A Day in the Life of a Costa Rican Schoolchild

Location and Environment

• Country: Costa Rica, located in Central America.
• Language: Spanish.
• Flag: Red, white, and blue.
• Natural Beauty: Rainforests, mangroves, beaches.
• Climate: Tropical, hot, and very humid.
  • Annual Rainfall: 635 cm.
  • Comparison: Over five times more rain than the UK.
• Wildlife: Includes turtles, manatees, crocodiles, jaguars, sloths, monkeys, lizards, and tropical birds.

Demographics

• Population: 4.8 million.
• Children: 1.1 million.

Education System

• School Start Age: 5 years old.
• School Leaving Age: 18 years old.
• Typical Subjects: Similar to UK education.

Escuela de Goli

• Location: Metina, Limón.
• Community: Many families work in agriculture.
• Student Count: Approximately 100 pupils.
• Daily Routine:
  • Start with assembly.
  • School days: Monday to Friday.
  • Daily Duration: 7 hours.
  • Class size: 20 pupils.

Student Profile: Alison

• Age: 10 years old.
• Commute: By bike or walking.
• Parents' Occupation: Work on a banana plantation.
• Lunch: Healthy meals consisting of rice, beans, chicken, and fresh produce.
• Favorite Subject: Physical education, with a passion for football.

Importance of Learning English

• Seen as a crucial part of education.

Ambitions

• Alison aspires to speak English fluently or become a doctor.

Cultural Exchange

• Invitation to consider how to introduce Alison to a school in another context.