Why did you decide to teach abroad with EVOLC in Costa Rica?
Kristin: I decided to teach abroad with EVOLC because they offered a three month long teaching assistant opportunity. I wanted to teach English as a second language mainly so I could practice and improve my Spanish speaking skills while abroad. EVOLC seemed like an experienced, helpful organization that truly cared for bettering Costa Rica and their volunteers. I had never lived in a foreign country so I wanted an experience that would give me enough time to at least taste the culture, but not extremely permanent (being my first time teaching). I wanted to teach somewhere in Central or South America, and when I found EVOLC it just seemed like a great fit. I wasn't too picky on what country I was going to as long as it was fairly safe and I could practice my Spanish. The fact that EVOLC was in Costa Rica was a definite plus! I had heard it was a beautiful country and the pictures looked amazing.
What made this teach abroad experience unique and special?
Kristin: My teaching abroad experience was unique and special because it was the first time I had ever done something like this. I didn't know anyone in Costa Rica or at EVOLC, I was traveling alone, I had never lived with a host family or in a foreign country for an extended period of time, I had never taught, and I had never been forced to speak Spanish every single day. Everything about it was unique and special because it was exciting and exhilarating to do everything there for the first time. Meeting and getting to know my host family was so special. They were very nice and very caring. My students and the academy staff were so friendly, inviting, and fun to work with. In addition to meeting my host family, students, and locals, I also got to know the other foreigners living with my host family. There were people from all over the world staying with my host family and me. In addition to being in one of the most beautiful places on earth, the most unique and special thing was making amazing friends that will last a lifetime. I never expected that!
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering teaching abroad in Costa Rica?
Kristin: One piece of advice I would offer to someone wanting to teach in Costa Rica is just to be open to new, challenging, and different experiences. There were times where things weren't always glamorous. Certain areas of Costa Rica are impoverished and a little unclean. It is OK to be a little concerned and to take precautions, but also open up your mind to other people's and culture's way of life. I learned so many things from the Costa Rican people. They have such an amazing outlook on life because they really value spending time with their loved ones more than material things. They are almost always happy and easy going. They enjoy the simple things and life and take time to relax and slow down. Open yourself up to their way of life and thinking. Be open to change, and challenge yourself to new ways of thinking and living.
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, etc)
Kristin: This experience has greatly impacted my future because I have realized that I could do many things. I went to college for psychology, which is my passion, but I learned that I also really enjoyed teaching and was quite good at it. I learned that my future is wide open. If I can do what I did in Costa Rica with EVOLC, I can do anything! I can choose any career path I want to because I know if I set my mind to it I can do it. Also, I definitely would like to go back to Costa Rica to travel more as a tourist and visit my students and friends there. This will be something I hope to do routinely for the rest of my life. Teaching in Costa Rica has also made me think about teaching again possibly in a different country. It was an overall great experience, and because I learned so much I might just do it again someday!