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Michelle Rhoads: CALL Experience 2010

Michelle Rhoads arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica on January 4, 2010 for 4 weeks of CALL - language and culture study. She lived with Nazarene Seminary of the Americas students during the Intensive courses.
Michelle with one of her new Seminary friends.

She enjoyed her classes, the ministry opportunities, and friendships with students from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Let's learn a little more about Michelle's CALL experience in her own words.

CALL Classes with Professor Gaby and Professor Zeydi:

I could not have asked for a better classroom experience. Both of the professors were fantastic, but each had their own unique approach.

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Anne (CALL student), Michelle and Professor Gaby enjoying a field trip.

I enjoyed taking classes in the small group of three students, but I also loved the individual attention of the one-on-one classes.

I learned so much more in one month with CALL than I did in years of studying Spanish in school in the USA. Life application is the KEY!


Students and Professor Gaby on a fieldtrip with the CALL class to the National Museum.

Ministry in a Preschool:

The Coronado Preschool Ministry experience was very fun and helpful. It caused me to stretch myself and have fun doing it. The children are so precious.

Friendships with Latin Students:

I loved all of my roommates and felt loved by them. They were helpful, accepting and caring and I am so thankful for each one of them.

Travel with a Seminary Student to the North District of Costa Rica:

Going to San Pedro de Poas with my roommates was a blast. I stayed with Andrea's family and they were so sweet and very patient with me. I was in Spanish overload, but I wouldn't change the experience in any way.

Andrea (seminary student), Michelle and Andrea's mother sharing their home in San Pedro de Poas.

Balloon Clinic for Missionaries:

I had a wonderful opportunity to teach a one hour clinic on how to make balloon animals, since I have worked in restaurants in the USA making balloon animals for children. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, which is a great thing! I attempted to explain everything in Spanish and was able to teach the class to the 25 people in attendance.

CALL Travel Opportunities:

I got to spend a weekend at the beach, another at San Pedro de Poas, and one in the city visiting the fruit market and souvenir shops. Lots of fun!

Personal Testimony of Michelle:

After being in Costa Rica for just a few days, I knew that God had a bigger purpose and plan for me than I could imagine. The people here quickly welcomed me and embraced me as one of them, as their sister, their friend. The relationships, experiences and lessons learned here will stay with me forever. I am so thankful for such an incredible experience and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend this program.

I am excited to see how this experience has equipped me for my future, whatever and wherever that may be!