My First Week in Costa Rica

By Hannah Gieseket – Guest blogger studying in Heredia, Costa Rica
It's hard to believe that I have already completed one week of classes at the school. Each Friday classes attend a graduation ceremony for those students that have completed their studies whether it be for one week or longer. Each class also takes an exam to see if those that will continue studying will move to the next level. This week was definitely one of getting to know the routine of the school and how the classes would progress. Since I began in the first level it was a lot of learning vocabulary including conjugation of regular verbs. The school not only does classes but offers many other exciting opportunities as well. On Wednesday evening I attended a cooking class that is presented by the mother of the director of Intercultura. Each week she will show us how to cook typical Costa Rican food. This week she showed us how to make "arroz con leche" which is a typical dessert found at birthdays and other celebrations. The class was also another way for us to become accustomed to hearing the language spoken and practice speaking as well. She had us discuss what we had done for the New Year holiday. This is an elective program so there were people there that spoke in many different levels. It was really neat to learn about the food of the culture, as it is another important aspect of life here. I have also been attending the dance classes offered Monday through Thursday. The instructor has been teaching us salsa and merengue. These are partner dances so on Thursday we were able to practice with some of his friends that he brought in. Each Thursday night a group from the school attends a club in San Jose, where we are able to practice dancing and have more exposure to locals. I was not able to attend this week but hopefully I will be able to go next week. My hope is that my dancing will have improved by then as well. I had to attend a meeting for those enrolled in a volunteer program. Joaquin, who is in charge of the volunteer program, wanted us to have a session to discuss culture shock and safety surrounding not only living here but also during our volunteer experiences. It is nice to meet all the other volunteers as well and he has also developed a type of support meeting for those that will have placements.
Last night it was my mama tica's birthday and she a large celebration with many family members. It was really fun to attend her party though everyone spoke so quickly that I could not always follow the conversation. It was mostly ladies in the afternoon and they were really having a great time. I brought her some flowers from a local market for her birthday and her daughter baked her a delicious cake. This weekend many of the students that were in my class are leaving to go to other places to travel or study in other areas. Some of us may try to go out on Saturday evening to see some of the nightspots. It will be interesting to meet new people that will be continuing their studies.