Perspectives from students on Spanish Immersion Semester Outward Bound

I liked learning Spanish with a local Spanish teacher instead of my high school teacher who doesn’t know how to pronounce her own work. I liked the routine of everything. I really enjoyed going to class every day, and I enjoyed my freedom. I liked all of the other activities we had while going to classes, like going to the movies in Spanish. The hiking was a lot of fun. I loved the physical challenge of hiking. It was nice doing something that made me feel tired. I enjoyed the homestay with the Zamorra family at the start of the course. It helped me remember all of the Spanish I had already learned.

John Chandler
18, Texas, USA
Spanish Immersion Adventure, Spring 2006

I learned a lot of Spanish. It was sweet. The food is muy muy RICO! I wouldn’t change a thing. The hiking was physically challenging. Hiking is not my fav, but it’s cool. I loved Flor’s house and my homestay. I loved the people there so much. I learned much more Spanish during my homestay than in a month of school. The canopy was amazing: really cool. The tree climbing was fun and I love the rafting. Surfing was sweet, I can stand up now. Kayaking was the most challenging part of the course.

Kendra Koach
18, Washington, USA
Spanish Immersion Adventure, Spring 2006

I love being a part of the OB family, and it makes living and learning here a lot easier. My Spanish is getting a lot better. It’s really coming a long now. I’ve got a good foundation. During the surf phase, I spoke nothing but Spanish. That was cool. School was nice. It was nice to go to school with my group. The dancing classes were fun. The instructors gave us a lot of choices and left the options open. I liked the freedom. Kayaking was the best part. I wish it was longer

David (Lawson) Patton
21, Virginia, USA
Spanish Immersion Adventure, Spring 2006

Spanish is coming along. I have to push myself hard and practice. I can understand everyone most of the time. I just need more vocabulary. I learned the majority of the Spanish I speak now at the homestay. That was my favorite part. The family was great. They took us in as part of the family. It was nice helping out with the cooking, cleaning, and milking cows. Just being there was great. I want to go back. But school is good. I LOVE THIS BASE! The staff is always helpful and listens. Being here is the most I’ve heard “yes” ever - it’s spectacular. I liked having something to do after classes, like going to a movie and playing soccer. The soccer game was really fun. The rafting was so much fun, I loved the canopy tour, and the volcano was beautiful. Carlos & Dunia are awesome, so chill, great cooks, and fun dancers. They’re great instructors! I liked not feeling pressured by the instructors. I got to learn at my own pace. I didn’t feel rushed. I loved camping on the beach. It was all beautiful.

Pamela Pettit
18, Pennsylvania, USA
Spanish Immersion Adventure, Spring 2006

The best thing about the SIA was going to school and having the weekends to look forward to. Every weekend we did something interesting, and the homestays were amazing!!!!!!

Pura Vida,
Seth
Spring 2006 SIA Student

The SIA experience was unbelievable and once in a lifetime; challenging in every way – physically, emotionally, and at times it challenged my patience, but I learned from it all.

Cheers,
Clark
Spring 2006 SIA Student

My homestay family was amazing. They treated me as a daughter but gave me the freedom every 20 year old enjoys. They were my favorite part of Costa Rica!!

Pura Vida,
Sharon
Spring 2006 SIA Student