Students Explore Culture With Visit to Costa Rica

Pura Vida! Six Mount Vernon High School students recently returned from a cultural excursion to Costa Rica with Señora Dulce Nunez, Spanish teacher at MVHS. They immersed themselves in the culture and language, learned about and experienced new customs, and had fun exploring a different country.

“As an IB World School, we are committed to developing globally minded learners. Opportunities like the Costa Rica trip allow our students to live the IB mission, to explore new perspectives, embrace cultural diversity, and grow into compassionate, informed global citizens,” said MVHS Principal Dr. Pauline Pearce.

Most of the students on the trip had taken Spanish at MVHS, so the trip provided an educational benefit, with language immersion being one of the most effective ways to learn another language.

“I definitely know more Spanish than I did before,” said Destiny Adair, a rising senior at MVHS.

Some of the students, including Destiny, also went on a trip to Paris last school year. MVHS encourages students to have a wide view of the world, and the Costa Rica trip was promoted to students throughout the school year. These trips provide students with a fun and unique experience, enhancing their classroom learning and broadening their outlook.
“I want to travel a lot when I grow up,” said Destiny. “Combining these two trips really shows you how expansive the world is and how much more there is to see out there.”

To help with the cost of the trip and activities, Ms. Nunez sold popcorn and water as well as recycling bottles and cans.

“I love travel because it has made a big difference in my life and opened my eyes,” said Ms. Nunez. “They can practice the language, they can see the different cultures, they can learn a lot and that can change their mind in many different and good ways.”

During their stay, Costa Rica celebrated “Anexión del Partido de Nicoya a Costa Rica,” so students were able to see their cultural celebration up close. They witnessed parades of horses in the streets as well as Costa Ricans wearing cultural attire.

“I feel like I learned a lot about the culture and the cultural norms,” said Destiny.
“When we were traveling on the road, I got to see really the environment of what most of the people from Costa Rica live in,” said Dorien Sangster, another rising senior on the trip.

“I got to see what other people’s lives looked like. Everywhere we went, we saw different kinds of animals and plants.”

Students also learned about the economics and daily life in Costa Rica. They went on guided tours with a group of five other schools, and their guides explained various aspects of the country and life in Costa Rica. They also enjoyed activities such as kayaking, visiting a volcano and exploring nature.

The trip opened students’ minds to more travel, and they are already thinking about the next trip they can take, with Peru being a popular suggestion.

“They asked me, ‘Ms. Nunez, where are we going next year?’”