Unionville High School Spanish teachers Cindy Pissarro and Laura Shaw are gearing up for an exciting new opportunity for students: a proposed trip to Costa Rica in June 2025. This initiative comes after a previous attempt to organize a trip to Peru fell short due to high costs and limited student interest.

During a recent Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Curriculum and Instruction meeting, Pissarro and Shaw shared insights into their plans for the upcoming journey. They noted that the initial trip to Peru, which included language immersion and service components, attracted significant interest but ultimately only four students signed up, primarily due to the trip's hefty price tag of around $5,000.

Determined to provide a travel experience for their Spanish students, the teachers conducted a survey to gauge interest in various destinations. Costa Rica emerged as the top choice, with students expressing a preference for a summer trip rather than during spring break. The proposed travel dates are set for June 20 to June 28, aiming to avoid conflicts with summer plans.

The Costa Rica trip promises a dynamic itinerary filled with activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, and ziplining, allowing students to engage with the local culture and practice their Spanish in real-world settings. Pissarro emphasized the importance of travel in fostering personal growth and independence among students, highlighting that such experiences can significantly enhance their educational journey.

The teachers are optimistic that this new approach will attract more participants and provide a valuable opportunity for students to explore a different culture while developing their language skills. The proposal is now awaiting approval from the school board, with hopes that this trip will pave the way for future travel opportunities for students.