Four university students from MidAmerica Nazarene University and Mount Vernon Nazarene University arrived in March to study Spanish with CALL: Christian Academy of Language and Learning.  In addition, the students completed student teaching requirements of their educational degrees as they worked in a private institution in Costa Rica.

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These four students, Nick, Sydney, Laurianne and Ellen, have enjoyed their student teaching experience with the International Christian School. In addition, they are learning about the culture and language of Costa Rica. They have visited the center of San Jose, the rainforest, the beach and Poas Volcano. They even experienced an earthquake tremor!

This is the sixth year that CALL has provided the student teaching opportunity. It has been a great success and many of the students are now teaching abroad or in cross-cultural contexts.

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Dr. Jill Gonzalez Bravo, Professor of Education at MNU, shares these words concerning the partnership: “MNU is thankful for our partnership with CALL.  The Costa Rican student teaching experience has provided opportunity for candidates to refine global perspectives and professional skills.  Past participants credit the experience to gains in adaptive expertise, the expansion of a mission mindset, and revelation as to how the Lord uses educators to accomplish His good and perfect will throughout the world.”

CALL is pleased that the student teaching program is growing and that Mount Vernon Nazarene University has begun to send student teachers as well.  We look forward to seeing the impact that these young educators will have on their students and communities no matter where they choose to serve in the world.