Trading Places with the Bribri

This year two Bridge students participated in an intensive English camp called JumpStart with the indigenous Bribri in Sepecue.
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The aim was to provide support, offer lesson planning, and to help with organization. They were able to experience the day to day life of Bribri students during their summer vacation.

After their week there, they returned with three Bribri students and the JumpStart student organizer.

​They came to experience the average week of a Bridge student. They visited internships, went on cultural and weekend activities, played soccer, participated in weekly meetings, and cooked alongside community members.

​Here are some comments from the Bribri about their experience with the exchange:

​"It was nice to have them visit in Sepecue, because they helped us with pronunciation and organization/preparation for classes. There were able to give us a lot of ideas to make our classes more engaging.  After the camp, the shy students were a lot more confident with speaking."

"I like how everything was organized. I've never had a set schedule like this.  The guys were friendly and receptive to us, and they made us feel at home. "

And some comments from Bridge students about the exchange: 

​"It's been nice to connect on a less formal basis. We still have goals with our relationship, but each day to day experience has deepened our connection."

"It was difficult but rewarding in Sepecue. This year the JumpStart program was led by former students, which led to opportunities for improvisation and learning for the new teachers."

"It's been nice to spend a week with the people I taught with. The week in Sepecue and the exchange with them here has allowed us to build a strong friendship."