It
has been a while since my last post, so I have much to update everyone on! We
just finished exams that are a huge a weight off my shoulders, but in a sense
bitter sweet since it means my time here at SFS is starting to come to an end.
We now have a week long spring break followed promptly by a direct research
project which entails a week of traveling while doing research and what I imagine
will be a rather lengthy paper on the findings of our study. Needless to say I
am thoroughly excited for it.
Over
the past few weeks I have many cultural interactions, and experiences all over
Costa and Nicaragua. These interactions have helped shape my perspective and
understand of the culture and society down here.
The
other day I was taking a cab into the center of Atenas (the town we live in),
and a little small talk with the cab driver ended up turning into a friendly
conversation about the presence of Americans that live in Atenas, and on a
broader scale all the ones that live in Costa Rica. Granted this isn’t the case
for all the expats but he had a rather negative view. He said that many move
down here and don’t even bother to learn Spanish. He continued to say that it
would be fine if they even tried to communicate but often times he said they
never try or want to assimilate into the culture. The ones that live in Atenas
mostly go into San Jose to do all their shopping even for groceries, which
certainly does not support the community they live in. I just thought that was
a valuable perspective to have, especially as I make my choice in where to buy
and how to communicate. Often trying and failing is better than not trying at
all.
Another
cultural experience is the time we spend with an English school. In Atenas
there is a small government funded English school that Costa Ricans can apply
to be apart of. It is completely free and costs them nothing but commitment;
even books and supplies are paid for. The goal of the school is to assist the
students to find a job that requires speaking English, especially now with
globalization speaking English is a huge advantage here in the job market.
Normally the jobs are tourism related or at calls center, both of these are
very sot after. I think this is a great example of globalization and our effect
on the rest of the world, considering many of these jobs in the service
industry working for Americans in some manor. The relation that SFS and the English
school have is a perfect! It allows us to practice our Spanish and understand
the Costa Rican culture, and they get the benefit of practicing there English.
Whether it’s a soccer game or hanging out in the park the time we spend with
them is always a blast!
