An experience tuanes!

I worked at the SCLC for the month of April. During my time there I helped co-ordinate the After School Program, and was in charge of my own drop-in English classes as well.

Though my time was short, working at the center and living in the town of Sarapiqui was one of the best experiences of my life. Every aspect of my life working at the SCLC was incredible. The town is incredibly rich in nature and biodiversity; a beautiful day in Sarapiqui is more breath taking than a beautiful day anywhere else I have been. The people of the town and my fellow workers at the center are some of the most generous and kind-hearted people I have ever met, and my time there would not have been anywhere near what it was if it were not for them. However, the best part of being a volunteer at the SCLC was the work itself. I will never forget the kids in the After School Program. Though they can be a bit crazy at times, I had alot of fun being with them. Also, being able to teach and help someone who is so eager to communicate with more people, and providing them with even just a bit of knowledge to send them on their way is the most rewarding experience I have ever had.

I hope to one day return as a full-time volunteer to the center because it is definitely going to hold a place in my heart for the rest of my life. If anyone reading this blog is scepticle about being a volunteer, my advice is to do yourself a favor and go because it will be one of the best decisions of your life!

Pura Vida

I have worked as an English teacher for almost 5 months now and it has been a wonderful experience. A little daunted at first by 30 students in each class, I soon found my stride and have treasured the dynamics of large groups. A testimony to Costa Ricans, all my students are so friendly and fun to teach. Working with beginner levels has been very rewarding, witnessing their constant improvements. With just 2 weeks to go, I’m fully aware of how much I’ll miss them, both as students and friends...

An integral part of my work has been teaching at a local school comprising a class with 17 kids, aged 8 to 14. Before I started, they surrounded an English CD, restlessly trying to decipher the various mumbled and distorted sounds. Teaching has been challenging but gratifying as the kids hit the right notes! The school itself is just lovely and the walk there a delight, crossing the rickety bridge and strolling down sunny, stony back roads, surrounded by quiet, soft-eyed cattle and noisy, colourful birds.

Homelife! What can I say??! I’ve loved each and every minute! The house is superb ... not a window in sight and if there is a wall, it’s short! Rustic rooms are a series of wooden ‘sheds’ topped, further up, by an iron roof (great in the rain!) and surrounded by a lush, tropical garden. The open-air kitchen consists of a wood-fired stove, the smell of coffee and Minerva, who consistently serves up food, far exceeding that of any restaurant. A short walk through the forest beyond, brings you to the river, where kingfishers and rafters abound and provides the most refreshing escape from a hot, humid day! I’ll miss my family for sure, and the endless stream of people that stop by to share stories and good food.

So, it’s been a great experience! I’ve met some wonderful people both at work and at play, and shared some more-than-memorable times.