As we prepared to embark on our Costa Ricanadventure, each of us was eager to learn more

about their culture and how their businesses differedfrom those of our own. Unfortunately, as the world enteredinto a global pandemic, our experience was cancelled, leaving

us with no chance to experience what it would have been like to immerseourselves in the culture and fascinating businesses. Deeply saddened by this news, we weren’t

certain how class was going to continue or how we would continue with our poster. After much thought, wedecided that since we couldn’t meet our host Mom’s in person, we would set-up a time

to meet with them virtually. With the help of WebEx, a personaltranslator, and kind people from Costa Rica, we were able toexperience the trip from the comfort of our own homes.After speaking with Olga and Ivonne, our hostMom’s, we learned how this global event hasimpacted them, and gained a glimpse of whatit would be like to truly live the Pura Vida!

Q: We were deeply saddened that our trip to Costa Rica was cancelled. How did it affect you or make you

feel? A: (Olga) Her daughter is getting married soon so, although we are not there with her, she now has more down time to prepare for the wedding. However, the restrictions have had a huge social impact and they were not well prepared to be in the house for

this long. A: (Ivonne) This is sad and frustrating for her. Unfortunately, she had a

student who had to leave early a week and a half ago which made her very upset because she really enjoyed the

company.

Q: How does the homestay experience help you/affect you in your day to day life? Do they make you happier, anxious, etc.?

A (Olga): It depends on the student. They are generally like another family member. It is difficult at first to get acquainted but eventually, they open up and we all have a wonderful

experience. A (Ivonne): There’s been no true

negative impact. However, it is good to share with students because it is often a genuine exchange. In general, as many of the students have expressed, we learn from each other. Now since they are not here, there is a lack of

company, and I miss the students a lot.

The Virtual Experience

Q: Why do you choose to participate in these homestay programs? What’s the

main reason? A (Olga): To share and learn from other cultures and learn about different cultures. She mentions how she views these

experiences as someone coming into their family, and will do her best to keep in touch with students throughout their time in her family. Certainly, there is an

economic benefit to her family which is a main reason for her being in these

programs. A (Ivonne): She has always been a homemaker. Two years ago she got

divorced, and homestay programs provide extra company for her and her kids. She currently has a 24-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son, which creates a nice

environment for them as well because she always loved having this experience for her family while also benefiting economically.

Q: Given the current global pandemic, we’re interested to know how you’ve been affected by COVID-19 in Costa

Rica? A (Olga): Economically, it has been hard. Her husband works two jobs and the

income from his part time job has become very important. So, things have been

drastically different in the way they budget and conserve their resources.

A (Ivonne): She has been without work for two months and these homestay programs have helped create some form of economic sustenance. So, this pandemic has been economically challenging for her.

Q: Where are you employed? What is your current work situation?

A (Olga): Her husband works two jobs while she stays home.

A (Ivonne): Has been without work for two months due to the global pandemic and will likely remain that way for a while.

Q: Are schools still open? If not, how are you currently participating in school? A (Olga): Her son is in high school and is completing school online during the

pandemic. A (Ivonne): She has a daughter and a son. Her daughter is 24 and attends university, currently finishing her classes online. Her son is 15 years old and he is in high school

completing school online.

Q: What is the current state of Costa Rica?

A (Olga): Driving ban starting at 10pm, all public sector jobs are working from home, banks and grocery stores are the only thing open, everything closes at 8pm, and

additionally most commerce is shut down A (Ivonne): Most things are closed.

Uncertainty is one of the hardest parts and not knowing what is to come next.

Q: Why did you choose to participate in this global experience?

A (Lydia): I have always wanted to study abroad because I love traveling and wanted a more experiential and educational trip. I love experiencing new things and learning

about new cultures.

Q: How is COVID-19 affecting the United States economy/life?

A (Lydia): Everything is shut down here, along with most of the world. Life as a student has completely changed as we transition to distance learning. I have also transitioned to working from home for my job at Geico. It’s definitely hard not being around everyone at UB as well as my

coworkers!

Q: What were you planning on doing with us in our spare time together?

A: (Olga) She usually took you to local spots, weekly church, and parks. She loved going to the Farmer’s market to pick out fresh foods and produce

to share with her family and students. A: (Ivonne) very into exercise and staying fit through Zumba and other activities. She enjoys getting the students involved with her and her daughters workout regimen. Additionally, she always enjoys showing students around town, especially to the Costa Rican National theatre and

the local barrio.

Q: What would have learned from us or expected to learn from us during our time together? A: (Olga) In order to learn more it was always important to talk with the students and help them open up. She loves getting to deal with varying personalities and find ways to keep all the students involved in family activities. Through daily meals, she is able to learn about her student’s life and understand their aspirations and goals.

A: (Ivonne) The main thing Ivonne pointed out was the differences she always learns from her students and Costa Ricans. The most intriguing thing she has recognized is that her US students don't wear shoes

in the house which is peculiar in Costa Rica. Also, Ivonne noted the discipline that many of the students exhibit and their willingness to learn

Spanish was commendable.

Q: How do you think this unprecedented situation will affect future experiences like this? Were we the only groups of students that you had coming this spring? Or did you have more students coming

to stay with you? A: (Olga) Of course she is staying hopeful that this will all soon blow over. With her unwavering faith in God and her religion, she prays that one day she will get to meet us all and help us to experience the Costa Rican culture. Unfortunately she was

supposed to have more students come through this semester, but because of the pandemic, it isn’t likely A: (Ivonne) Ivonne had a student with her this semester but had to leave early because of the

pandemic which was very sad. She hopes that soon she can host more students but the future is very uncertain right now. This has had a huge effect on her in terms of work because she uses host experiences as a main source of income.