Why did you decide to teach abroad with EVOLC in Costa Rica?
Rachael: A friend recommended the program EVOLC to me and once I researched it I had great communication from the program coordinator. She answered all of my questions and made me feel really comfortable about being away from home. She also helped me with every step of obtaining my visa and all the other requirements. I also really hadn't found another program at the time that was so cost efficient for me.
Describe your day to day activities as a teacher.
Rachael: My day to day activities as a teacher varied as I taught in different suburbs of my small city and taught adults and children. But, I tried to start with a warm up exercise for all of my students to review from the previous class. I usually had themes for every class, so I would write notes on the board (the students didn't have their own copies of books) and we would do vocabulary/grammar exercises. I would have group activities and games because the competitive nature usually sparked enthusiasm and even though overcoming the student's shyness was a big challenge, this was a great way to do this.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Rachael: This experience impacted my future because I found that giving back was much more than I could ever ask for. As soon as I returned to the states I became a member of the Big Brother Big Sister program to help Spanish speaking children who don't have the opportunities that others do. I also decided that I want Spanish to become a permanent part of my life, so in the future I plan on going back to grad school for translating. Personally, I was touched by the kindness that not only my host family but my students showed me while I lived in Costa Rica. I now hope to host a foreign student or volunteer whenever I can!