Educational Travel -Costa Rica 2011

Visiting Poas Volcano.  An active volcano in Costa Rica.

This past summer I traveled with 3 students to Costa Rica with EF Tours.  We spent 8 full days traveling around the country, experiencing the culture and customs and practicing our language skills.

We had many opportunities to enjoy the amazing environment of the country while learning about the flora and fauna. We also went zip lining, hiking, white water rafting, kayaking & horseback riding.

We also visited a local school in the town of Las Nubes. The students of Las Nubes performed some traditional dances for our EF group. In exchange our students brought gifts to the 23 students. Two of our students even preformed for the kids; singing the National Anthem.  It was such an enriching experience for the students.  They left with a greater appreciation for their own educational opportunities.

I can not express enough the importance of educational travel for students.  It is a life changing experience.  Many of the students who have the opportunity to travel abroad go on to study languages in depth and work internationally.

Our local newspaper wrote a very nice article about the experience we had in Costa Rica:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_755299.html

Please visit EF Tours for more information. www.eftours.com

Last Day of School & Summertime

 
It is so hard to believe that school is coming to a close already.  The students are both excited and a little bit sad (the young ones anyway;) because as much as they love summer they will miss their teachers and friends.  And as much as I need a break to rejuvenate and refresh for next year, I too, will miss those smiling faces.

As every year comes to a close I like to reflect on the things that I have done with the students and what I want to change or do better next year.  I always try to improve upon what I do and provide new and exciting projects and ideas for my students. 

This summer I will be traveling a good bit with friends, family and students.  I love to experience new cultures, meet new people and bring home new ideas that I can incorporate into my classroom.  There is no better experience than traveling to truly educate oneself about the culture, people, customs and  language.  You can study these things in books but it is not until you truly experience them do you really understand or appreciate what you have learned.  To stand below the Sistine Chapel and see the amazing work; to know that Michelangelo stood in the same spot I will be standing in; to smell the incense that is burning in the chapel-no one can know what that feels like until you yourself are there to experience it firsthand.  The first time I stood below the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel it brought tears to my eyes.  I know that is cheesy and my students think I am ridiculous but it is awe inspiring!  This summer I will have another opportunity to stand below that amazing ceiling....and I can't wait!!!

Venice 2006

 I will also have an opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with a few students on an EF Tour.  We will spend 10 days hiking, kayaking, zip lining, touring, visiting local schools and taking in the culture.  I am looking forward to seeing the country as well as practicing my language skills.

I am anxious to visit local artists in both Italy and Costa Rica and discover what I can bring back to share with my students.

Happy Summer!