my nails. My sister walks to school while I drive to school. I know for a fact I will really miss my family in Monteverde, but I will definitely keep in touch with them. I’m so glad we are given the opportunity to live with host families and to visit Costa Rica because the memories I am making with my family and my roup are memories I will never forget.”