Colegio Francisa Carasco Jimenez

Fostering Global Connections: A Tailored 5-Day Educational Itinerary for Educators to Visit Colegio Francisca Carrasco Jimenez

 

Dear educators,

​

We are thrilled to present a carefully crafted 5-day itinerary designed to foster meaningful connections and cultural exchange between you and the students of Colegio Francisca Carrasco Jimenez. This immersive experience will go beyond typical tourism, offering you the opportunity to delve into the heart of Costa Rican life, rich history, and vibrant natural beauty, while collaborating with fellow educators and inspiring young minds.

 

Day 1: Arriving in Pura Vida

• Warm welcome: Upon arrival in San José, you will be warmly greeted by our team and transported to Guadalupe.

• School tour and introductions: Settle into your accommodations and embark on a tour of Colegio Francisca Carrasco Jimenez. Meet the students, teachers, and administrators, participating in a fun icebreaker activity like a "Find Your Match" game where students and educators share cultural similarities and differences.

• Traditional lunch and cultural exchange: Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch prepared by local families, followed by presentations and performances showcasing Costa Rican traditions. You can even share elements of your own culture through presentations or interactive activities with the students.

• Collaborative workshops: Partner with local teachers to lead joint workshops on relevant topics like environmental science, language exchange, or art education. Share best practices, teaching methodologies, and cultural perspectives through interactive sessions.

 

Day 2: Unveiling the Secrets of Coffee and Nature

• Hacienda Doka: Learn about the intricate coffee-making process from bean to cup through an interactive tour and tasting at the historic Hacienda Doka. Participate in a friendly "coffee cupping" competition to identify different flavor profiles alongside the students.

• Lankester Botanical Garden: Explore the stunning gardens, home to a diverse variety of plants and flowers. Engage in a collaborative scavenger hunt with the students, where clues are linked to local flora and fauna, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.

• Afternoon activities: Choose from options like:

  • Creative writing workshop: Share your expertise in storytelling and writing activities, encouraging students to express themselves creatively through poems, short stories, or collaborative narratives.

  • Science experiment exchange: Partner with students to design and conduct simple science experiments, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment.

  • Sports clinic: Share your athletic skills and lead sports clinics in games like basketball, volleyball, or soccer, encouraging friendly competition and cultural exchange through physical activity.

 

Day 3: Embracing Adventure and Rejuvenation

• White-water rafting: Embark on an exciting rafting expedition on the Sarapiqui River, navigating Class II and III rapids together with students. Build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills as you conquer the rapids, celebrating achievements and sharing laughter.

• Hot springs resort: Relax and rejuvenate at a natural hot springs resort, enjoying the therapeutic waters and breathtaking scenery alongside the students. Participate in yoga or meditation sessions together to further unwind and connect with nature.

• Community service project: Volunteer at a local organization alongside the students, contributing to the community and gaining valuable insights into social issues in Costa Rica. Work on environmental projects, support education initiatives, or assist at animal shelters together, fostering social responsibility and global citizenship.

 

Day 4: A Tapestry of History and Craftsmanship

• National Museum: Travel to San José and delve into Costa Rica's captivating history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Participate in a panel discussion or debate with students and local educators about historical events from both countries' perspectives, encouraging critical thinking and cultural empathy.

• Sarchi Artisan Village: Witness the skill and dedication of local artisans as they transform wood into beautiful crafts. Learn about the importance of cultural heritage and traditional art forms alongside the students through hands-on workshops. Create your own souvenirs like miniature oxcarts or wooden masks alongside your students, fostering shared experiences and cultural appreciation.

• Farewell dinner and cultural performance: Enjoy a delicious local dinner followed by a final cultural performance showcasing traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Students can even perform a piece they created during the workshop with your guidance, celebrating their collaboration and newfound skills.

 

Day 5: Departing with Memories and Connections

• Farewell breakfast and reflection: Enjoy a delicious breakfast and share reflections on your experiences, challenges, and learnings from the program. Participate in a collaborative mural or presentation with the students, summarizing your journey and cultural exchange.

• Certificate exchange and farewell messages: Receive a certificate of participation and exchange farewell messages with the students and teachers. Students can also swap small gifts or handcrafted souvenirs as tokens of their friendship and cultural appreciation.

• Departure: Depart with a newfound appreciation for Costa Rican culture, lasting friendships with students and educators, and a commitment to continued collaboration and cultural exchange. You will carry the spirit of "pura vida" (pure life) and memories that will inspire your teaching and ignite a passion for global understanding in your students.

 

Beyond the Itinerary:

• Joint student council meeting: Facilitate a joint meeting between student councils from both schools to discuss cultural similarities and differences, propose ideas for future collaboration like online exchanges or joint projects, and foster student leadership skills.

• Pen pal program: Establish a pen pal program between students from both schools to foster ongoing communication and friendship, allowing them to share experiences and learn more about each other's cultures beyond the program.

• Social media challenge: Create a collaborative social media campaign using the hashtag #EGEFPuraVida to share your experiences and promote cultural exchange. Students can post pictures, videos, and reflections, showcasing their learnings, collaborations, and newfound friendships.

• Teacher observation and collaboration: Schedule opportunities for educators from both schools to observe each other's teaching practices, share best practices, and discuss educational philosophies. This can spark innovative ideas and inspire improvements in teaching methods.

• Cultural immersion homestay: Consider incorporating a homestay program where educators experience Costa Rican life firsthand by staying with local families. This can offer deeper cultural understanding and forge lasting connections with the community.

• Remember, this itinerary is a starting point and can be customized to fit your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to collaborate with the educators at Colegio Francisca Carrasco Jimenez to create a truly enriching and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

• We believe this program will foster meaningful connections, promote cultural understanding, and inspire a generation of global citizens. We look forward to welcoming you to Costa Rica!

 

We believe this itinerary provides a strong foundation for building meaningful connections and enriching the educational experience of all participating students. We are eager to collaborate with you to tailor this program to your specific needs and ensure its success.

¡Pura Vida!

Empowering Global Educators Foundation