Bobcat Blog

When you think of a twelve day trip with the same eleven people, you imagine you will go crazy and become frustrated very easily; however, if you are with the right people who have the right attitudes, then the trip will be pleasant and enjoyable for everybody. There are eight students along with three professors on this trip. The professors on this trip are Rachel Chrane, Katherine Logan, and Trudy Morlino. I can honestly say without a doubt, that these were the perfect professors to come! They work so well together! Every time one of us wants to go do an activity, they work together to find the best price, and try to include everybody. For example, one day half the group wanted to go see the prison. Katherine Logan went around asking everybody if they wanted to go, and everybody decided to go except two people. They had the choice which doesn’t happen much when a large group goes on a trip. It is normally the majority wins, but this team of professors does its best to grant everybody’s wishes.

The jail was an experience that was fascinating and I believe everybody enjoyed it. We all had questions, and since not all of us are as experienced in speaking Spanish as Ms. Chrane, we asked her the questions, and she would ask the guard or security officer for us. We had so many, but she did fantastic translating for us. They have done so much already on this trip, and we still have another 5 days here. I would love to come to Escuela Del Mundo again, ONLY if these professors were coming as well. They are the perfect trio and are a blast to hang out with. Class in Costa Rica, and nightly group classes in the pool? I think that will grab everybody’s attention who is contemplating a trip to Costa Rica. PURA VIDA

The SPA 188 class must be examined in two halves, distinct yet intimately related. The first half contained the preparation briefings. This occurred during the second half of the spring semester of 2012. In these semi weekly meetings, the group would meet for roughly an hour and a half and would go over a number of points of information that the teachers felt we, the students, should be familiar with. We were informed of the kinds of documentation we would require to leave the country and the course materials that we would need to study during the month between semester’s end and the day of departure. Equally important, we discussed the safety precautions that would (when properly followed) ensure for a journey filled with pleasant memories only. Secondary to the above, we were made aware of the supplies that would be necessary in a tropical climate: breathable clothes, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and the like. Lastly, we discussed the itinerary (in a relative state of flux) and the necessary accoutrements that extra activities might entail such as hiking boots, jackets, and jeans. It was very serious business.

The second half of the class takes place in Jaco, Costa Rica, 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The group congregates to discuss a particular chapter in Don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements; A book of Toltec Wisdom.” The idea being to get a sense of Central American philosophy prior to colonization. The meetings are held in alternating locations, mostly in and around the pool, although the common area and kitchen are utilized during storms.

Class begins with a series of announcements, followed by a quote by the author, read by Spanish Instructor Rachel Chrane. After this, a summary of the more important concepts and sentiments regarding a particular chapter are delivered by a student. Once I gave the summary, another time it was Cheyenne, another time Courtney, etc.

From there we would go around and each student voices his or her opinions and interpretations regarding the chapter at hand; this would develop into a conversation concerning the ideas and sentiments that proved to be the most controversial or interesting. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, resulting in the most candid discussions that I have ever experienced in an academic setting. Without questions or essay prompts, the ideas flowed freely; allowing students to provide what they felt was valid and noteworthy input. Some even feel comfortable enough sharing personal information that is pertinent to the topic at hand.

I have been in a number of classes throughout my academic career in which a work of literature was discussed in some form of fashion. This was the first time that I’ve ever experienced unanimous input. Everyone had something to say, and everything they said was different, and reflected each individual’s personal interpretation of the material. It is my opinion that a learning experience such as this could not easily be reproduced in an orthodox classroom setting. In fact, it probably couldn’t be done in a room at all. These are unique and remarkable conditions. I shall, for some time now, reflect upon this class as a wholly remarkable academic experience; a kind of experience that I feel more students should be given.

Playa Jaco, Costa Rica is truly a world of its own. Although there is a lot of “American” influence in the city now, six years ago, according to locals, half of the buildings were non-existent. The city itself is beautiful and culturally diverse. Walking down the main street in Jaco, you can look to either your right or your left, see a local surf shop, supermarket or even a soda shop (which down here is just another word for restaurant), and right beside of it may reside one of many Costa Rican souvenir shops.

Referring to Eye-witness Travel, and from personal experience, you never run out of things to do. Night owls, have no worries. Jaco has a country-wide reputation for an exuberant nightlife. To compose a list of things to do is a splendid idea. Take surfing lessons, ride horses on the beach, mountains, or both, go snorkeling, rent ATVs, tour waterfalls, ride zip lines and even feed crocodiles. The list is never-ending. The fun is inevitable.

In terms of food, there are four places that are essential to visit in Jaco. The top one being a great place for breakfast, Pachi’s Pan, an extravagant bakery located on the main street in the city. There you can purchase a sugar doughnut for 500 colones ($1.00 USD) or churros 1 for 200 colones ($0.20 USD). The second recommendation is Big Bamboo Pizzeria, a great place to go for dinner. The pepperoni pizza is sensational and the prices are great as well. The third place for any meal of the day and also a place to eat an authentic Costa Rican cuisine is Soda Garbito. This place has dirt cheap prices for mounds of food, and is located only one block from Escuela del Mundo! The final recommended restaurant is one of the finest tourist attractions and taco bars in all of Jaco, simply named Taco Bar. Their specialty is fish tacos and swinging bars.

Wherever you visit in Costa Rica, make sure to stop in Jaco and make the most of your stay. It is a once in a lifetime experience, where I made memories that will last a thousand lifetimes. My words are simply understatements compared to the sight of beautiful Jaco and far exceed any man or woman’s description of the city. Costa Rica, Pura Vida!

Jaco is known for many things. Along with lively nightlife and fantastic surf spots, tucked away about five blocks from downtown is a hidden treasure, known as Escuela del Mundo. As you enter the gates to the school, you will immediately notice the amazing architecture and the exotic plants that hug each side of the building. Welcome to Escuela del Mundo! You will kindly be greeted by a welcoming staff and a friendly cat by the name of Jasper. The school easily ushers in the “pura vida” motto of Costa Rica, with the open and very Zen-like kitchen. The school made it very easy to make Escuela del Mundo your home away from home.

At the school you are surrounded by flora and fauna even inside of the school. Whenever you’re not admiring the wildlife, or venturing to a nearby Soda for some delicious local cooking, the School of the World has some phenomenal classes taught by some of the best teachers in Costa Rica. While you’re enrolled in your Spanish class, you also can take classes like surfing, yoga and photography. All three harvest the laid back code of Costa Rica, and bring you to a whole new world. While embracing local routines like going to fruit stands or taking a taxi to a nearby beach, you are also given a chance to interact with locals to widen your horizons and learn the land. School of the World is a relaxing and peaceful learning environment that is an opportunity of a lifetime.