It was interesting to go back and think about my time volunteering. Since I was planning to go into museum education, the time I spent at the the organization certainly helped me learn valuable skills that I could put into use when I worked as an Education Coordinator for a local museum after graduation.
However, I would definitely say that the self-reliance and ability to self motivate were the best skills I picked up. It was difficult walking into a highly professional and busy organization knowing that I didn't have the language skills to participate as fully as I would want. The support of the wonderful staff at ISA made all of the difference and in the end I felt like I had done something worthwhile.
Sarah Gamble - University of Maine, Orono
San José, Costa Rica - 8-week ELAP 2007
My experience in Costa Rica was one of the best times of my life. Specifically, volunteering broadened my views on global healthcare. Currently, I am in medical school in Fort Worth, and I have no doubt that my volunteering experience is one of the main reasons I was accepted. Fort Worth has a large Spanish speaking population, and my prior exposure to medical Spanish with the ELAP program has been invaluable every time I've volunteered at a free health clinic with school. I was also very humbled by my volunteer experience in Costa Rica. During my last few weeks at the placement, I traveled with a few nurses to the most poor communities I've ever seen. Interacting with these people only further solidified my desire to help those less fortunate, specifically by providing healthcare.
Thanks again, and thanks to ELAP for providing me with the amazing opportunity.
Natalie Scharlach - Texas Christian University
San José, Costa Rica - Fall ISA + ELAP 2007
My ELAP experience in 2009 definitely has impacted my current life in many ways! After the program, I realized that volunteering is something that I want to do for a longer period of time. I work now as an AmeriCorps member in Boston doing a year of service. My teaching experience in San Jose enabled me to get my job now as a teacher in 3 schools in Boston teaching conflict resolution to students in grades Pre-K-8. One of my schools is a bi-lingual Spanish school, and I know that my experience in Costa Rica truly improved my Spanish speaking skills enough so that I feel comfortable teaching in Spanish now.
Kate Gasparrini - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
San José, Costa Rica - 6-week ELAP 2009
My experience abroad with ISA and ELAP has led me to want to do more volunteering/traveling abroad, especially in Latin America. At home here in Lawrence I am now getting involved in helping with ESL classes, by providing childcare during them and I would love to become a conversation partner next semester as well. I loved my time abroad and can't wait to plan my next adventure!
Leslie Gustafson - University of Kansas
San Jose, Costa Rica - ISA Summer 3 + ELAP 4-week 2010
Ironically enough I am in Spain teaching English now so my experience with ELAP affected me immensely. After returning from volunteering with the ELAP program I tutored English to low-income families through the AmeriCorps program and then worked various jobs after that using the Spanish skills I'd gained during my time in Costa Rica. Just this year I found a scholarship to teach English for the year in Spain and jumped at that opportunity. It's similar to the ELAP program, in that it's assisting a teacher in the classes, the difference being with this program you receive a stipend to live on your own and the scholarship is for the school year. Back in 2006 I decided to do ELAP on a whim, because I had just graduated from college with a journalism degree and was unsure what to do with my life. I only knew I wanted to improve my Spanish. Going to Costa Rica turned out to be the perfect decision, though my parents didn't think so at the time of course, because I got placed in a school teaching elementary students and, though challenging, I loved my experience and learned so much about Costa Rican culture, about Spanish and about teaching. Thus I'm grateful for my ELAP experience.
Victoria Kelty - University of Nebraska, Lincoln
San José, Costa Rica - Intensive Month January + ELAP 2006
Costa Rica was an amazing time for me and I thoroughly enjoyed my work there! I learned to do phlebotomy at the clinic which I then applied immediately upon my return to the US and became a lab assistant! I then worked as an MA and added those amazing experiences to my application to medical school, where I am now.
Glenna Martin - Skidmore College
San José, Costa Rica - 10-week ELAP 2007
Spending time in the clinic provided me with valuable interactions with medical professionals and patients, helping to affirm my interest in pursing a career in medicine. I met some great people through my experience at the clinic, and I still keep in touch with friends I made during my time there. ELAP was, by far, one of the most incredible aspects of my study abroad experience in Costa Rica.
Michael Caciolo - The College of New Jersey
San Jose, Costa Rica - ISA Winter 1 + ELAP 2010
I have enjoyed the feeling of independence in another country as well as the opportunity to experience the culture, daily life, and people of another country.
Julie Hetcko - University of Nebraska, Lincoln
San José, Costa Rica - Summer 2008
Great experience and opportunity for personal growth. Thank you!
Karla Ippolito - Arizona State University
San José, Costa Rica - Summer 2008
I have learned more than I ever thought I would. Now I feel confident with my Spanish as well!
Amanda Schwartz - University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
San José, Costa Rica - Summer 2008
I got to interact with a lot of patients, doctors, and nurses from whom I learned a lot about hospitals, medicine, and patient interaction.
Andrew Luckett - University of Kentucky
San José, Costa Rica - Summer 2008
Do it. You will meet some awesome people and get to see how things work in another country and another culture, the behind-the-scenes look.
Andrew Luckett - University of Kentucky
San José, Costa Rica - Summer 2008
