So here we go again. When I returned from Japan in August, I definitely didn't think I would be leaving the country again this soon, at least not on this big or long of a trip. In fact, I left a lot of my travel gear (hiking backpack included) in Minnesota when I moved to Boston for graduate school. Wouldn't need it so why take it when the opportunity cost was something else for school. Right?
Well, wrong.
Let's Start With Some Background...
Within the first several weeks of arriving home (from three years abroad) this summer, I attended a party for my friends Thomas and Elizabeth, whom I both know from working at Concordia Language Villages (and Thomas from Oslo). It was sort of an engagement party, but mostly for CLV people. Well, the story of the actual proposal came up and it turned out to be an interesting one because Thomas was planning to propose to Elizabeth in Rio de Janeiro while they were both in Brazil to work at CLV's English-Immersion camp last January (Hometown Brazil)...but the ring was stolen. The story goes on, but the point is, I heard BRAZIL, JANUARY and CLV in one sentence and immediately (well, after the party, mind you) started to dig in for more info as I knew I'd have January off and I've never been to South America.
I got in touch with the Hometown Brazil Dean, Archie, and after several months (and too many tangent stories to share here), I was offered the opportunity to spend January in Brazil... working for CLV.
A bit more about "the Villages"...
Founded in 1961, Concordia Language Villages (CLV) is a world-language and culture education program whose mission is to prepare young people for responsible global citizenship in our global community.
I spent 5 years as a "villager" (camper) at CLV's German and Norwegian camps, which prompted me to further my Norwegian studies and attend a folk school in Norway for one year. I have familial connections to Norway, as well, but CLV was a huge influence in my choice to return to Oslo to attend the University of Oslo as an exchange student and double major in Econ and Norwegian - yes, Norwegian - at St. Olaf College. I also ended up working at the Villages as a counselor, business manager and credit teacher. Including the time I spent volunteering at the Minneapolis Intl Airport, this will be my 8th year on staff!
CLV has immersion-based summer programs in 15 different languages, including English. The Village I will be working at, as mentioned, is called Hometown Brazil. I will have about 10 days to explore Rio on my own before meeting the dean and staff in Sao Paolo, where the camp is held, but once I arrive at the Village, I will be working as a Counselor Mentor (what we call "core staff" or "staff counselor" at the Norwegian Village) and will probably also get to teach some English classes.
Hometown Brazil
In addition to the CLV connection, I am really looking forward to getting to work with kids and apply some of what I have learned in my bilingualism and education classes this past semester. I am currently doing a Master's degree in the education school at Boston College, but as I am not a candidate for licensure (I plan to attend law school next year), I don't have a practicum or any real time in the classroom outside of the rare observation session here and there for a paper. I've definitely learned a lot about the research on what works for language retention and different tools to use with ELL students... so this is sort of my chance to practice it (like a mini-practicum). And hopefully it helps the students. Can't wait.
Before the Program - Rio & New Years 09
Right now, it looks like I'll be staying at a place recommended by a girl who did a Fulbright in Brazil, near Ipanema. Sounds like a safe, cool spot... and I love the song. After that, I was planning on staying in the same area, but have been absolutely amazed by the insane New Year's Rates ($70 for a mixed dorm room bed, 4 day reservation required - everywhere!), so I found a homestay in a trendy neighborhood called Santa Teresa. I'll have my own room, the host seems nice and the house is gorgeous. The area seems very enchanting (word is it's a "hipster paradise" with a lot of "artsy people"). Perfect.
I am technically moving out, away from where the big New Years party will be for the homestay, but I think that could be a good thing. For one, they estimate THREE MILLION people will be there. The fireworks are supposed to be amazing. The music is supposed to be great. Everyone wears white. But at the end of the day (or night.... or even morning, in this case), I think it'll be a good thing to get into town, meet some people at the hostel and then have a place to retreat to (literally) once I've had enough of the crowds and night at the party. Considering I'm doing this trip solo, precautions are probably a good thing and Santa Teresa is cab-able.
Updating this blog
As mentioned, the camp itself will be held in Sao Paolo. January is the middle of summer in Brazil (hence, summer camp), but it's also the rainy season and I guess the internet at my site will not be reliable ("especially during the rain"). So not sure how much I will be able to update. BUT, I am sure I will have a lot to tell about Rio de Janeiro, where I will be staying for about a week and a half prior to the start of the trip.
So, until next time...
Not surprisingly, I'm writing a lot. It's late and I should get to bed but I will definitely update with more information as it comes and I have a feeling there will be a lot of encounters, observations and general thoughts to share once I hit South America. Forty countries under my belt and five years actually living abroad, but I've never been to South America... yay for firsts :)
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