What inspired you to work for Instituto Estelar Bilingue?
Before teaching Spanish at Estelar, I worked as a receptionist and then as an entertainment specialist for kids at a five star resort. I was inspired to teach Spanish at Estelar to have a stronger impact on people's lives and help them achieve their dreams. I also wanted to be part of one of the best Spanish schools in Costa Rica.
Graduation day is always exciting!
Why do you do what you do?
I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world who come to Estelar to study Spanish. It is rewarding to transmit my knowledge of Spanish and Costa Rican culture to my students and help them learn a new language. I love teaching Spanish because I get to interact naturally with my students and make new friends.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My students tend to be really motivated and a pleasure to teach! My favorite part of my job is definitely being able to work with them and see their quick results in Spanish. I also really enjoy teaching Spanish to kids because we play a lot of games and have a lot of fun.
The cooking classes are interesting and a lot of fun!
What are some current projects you are working on?
I have been editing our Spanish books and writing lesson plans for all of them. There are 15 books, so it is a big job, but I like being able to review all of the material and make it better. I have developed new activities for the students to practice the grammar concepts, and this has challenged me to be really creative. I also recently developed an extracurricular activity of Latin music appreciation for the Spanish immersion program.
I had a great time teaching intensive Spanish in this couple's home at Pez Vela Beach!
What makes Instituto Estelar Bilingue special?
Instituto Estelar Bilingue is special because it helps an organization for kids called Club A. This organization provides weekly activities for the kids to help them succeed in school, and it also gives them a very special Christmas, "Dia de niño" party, and all their school supplies. I personally have had the opportunity to volunteer at Club A, and it's always a satisfying experience seeing the kids so happy, enjoying the activities.
Why should someone choose Instituto Estelar Bilingue over competitors?
I think that students should choose Estelar over other schools because the location in Liberia is great! Liberia is a peaceful, safe, walkable, and close to beaches and national parks. It also has an international airport. Also, Estelar is special because the classes are interactive and small, and there are extracurricular activities to practice Spanish in different contexts. For example, I love taking students to the local farmer's market, which is one of the activities, and teaching them about our tropical fruits and vegetables.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
One question that students often ask me is, "Why are there so many irregular verbs in Spanish?!" I smile and say that every language is the same: there are easy and difficult aspects. They also ask me about the words that have several meanings, for example, "mañana" means tomorrow AND morning. Again, I point out that the word "like" in English has many different uses. I tell them that I'm sorry: I didn't invent the language, I only try to teach it! Sometimes you just have to memorize things.
I loved teaching these women in the Spanish immersion program!
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
I think it's essential to learn a different language in order to have better job opportunities. For example, I have learned English because it is indispensable for finding work here in Costa Rica. All the best jobs require English! Many of my students - doctors, nurses, nutritionists, social workers, teachers, politicians, business owners, charity workers - from North America have told me that they have to learn Spanish for work, so learning a language is important everywhere.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
For people thinking about coming to Costa Rica, I recommend they learn at least basic Spanish to be able to interact with the people and experience our culture in a rich way. They should visit our gorgeous beaches and wear lots of sunscreen because the sun is strong here! They should visit the "sodas", our restaurants that have homemade, traditional Costa Rican food. Everyone should try "gallo pinto" and drink with the fruit called "cas." Also, for those who drink alcohol, I recommend a special shot we have called "chiliguaro" and of course our national beer, "Imperial."
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel involves learning a new language, embracing a new culture, and meeting the people. For example, with Instituto Estelar, our Spanish students (of all ages) usually stay with a local family and live like they do. This provides them with an authentic experience, as well as lots of Spanish practice. I think this is more meaningful than staying at a resort and not interacting with the locals or learning about our beautiful culture.
