LaShai, 17
Today was for sure an exciting day. Today was my first time on a plane, and to my surprise I really liked it. My favorite part of the flight was looking out the window, especially when we were flying through Central America. My least favorite part was when my ears kept popping in the air.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Re-living the experience
Felicia Thomas, Alumni Assistant
Being a part of the first group that went on this trip, it is exciting to see the initial reactions students have to things that over time I have become accustomed to.
Being a part of the first group that went on this trip, it is exciting to see the initial reactions students have to things that over time I have become accustomed to.
We went to the store before dinner and two of the students asked if they could take pictures with the police officers. My first time abroad by myself I wanted to do the same thing. I thought it was so cool to see police officers. Another student took pictures of EVERYTHING; from automobiles to different species of plants, they were amazed to see things that exist in their hometown and things that are exclusive to Costa Rica.
One of the rewards to being an alumni assisting these students during this experience is reliving the "initial" experience. Often times when one experiences something more than once, they lose the value of the initial experience. We stop paying attention to cars and police in the street. Watching these students is allowing me look deeper into the value of things that I would otherwise avoid.
Pura Vida!
Samantha, 18
The weather here isn't bad at all. I thought it was going to be really humid and hot, but it's just like Pittsburgh in August. It's hot, but I like it! I love our hotel too, it's like one giant house and it's quite cozy. There is a garden in the back and I sat out there to write in my journal and there was a humming bird singing and a giant yellow butterfly too!
We went for a walk to visit Jose and he was really cool. He showed us his school and it was really nice. The only thing I've found that is completely out of the ordinary is the barbed wire and electric fences surrounding almost everyone's house in San Jose.
I really like it here so far. I want to write so much more, but I'm running on 2 hours of sleep and I'm worried that I may start rambling. Tomorrow is going to be a tough but fun day it looks like, I can't wait!
My First Plane Ride
Patrick 17,
After being too tired to function, I had to come to face one of the most frightening experiences in my life, which is riding in an airplane. I don't know why, but I have always been afraid of heights. When we entered the runway speeding up, I had a nervous feeling in my stomach, but it eased as we got into the air for some odd reason. The landing for that plane ride was successful for me and I felt fine afterwards. The second flight into San Jose was fine until the ending, because I hadn't eaten all day so when we were lowering, my stomach had a funny feeling. Today has helped me overcome a fear that I thought would haunt me forever.
Day One
Daontay 18,
So we arrived in Costa Rica today with some interesting events, one being Mr. Oliver's luggage being left behind. The country is beautiful, to say the least. I can't wait to explore. Today, with settling in and all, we didn't really get to interact with people as much as I would've liked. We did meet Jose, who was a guide from last year's group, and we got to see his new learning institution. Also, going to the supermarket was enjoyable. Most of the products were American though, which was surprising. I can't wait to try speaking Spanish. Well, tomorrow's a big day, we head to La Carpio to begin our service project. And the fun begins.
The first day, and the first impressions
Nathan, 18
So far the trip has been really exciting. Once we got to Costa Rica it was learning non-stop. When we got here, we came to the hotel for a snack before we went to Jose's institution that he is starting up for college students studying aboard. Even though we are in a completely different country, it doesn't feel like we are. As of right now to me it feels like we are still in Pittsburgh in a way. The roads are crowded with cars, and people are flying while driving, just like Pittsburghers. The only real thing that has hit me about being in a different country is that Spanish is being spoken everywhere, and it's a lot different than my Spanish 4 class. Hopefully I'll start to get the hang of it, and be able to communicate with the Ticans as the trip continues.
So far the trip has been really exciting. Once we got to Costa Rica it was learning non-stop. When we got here, we came to the hotel for a snack before we went to Jose's institution that he is starting up for college students studying aboard. Even though we are in a completely different country, it doesn't feel like we are. As of right now to me it feels like we are still in Pittsburgh in a way. The roads are crowded with cars, and people are flying while driving, just like Pittsburghers. The only real thing that has hit me about being in a different country is that Spanish is being spoken everywhere, and it's a lot different than my Spanish 4 class. Hopefully I'll start to get the hang of it, and be able to communicate with the Ticans as the trip continues.
Has today been the longest lasting day ever?
Melina, 17
Today was quite an experience. It feels like it's been never ending. All day long has consisted of so many different things: waking up early, getting ready, heading to the airport, flights, food, lost luggage for Mr. Oliver, new food, a relaxing walk, and so much more. So far things haven't been too bad and I'm still not yet home sick, so hopefully I can remain that way. I can't wait until tomorrow when we get to start the service work and our days will be more fulfilled with less idle time to waste.
Today was quite an experience. It feels like it's been never ending. All day long has consisted of so many different things: waking up early, getting ready, heading to the airport, flights, food, lost luggage for Mr. Oliver, new food, a relaxing walk, and so much more. So far things haven't been too bad and I'm still not yet home sick, so hopefully I can remain that way. I can't wait until tomorrow when we get to start the service work and our days will be more fulfilled with less idle time to waste.
Change in atmosphere
Emily, 16
Since coming here, I've realized that there are a lot of similarities everywhere we could go, simply because we're all human beings and have similar needs, but it seems that in Costa Rica there is a different way of life.
I feel like everyone is interested in family values, though I see varying degrees of kindness, hostility, and general hospitality. The run down look of the buildings, while everyone lives on like everything is sound is a nice change of pace, and listening to the short parade outside of the hotel tonight (because of the big soccer game having a huge impact on the local community), made me realize that there is a lot of pride in this country, and a big interest in community development, and social relations.
Since coming here, I've realized that there are a lot of similarities everywhere we could go, simply because we're all human beings and have similar needs, but it seems that in Costa Rica there is a different way of life.
I feel like everyone is interested in family values, though I see varying degrees of kindness, hostility, and general hospitality. The run down look of the buildings, while everyone lives on like everything is sound is a nice change of pace, and listening to the short parade outside of the hotel tonight (because of the big soccer game having a huge impact on the local community), made me realize that there is a lot of pride in this country, and a big interest in community development, and social relations.
A whole new world!!!
Siena, 17
Thus far Costa Rica has proved itself to be nothing less than gorgeous. Its beautiful and serene. Costa Rica looks like a totally different world when compared to America, even in its populated areas there are many green spaces with plants and trees that seem so other worldly and ethereal. I am totally in love with this place. The atmosphere is so laid back and peaceful. It seems that people walk around without a care in the world. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity. I can tell that the trip is going to only get better, and I can't wait to see new beautiful sights.
Thus far Costa Rica has proved itself to be nothing less than gorgeous. Its beautiful and serene. Costa Rica looks like a totally different world when compared to America, even in its populated areas there are many green spaces with plants and trees that seem so other worldly and ethereal. I am totally in love with this place. The atmosphere is so laid back and peaceful. It seems that people walk around without a care in the world. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity. I can tell that the trip is going to only get better, and I can't wait to see new beautiful sights.
Arrival!
Christina Arenth, Social Studies Teacher
We arrived this afternoon to San Jose. The students excitedly settled into their rooms and unpacked for the first part of our trip. They'll update more soon.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Welcome to the Journey
We hope their reflections on all stages of the process--preparation, journey, return--will enlighten and inspire those who support them along the way, while bringing a bit of Pittsburgh flavor to Latin America and some Latin American flavor to Pittsburgh.
Feel free to communicate with them by offering your questions and comments, or simply enjoy reading about their experiences, remembering that the ultimate aim is to more deeply understand ourselves and the world.
Along the right hand column you will find many ways to gain more information and participate: links to a student-created web-site explaing our program in greater detail, ways to sign up as a follower, links to some of our supporters and friends and a documentary created about last year's trip--another student creation.
Student's from this year's expedition will maintain and develop this blog, posting messages, photos and video footage while we travel. There will be a pause in posting for the days we are in Yorkin, a rural community in the Talamanca region near the Caribbean coast with no internet access. See the itinerary page for further details and updates.
For more on the program and people that inspired our work with this model of experiential education for self-development see the innovative efforts of Ward Mailliard and his team at Mount Madonna School, in Watsonville, California at http://mountmadonnaschool.org/values/.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tico/Tica Pen-Pals!!
Courtney, 17
It seems like just yesterday that I was filling out an application that would open the doors to an invigorating country. Almost a year later, without even leaving America, I feel as though I’m just returning.
My pen pal's name is Paula; she is so similar to me that it’s frightening! She loves music, dancing, volleyball, and martial arts; which are all things that I am interested in. She hopes to go to the University of Costa Rica next year and hopes to visit North America some day. The one thing that I admire and have learned from building a relationship with Paula is that she is very driven and aspires to be very accomplished in life despite any challenges she may face.
I can honestly say that I have a friend in Costa Rica. We are both counting down the days until I arrive in Costa Rica, and have even mourned the small amount of days we will have together. One thing that I can say she has proven, and I hope I have proven for her, is that even though you originate from very different areas of earth, it is possible to build a bond. I hope that Paula and I will remain friends for the rest of our lives and have a great time together in Costa Rica!!!
It seems like just yesterday that I was filling out an application that would open the doors to an invigorating country. Almost a year later, without even leaving America, I feel as though I’m just returning.
Since turning in my Costa Rica application I have learned so many different things about the country; ranging from its historic and noble surrender of armed forces to its controversial decision to sign CAFTA. But the most monumental lesson I’ve learned so far about Costa Rica is that Tico’s are amazing people who are full of charisma and enthusiasm toward life. During our trip we will be introduced to Tico’s that are around our age, so we were all assigned to be email Pen Pal’s with those whose paths have been destined to cross with ours.
My pen pal's name is Paula; she is so similar to me that it’s frightening! She loves music, dancing, volleyball, and martial arts; which are all things that I am interested in. She hopes to go to the University of Costa Rica next year and hopes to visit North America some day. The one thing that I admire and have learned from building a relationship with Paula is that she is very driven and aspires to be very accomplished in life despite any challenges she may face.
I can honestly say that I have a friend in Costa Rica. We are both counting down the days until I arrive in Costa Rica, and have even mourned the small amount of days we will have together. One thing that I can say she has proven, and I hope I have proven for her, is that even though you originate from very different areas of earth, it is possible to build a bond. I hope that Paula and I will remain friends for the rest of our lives and have a great time together in Costa Rica!!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
CAFTA, positive or negative?
Danielle, 18
The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), an economic arrangement between the United States and countries of Central America, will slowly go into effect within the next 20 years. Depending on your view, it can either be a positive or negative thing for
Costa Rica.
There are quite a few benefits that CAFTA will bring for Costa Rica. CAFTA will reduce a $2.3 billion deficit with other countries. Foreign investments may bring jobs. It will reduce trade taxes between the United States and Central American nations. Having CAFTA may allow Costa Rica's economy to grow more. Even though it seems like there are many benefits that CAFTA will bring to Costa Rica there are also a lot of negative effects as well.
Some say there are more risks with CAFTA then benefits. Small businesses may close which will cause many people to become unemployed. People not having jobs will create poverty. People will have a hard time trying to live. Also, cost of things will go up such as rice by 35%, clothes tax by 95%, and health costs. There are many different things that can go wrong from CAFTA.
Depending on your view of CAFTA, it can either have a positive or negative affect on Costa Rica. People can have these ideas on how CAFTA will affect Costa Rica, but they really don't know if their ideas are true until CAFTA is in effect.
The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), an economic arrangement between the United States and countries of Central America, will slowly go into effect within the next 20 years. Depending on your view, it can either be a positive or negative thing for
Costa Rica.There are quite a few benefits that CAFTA will bring for Costa Rica. CAFTA will reduce a $2.3 billion deficit with other countries. Foreign investments may bring jobs. It will reduce trade taxes between the United States and Central American nations. Having CAFTA may allow Costa Rica's economy to grow more. Even though it seems like there are many benefits that CAFTA will bring to Costa Rica there are also a lot of negative effects as well.
Some say there are more risks with CAFTA then benefits. Small businesses may close which will cause many people to become unemployed. People not having jobs will create poverty. People will have a hard time trying to live. Also, cost of things will go up such as rice by 35%, clothes tax by 95%, and health costs. There are many different things that can go wrong from CAFTA.
Depending on your view of CAFTA, it can either have a positive or negative affect on Costa Rica. People can have these ideas on how CAFTA will affect Costa Rica, but they really don't know if their ideas are true until CAFTA is in effect.
CAFTA
Emily, 16
Though a controversial topic, the Central American Free-Trade Agreement, or CAFTA recently passed. Some think that this will bring trade opportunities to Costa Rica, where others think that this will do a great deal of damage to the country. There are people such as Epsy Campbell who are highly opposed to it, but she’s right in noting that a lot of large Costa Rican companies who are already wealthy will benefit from this, where the medium and smaller sized companies will be cut out, or forced to switch products to grow. Whether these companies will have the money to fit into this forced change, seems obvious in saying, most of them will not. Now it will take a few months to go into effect, but I am curious to see when we go to Costa Rica if any significant change is occurring already.
Though a controversial topic, the Central American Free-Trade Agreement, or CAFTA recently passed. Some think that this will bring trade opportunities to Costa Rica, where others think that this will do a great deal of damage to the country. There are people such as Epsy Campbell who are highly opposed to it, but she’s right in noting that a lot of large Costa Rican companies who are already wealthy will benefit from this, where the medium and smaller sized companies will be cut out, or forced to switch products to grow. Whether these companies will have the money to fit into this forced change, seems obvious in saying, most of them will not. Now it will take a few months to go into effect, but I am curious to see when we go to Costa Rica if any significant change is occurring already.Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What I Learned About CAFTA
Kiera, 16
She claims that CAFTA will hurt the social security system in Costa Rica, and that the cost of telecommunication services will rise as it has in the rest of Latin America. Costa Ricans will not be protected because they will have no help with loans or subsidies. It will weaken their ability to undertake social and infrastructure investments, she says, because Costa Rica will have many more debts that everyone will be required to help pay off. Another reason she doesn’t believe it will benefit Costa Rica is because Mexico has already gone through it with NAFTA and she is unhappy with the results.
Others like Jose Antonio Munoz, approved of CAFTA. They believe that it will help Costa Rica’s economy grow through the years. Supporters believe that it will be great for them to have diverse exports. Other countries will have “greater confidence” in Costa Rica’s willingness to trade. Munoz believes that it will not affect the farmers there that much, because many of them have left. He wants their economy to be great like Brazil and Ecuador. Jon Huenemann, said that things will change, but Costa Rica will just have to adapt to it, because the world is changing and they have to be up to date with other countries. He believes that the US and Costa Rica will both be in better shape as a result of CAFTA. Sonia Picado agrees. She believes that CAFTA will work out because Costa Rica is creative, and they will make a way through all the negatives.
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