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ALSO
IN THIS ISSUE Life Down Under Word Power Doggone Helpful Greetings from Costa Rica Taking Technology into Account(ing) Lucky Fall CurricuNet Chancellor's Column Development News Factoids Newsmakers Accomplishments
by faculty and staff… |
Greetings from Costa Rica Hobnobbing with a Nobel Peace Prize winner and visiting active volcanoes were typical activities for the 32 community college students who spent the fall semester studying in San José, Costa Rica. City College professor Ternot MacRenato and Mesa College professor Diane Barbolla accompanied the students from area colleges on the program sponsored by the San Diego and Imperial Counties Community College Association Study Abroad Consortium. During this multi-level learning experience, students and faculty from both countries built special lifelong friendships. Assigned to host families, the students enjoyed a typical Costa Rican lifestyle. From engaging in native customs and sharing local cuisine, Costa Ricans showered students with hospitality. Costa Ricans also shared a genuine outpouring of sympathy, solidarity and friendship for the U.S. in the days following Sept. 11. With picturesque beaches available and no classes on Fridays, students made good use of long weekends surfing and exploring. Excursions included a trip to the active Arenal Volcano and to Manuel Antonio, a national park noted for exotic wildlife. In the forefront of protecting its rainforests, Costa Rica has a significant number of wildlife sanctuaries. “With so many beautiful natural wonders, it is easy to see why this country is the largest tourist destination in Latin America,” MacRenato said. Costa Rica is also home to a large population of expatriate Americans. Of particular relevance to MacRenato’s political science students is the country’s political system, with its active Democratic and Republican parties. The Tico Times, the local English language newspaper, is regularly filled with lively letters from debating party members, and it featured an article about City College’s visiting students and faculty, according to MacRenato. “At the National Legislature, we listened to legislative debates and had the unique opportunity to interact with two major presidential candidates and members of Congress,” he said. Although filled with much beauty, Costa Rica also has its host of serious social problems, including domestic violence, alcohol abuse, poverty, illegitimacy and suicide. “City College students certainly had their eyes opened to both the beauty and richness and the politics and poverty of one of the most beautiful countries in the world,” MacRenato said. “As a professor, I can offer no greater lesson than to urge students to continue their global exploration.” . |
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