Donde esta J.Crew?: Leaving America

Location: Frederick, Maryland, USA


Oh lordy, I'm about to leave for Costa Rica. I have never felt so unprepared for anything in my life! I know, I'm an organizational freak, but in the past few months, I've really learned to go with the flow. Between my placement, campus activities, studying for Praxis, and attempting a faint hope at a social life, I've been keeping my study abroad excitement in the back of my mind. I think the most I allowed myself in terms of study abroad-itis was to look at a guide to the country that I received as a Christmas gift. And here I am, close to take-off, and I haven't even started packing. I know, you aren't supposed to wait until the day before to do that kind of thing, but long story short, I spent Saturday before leaving trying to track down a lost cell phone, and it was my little sister's last high school musical. People have to prioritize. And that explains why it's Sunday and I am staring at a suitcase that's empty except for my passport and two J.Crew skirts. Again, priorities.

So what am I expecting to find on this trip? What am I hoping to do? What kinds of people am I expecting to meet? All questions I have been rolling around in my mind for a while. Here's what I have so far.

What I am expecting to find: I am expecting to find a beautiful country. Everyone I talk to says that Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. And that includes National Geographic. I'm pumped to explore the beaches over the next week when staying in Nosara with Angela Johnson, and I'm looking forward to the mountainous regions of Atenas for my actual placement. I'm an outdoorsy person in summer climates, so I think this will be a great place for me to work on my running and climbing and exploring. I also think it will be a GREAT place for me to work on my shopping. I'm dying to go to San Jose. I've done New York City and many other major cities in the United States, but I really think it will be eye-opening to see a major metropolitan area outside of the US. Chris and I already talked about some big plans to see a football (soccer, people) game or two. I also think it'll be interesting to see fashion in a big city. Shout out to my sister, I'll try to bring you back a dress or something if it's uniquely Costa Rican. Whatever that means.

What I am hoping to do: Well, teach. Go figure. I'm really looking forward to seeing the schools down here. I am working at a private school outside of Atenas, and I know it'll be a totally different world from my high school experience in Southern Maryland. Apparently (as of the last email) I'm teaching 7-11 grade ESOL. I have a decent background in the process of second language acquisition, so I think I'll make it through, but I'm interested to see what 7-11 looks like in a country that only requires schooling up to sixth grade. Are these all college bound students? Will it be predominately boys? WHAT IS THE CURRICULUM? No idea. No. Idea. I'm hoping that the kids will go with the flow as much as I am... it seems to be the way of life down there from the people I've talked to. Stay tuned for a week from now to find out.

Who am I hoping to meet: I'm kinda nervous about this whole "I know, I look like you, but I don't speak your language" thing. I get dark pretty fast, and then I look Costa Rican. And in terms of culture and language and all that, who am I kidding. I'm hoping my host family and I can figure out with wild sign language what we're trying to convey. Ultimately, my big things to get out of this trip are 1. Become a stronger teacher 2. Speak Spanish. I don't care if I make a fool of myself as long as I convey that I am trying and I am polite. Besides my host family, I hope I get along well with my students, fellow teachers, and other randoms that pop into my life from the community. I've heard that Latin Americans are very family oriented, and I think it'll be neat to enter that environment as an 'adopted' child.

Well it's obviously time to pack. I know the next few hours will be straight panicking followed by calm and sleep on the plane. At least that's the game plan. Costa Rica, here I come.