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Costa Rica Celebrates it’s 186th year of Independence

In 1821, Costa Rica, along with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (the 5 provinces that formed the then Central American Federation), gained their Independence from Spain. News of Central America’s independence arrived in Costa Rica almost one whole month after freedom had been declared in Guatemala (the news did not get to Costa Ricans until October 13th!). Even after the news arrived, Costa Rica did not formally receive its own independence until after a peaceful meeting with the Spanish army on October 29th.

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How did Samareños Celebrate Their Independence?

On Friday the 14th Intercultura, along with the rest of the town of Samara, walked in the typical “desfile de faroles” (parade of lanterns) which began at the public elementary school with the singing of the national anthem and finished in downtown Sámara.

Then, on the 15th, Sámara’s children danced, played in musical bands, and beat the drums, while they paraded through the streets in celebration of their country’s independence.

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Teens in Costa Rica

Intercultura's teen summer program was created in 2006 for 14-17 year olds who want to immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture, learn the language, and explore the country on the weekends. The program is taught by Intercultura's professors, who have designed a syllabus specially for adolescent education, keeping learning fun, productive and very interactive. The activities, excursions and lodging were coordinated by our wonderful teen chaperones, Georgia, Jen, Ashley and Lucie, whose patience and hard work has provided the teens with a safe, diverse and lively immersion experience into Costa Rican culture and the country itself.
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International Culture at the Beach

Throughout the week of July 16th, Sámara Language school was the proud sponsor of both an International book and film fair, as well as a short story appreciation workshop (hosted by Diego Lasso). At each activity throughout the week the school raffled a CD from the very popular
Puntamayo World Music collection. Many locals and students attended the showing of the cult film classic “Betty Blue”, which was particularly enjoyed by the staff currently studying French. In general, the most popular events were the used book sales and short story workshops, where Sámara residents and vistors alike were able to discuss current trends and replenish their libraries with contemporary literature, poetry and other texts from Latin America, Spain and translated international works.
July 2007
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Fighting for a Better Kind of Community Development in Guanacaste

Weekly Beach Clean-up

Gabriela's Friday Beach clean-ups. Every other Friday, after she gets off work, Gabriela from
Intercultura's Sámara campus runs a beach clean-up with volunteers from our student body. So far students have cleaned not only the whole main strip of Sámara's beach, but also the main roads in the town.
April 2007
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A 24 Hour Trip

On August 18th and 19th all of Intercultura’s employees enjoyed the annual trip to Hotel Fiesta in Roble, Puntarenas.

This recreational activity, although short, (it lasts approximately 24 hours) is looked forward to very much by all the staff and personnel of the school. The objective of the trip is first and foremost to unite, under the same roof, employees from Heredia and Samara, and then, to offer a space for friends and partners of the employees to integrate into the school’s life which consists not only of work but also moments of amusement.

This year, more than in years past, the event was very united. We occupied about 45 rooms and those who attended could participate in cultural activities, meals with friends and colleagues, walks on the beach, beach soccer and volleyball, spend time in the pool areas, rest, eat the foods they craved and more.

The weather tried to make the trip a bad one when we arrived on Saturday, it rained from the time we arrived until we went to bed! Thank goodness Sunday was full of clear skies and sun and we all woke up in a good disposition to drink a few cocktails and have the most fun possible.

Día de la Anexión de Guanacaste
(Annexation of Guanacaste)

Marcelo Arroyo, and Alexa Santana, along with all of the

professors from the department organized the celebration of the holiday with an hour of history, contests, music, dancing, and food for students and faculty to enjoy. Students dressed in typical clothing from the region and gave short presentations on the region’s history and cultural traditions to their peers while Marcelo and professor Erica danced the “Punto Guanacasteco” and the “Caballito Nicoyano”.
July 2007
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The Discovery Channel Visits Intercultura

Intercultura will be a part of the upcoming Discovery Channel travelogue program titled, “Passport to Latin America. While at the school, the channel filmed Spanish, dance, and cooking classes given at Intercultura and even followed students and staff after classes to their favorite Salsa hot spot, Castro’s, in Barrio México, San José.

When asked why the program chose to include Costa Rica in the travelogue, a representative from Discovery Channel said that they did so for the same reason many foreigners decide to visit, the friendly people who live here.

Póas volcano, Parque Alajuela, San José, and, Guanacaste were some of the other places visited by the Discovery Channel in Costa Rica. Stay tuned, the program is scheduled to air towards the end of September this year!
May 2007
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El Fortín de Heredia

In the middle of the city of flowers, (Heredia) a mysterious tower greets its neighbors and visitors. The tower lies serene and mature with the marks of time on its foundation,as it remains in the memory of each of its children who have untiringly marched for years in front of it, showing off their best music and clothing.
May 2007
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Festivals and Cultural Celebrations in Heredia


Masquerade Festival in Barva, Heredia

Over the last weekend in March Costa Rican’s and

their visitors had a chance to celebrate the 5th annual masquerade festival in the colonial community of Barva, Heredia.
April 2007
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