Congratulations to the 2007 students!!
Wow – 25 students, 2 teachers (still smiling) and thousands of remarkable photos to prove that the July 2007 program was a huge success! The students worked hard, spoke a lot of Spanish and ate a lot of rice and beans!! They came home with suitcases over 50 pounds (shh, don’t tell the airline), lots of stories and a spot in their hearts reserved only for their host families. Although many students were ready to come home for some of their favorite American foods and to see their families, they weren’t quite ready to leave the beautiful sights that they began to expect in such an amazing country. For the 2007 group (parents & students), please post your comments here and for anyone considering such an exciting adventure for their students or their own children, please read the BLOG and feel free to post any questions!
I was so pleased for Rachel ( my daughter ) to have this opportunity. She came home with so many stories and memories. She shared some things she challenged herself with that I wouldnt have thought she could do…ie A BUNGIE JUMP!!!! The photos were awesome, postcard perfect for most… I only recommend that any future student take pictures where you clearly know they are abroad. Finally, I am glad to know she felt comfortable with her host family to call them MOM and DAD, that made all the difference. We will forever be grateful to the chaperones and host families. If the opportunity would arise again, there would be no question… take the trip.
Michelle Randolph-parent
I think that the ILASO program to Costa Rica was one of the best experiences of my entire life. The things I learned being in another culture will have an impact on me forever. Being immersed into a new culture and language helps you to appreciate your own language and culture even more. I learned to appreciate the things that I have taken for granted by just being a citizen of the United States. My host family was amazing and they treated me like I was one of their own. I would suggest that anyone who has the opportunity to go on this trip to definitely do so.
I was so pleased that my son Greg was able to go on this trip of a lifetime. We knew that it would be a great opportunity for him. He had so many great experiences. He was able to improve in Spanish skills and also take in the culture. His host family was great and he was a very good match with them. We were never worried about him and knew that he was well taken care of. He is anxious to return to Coasta Rica again in the future.
Cindy Roberts
Going to Costa Rica was a really good experience. The people there are so friendly, and from what I heard everyone seemed to love his/her family. I know that I really miss my family, and will continue to email them. ILASO took us to some beautiful places in Costa Rica like Arenal and Limon. Living with a spanish speaking family, makes you communicate and my spanish improved so much in only a month. Tico time got frustrating every once and a while, but I would definitely recommend the trip to others.