One simple joy of traveling, is the getting the beautiful, unique stamps you receive at customs when crossing international borders. Pictured here is the filled-up passport of one of the study center directors, Alfonso Meléndez who is from El Salvador, which has this intricately colored and culturally-relevant designs. Here in the Valpo Costa Rica program, we have finished up our two classes of Spanish, culture, history and social justice and are getting prepared to start our internships in different areas and organizations in the country. We are also excited to welcome the group of nursing students who are coming to work in clinics for underserved populations in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Right now I’m making sure I have my bilingual medical terms down as I’m translating this week!
Valpo Voyager
Student Stories from Around the World
Tag: san jose
When someone from the United States hears “Costa Rica”, a buzz word that often comes to mind is coffee. After living here for about 4 weeks, I’ve learned that coffee is no joke. Similar to Valpo students during finals week, I am going on about three cups of coffee per day-but because its so amazing! It’s rich, strong and local, and there is little to no need for milk and sugar. It’s something I don’t feel guilty about because I’m supporting local economy and I have more energy to explore and learn about this vibrant country!
This weekend, my Costa Rican professor invited our class to explore her hometown of Puriscal, Costa Rica. We went along a river that winds through the mountains, and we got to swim through the lagoons and in the waterfalls. We learned how to make empanadas, tortillas and traditional coffee and we had the privilege of learning traditional Costa Rica dance. Here is a short video of the experience. All thinks to Gina Torres Calderón! ¡Que profa!
¡Buenas Días! Greetings from San José, Costa Rica! I am Navy Browning a sophomore at Valparaiso University and I would like to welcome you to the Photography Blog for Study Abroad at the Office of International Programs.
As a contributor, my aim is to illustrate my abroad experience through digital medial, primarily photography. I will be capturing people, places and “pura vida” (Costa Rican motto of pure life). I would love to share my experience with everyone who has an interest in cross-cultural exchange and life living outside of the comfort zone.
I encourage you to both contact me with any questions or comments at navy.browning@valpo.edu and to learn about everything multicultural and international by visiting the Gandhi King Center on campus!
Shown here is a picture of me with my host family during my Summer 2013 volunteer work in the Dominican Republic.
The following was written by San José Study Center student Malachia Jones-Bone.
The Spring 2014 Costa Rica cohort in the Magistrates’ Chamber
I’m two weeks shy of being in Costa Rica for 4 months. This trip to Costa Rica has been the greatest experience I’ve ever experienced. The beautiful scenery, the friendly people, the warmth in each community, are all aspects I’ve appreciated. I came to Costa Rica looking to find myself. This is a broad statement, but to be more specific I wanted come out of my comfort zone and find my place in the world. The only places I was accustomed to were the Chicago and Valparaiso areas. Of course I’ve visited a few other states, but nothing like Costa Rica or Nicaragua. My experiences of the United States had me initially with high expectations of Central America. Of course the pre departure meetings helped but I was not prepared mentally nonetheless. Walking through the gate to my host family home I was nervous, anxious and somehow ready to start fresh somewhere. The first months here in Costa Rica were exciting. I met new people I’ve never seen at Valpo prior to this trip. I was forced to work with a group of students I had no similarities with, and oddly enough those students became some of my closest friends. Aside from attending Spanish classes we were able to explore Costa Rica. Every week was a different adventure. One adventure that sticks out to me was traveling to Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Pacific Ocean. We planned and executed the trip with little to no outside help. We walked the streets because apparently J-walking is not illegal here. The streets twisted and turned. The weather was exceptionally hot. You could practically fry an egg on the side walk. Every corner had a small business or local restaurant. As we walked we could hear the music coming from various restaurants, cars, and residential homes. There were chickens walking around in the alley as well as roosters who literally became my alarm clock for the next few days. For the first time in my life I felt completely independent and on my own. It was a breath of fresh air but scary at the same time. At that moment I realized new adventures might be scary but they are worth it in the end because I grew as a person! It is worth it to try something new and relinquish my comfort zone because in return I have an opportunity to experience life in a whole new way.
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