The Beginning of My Story

I've never really been much of a writer but this experience is too crazy not to share with the world.  My daily struggles as a Gringa in this Tico society are interesting, eye-opening frustrating, but above all entertaining.  The roommate loves to write and has convinced me that sharing my experiences will be healthy and help me make sense of everything happening in my life.  Through this blog I hope to share what it's like living in Costa Rica and perhaps help anyone looking to travel or move here.

So here's my story......

I began this adventure in November by taking a TEFL/TESOL certification class in Barva, Heredia, Costa Rica. I did a home-stay so I was able to get a brief introduction into the Tico lifestyle.  Through this course I got a teaching certification, mentors, couple new friends, a boyfriend, and endless stories.  If you are interested in learning more about TEFL/TESOL certification click HERE.

Following certification the job search began.  After sending off countless emails I received a job offer from the Caribbean School in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica to be their 5th grade English and Science teacher.  I was excited to finally have a solid idea of what I was going to be doing.....or so I thought.

The first year of teaching is difficult in any school but I feel especially blessed to experience my first year in a foreign country and at a bilingual school.  I've been here for almost 2 months now and it seems like no time has passed at all, but I do feel slightly more prepared everyday.  I'm slowly figuring out how this teaching thing works, and everyday there is a new challenge that I have to overcome.  Keeping a positive attitude and telling myself it's okay to fail has been helpful.  I tend to try and do everything perfectly the first time, not realizing that if it's not perfect that just means there's room to grow.  Things are done differently here and that's something that I have to get used to.  I can't tell myself "well, we should do it this way 'cause that way is best." The different culture is hindrance but also allows for experiences not possible in the States.  I'm learning and the students are learning.  What more could I ask for?

The story continues.......