Hi, I'm Aubrey, and my journey started in March when I first arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica. I went through intesive training with my new friends, improving my Spanish, learning about the Tico culture, and building upon my teaching skills. In the U.S., I had just graduated University and was substitute teaching in preparation for my volunteer service.
Ever since I learned about Peace Corps in middle school, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I have always had a love for helping others! I never thought I would become a teacher, as I had originally applied for the Youth Development sector, but Education is were I was needed most and I have learned to love my job. I have always appreciated how important teaching is and how underappreciated many education staff are. Education is vital for communities, but I never realized how important ESL (English as a Second Language) classes can be outside of an English speaking country. Learning English in Costa Rica is becoming increasingly important for secondary education and job advancement. This is unfortunately due to the economy's dependence on toursim. However, the government of Costa Rica is looking to become more globally recognized and is hoping to gain a bilingual country status by 2030.
That is where I come in as an English volunteer. I am here to help my students develop a basic understanding of English early on. I have only been in Costa Rica for six months now and at my site for three months, but I have fallen absolutely in love with the country's culture and people. I live with a host mom, with my host abuela, cousins, uncles, and aunts very close by. I love to sit on the porch birdwatching and having cafecito (designated time in the day between lunch and dinner for coffee and cookies/bread) with my abuela and host cat, Sirilo. There are many different kinds of parrots and toucans living right in my backyard!
Thank you so much for listening to my little introductory story and I hope to write again soon! Have a great rest of your day and please enjoy your time with your family and tell your teachers thank you for all that they do for you! Pura Vida!
Peace Corps Volunteers like me live and work side by side with community members around the world, collaborating on locally prioritized projects, building relationships, exchanging cultures and knowledge, and helping transform lives for generations. Learn more by clicking here.
