Costa Rica Program
For more information on the Lincoln School itself, visit: http://www.lincoln.ed.cr
For information on student teaching in Costa Rica, contact:
Dr. Andrew Mullen (Department of Education)
Westmont College
955 La Paz Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
805-565-6165
amullen@westmont.edu
Listen to what teachers say about their experience in Costa Rica:
Celebration of Teaching
"When I first decided to come to Costa Rica to student teach in a seventh grade English classroom at an international school, I wasn’t sure what I was in for. I anticipated the semester being difficult, far from the comforts of home and things familiar, but I told myself that it would be a priceless cultural experience, and that teaching at an international school would in turn teach me valuable lessons about providing for the needs of students who come from an entirely different background than my own. My expectations proved correct, but in different ways than I could have imagined.
While the semester has been challenging, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The challenges I’ve dealt with have been welcome ones, shaping and honing my skills to make me into a better teacher. Beginning student teaching, I wanted to serve my students well by helping them realize their gifts and giving them tools to use those gifts effectively. But as I got to know each of my many seventh graders personally, this desire grew, and I in turn realized what a challenging feat I had ahead of me. I loved Alessandra’s insight, Antonio’s creativity, Daniel’s warmth, and Ariana’s zest for life, but how to develop these, how to put them to use in the classroom? The tougher the challenge, however, the sweeter the victory; each beautiful student-written poem, each profound comment during class, even the quiet smiles as understanding dawned were jewels rewarding much effort and thought and spurring me on towards still more success.
Although my students call me “teacher,” at times I wonder if they don’t teach me as much as I teach them. Growing up in an international community, these students are greatly aware of the diverse world around them and ready to embrace and appreciate the contributions of those with different backgrounds. Recently we have been working on an interdisciplinary unit focusing on “learning from those who are different,” during which our class visited a center for adults with mental disabilities. I was amazed by my students’ reactions: their openness, their friendliness, and their eagerness to understand and learn from those whom they may otherwise have avoided or misunderstood.
Teaching students in Costa Rica has been a priceless experience, not only for living and working in another culture and dealing with language barriers, but perhaps more so for the ways I have developed a passion for serving my students’ diverse needs and the way my time here has in turn opened me to learning from my students. As my host mother Rosa says, I continue to give “gracias a Dios” for this gift he has given me. "
Heather Cochran '09
Lodi, CA
"From the beginning, I heard such wonderful things about Mrs. Anne. We exchanged get-to-know-you emails and she even sent me an attachment of a sample writing activity she completed with her students. They wrote a creative story as a class about a dinosaur named Synoni who always knew lots of synonyms. The writing was very impressive, which made me even more interested and excited to see how she taught.
Some things about Mrs. Anne:
Well, some of the first things I learned about her were from her students. They told me about how she wears funny socks and how she doesn’t believe in gender separation, and that she loves chocolate. Though these are true statements, I would like to add another important fact. Mrs. Anne has a passion for reading and writing and wishes to pass on that same passion to young children. She has all kinds of ideas to motivate children to write well and have fun doing it. As far as reading goes, the children always moan when we say that directed independent reading time is over.
One of my favorite parts of being in Mrs. Anne’s class is memorizing poems and singing songs with the students. Each week we learn a new poem or sing a new song. The kids enjoy making motions and performing them for other teachers. As well, we both like laughing at the funny things kids do or say. Just the other day a student asked Mrs. Anne for some scissors. In the few seconds it took Mrs. Anne to grab the scissors and start to hand them to this student, the student found a magnetic box with paperclips in it and started playing with it completely zoning out all other noise. Mrs. Anne had to say his name a couple times before getting his attention again to take the scissors.
I’ve learned a lot of helpful skills to help children read and write well that I hope to use in my own classroom someday. I’m extremely grateful for the time Mrs. Anne has spent with me on a personal level and an academic level."
Deborah Pope '09
Glendale, CA
Buenas Tardes! My Name is Courtney Ochs and for the past four months, I have been living the most incredible adventure while doing my student teaching in Costa Rica. Not only have I been working at an amazing school, but I also have been living the dream traveling throughout this beautiful country. Monday
through Friday, you can find me at Lincoln International school spending the day with 22 English-learning 5th graders. I’ve been working with my wonderful mentor teacher, Nancy Carr, who has been an incredible resource and support for me. Nancy is originally from Michigan, but has now lived more years in Costa Rica than in the States. She also was the Assistant Principle at Lincoln for eleven years, so she has a wonderful sense of how Lincoln operate. We have been working very well as a team this semester, and I believe our students truly enjoy having us around. They are goofy and crazy, but I love the joy they bring to my life. One of my favorite experiences has been taking my students to science camp in San Carlos, Costa Rica. I learned more about each student and about being a supervisor and a leader in three days than I have for most of the semester. We had a wonderful time together and truly bonded as a class. Besides trips like San Carlos, my students and I have also been having a wonderful time together in class. I love seeing the excitement they get from participating in meaningful and fun activities. While a majority of my free time is now dedicated to lesson planning, I know it is all worth it when I see how happy they are to do something different. The Lord has truly blessed my time here in Costa Rica and I am so grateful for that. When I’m not at school with my students, I am most likely traveling and experiencing the rich culture of Costa Rica. Although I miss my family and friends in Santa Barbara, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. As we say here in Costa Rica, Pura Vida -- Life is Good!!
Courtney Ochs '09
Orange, CA
"Everything in Costa Rica is “Pura Vida.” The phrase is used in the same way that we might say “Yeah, this is the life!” or “Life is good!” Many foreigners interpret it to be an expression of relaxed living and casual friendliness; the epitome of polychromic culture. Literally, it means “Pure Life,” but colloquially it has much greater connotations. Costa Ricans use “Pura Vida” to express an attitude of optimism, perseverance, celebration, and community. I’m blessed to say that this effectively describes my student teaching experience here in Costa Rica. As any student teacher could tell you, a teacher’s attitude shapes the whole day for the class. I’m thankful that I have been given such an exceptional class of fifth graders who absolutely radiate joy and love for each other and for me as well. They welcomed me into their classroom with arms opened wide, and we have not stopped teaching each other since then. As you might expect, some days have
been more trying than others, and this is when I am learning to persevere in all situations. My mentor teacher, Mitzi Orozco, has helped me enormously by sharing about her own experiences as a new teacher and offering her support and advice. My students have both filled my heart with insurmountable joy and exasperated me to no end. Through it all, the Pura Vida attitude which permeates the very fibers of my students’ school uniforms has been my constant companion. The Lord says to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). To me, “Pura Vida” embodies these instructions. So rejoice, my friends. And Pura Vida."
Sage Johnson '09
Orinda, CA
I would recommend the Costa Rica program to any student teacher looking for an experience that is nearly impossible to find in the United States. I have had an amazing experience and I am thankful for the opportunity to have been able to do this. To any student teacher looking to grow in his or her teaching, awareness of the world, and aptitude in teaching English Language Learners: I believe that the student teaching program at Lincoln School is where you want to be.
The teaching abroad experience is one that I will take with me no matter where I teach. By teaching a majority of English Language Learners, my ability to execute lesson plans has dramatically improved. I’ve become more aware of the language that I use and the confusion that English can cause in a classroom with English Language Learners. My experience here has forced me to be more creative and inventive with the delivery of my lessons, and has positively affected the means by which I assess learning in the classroom.
Kendra Sakuda '08
Seattle, Washington
Teaching at Lincoln School (in Costa Rica) was a great opportunity for me. The school has many resources, excellent students, and a great professional environment. The training that I received there in regards to teaching English Language Learners was phenomenal. I learned how to teach the students, coming from their point of view. It has now become second nature to me to explain words that may not be familiar to my students. I also learned about my students’ culture and its implications in my classroom.
Kimberley Bennett '08
Santa Barbara, California