Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for AFS-USA Exchange Students studying abroad, and with good reason! Costa Rica is Spanish for "the rich coast," and you'll discover that it's just another way of saying "paradise." This lush country is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea with 755 miles of coastline. It is also home to proud, friendly, and peaceful citizens, known as "Ticos." Costa Rica is one of a handful of nations in the world that does not have an army! Instead, it spends heavily on health care and education. Families are close and meals typically contain rice, beans, corn, meat, chicken, or fish. You and your new Costa Rican friends will probably socialize in groups, enjoying movies, dancing, parties, or community clubs.

Year and Semester Programs: The school year runs from mid-February through November, with vacations during Easter and July. School uniforms are the norm. Attending school is an integral part of your experience and is the best way to make friends and get to know everyday life as a Costa Rican teen. AFS Costa Rica also organizes interesting trips during your stay, and every October there is a nationally organized Intercultural Festival where AFS Exchange Students represent their countries to host families, volunteers, and friends.

AFS also offers the following programs in Costa Rica:

• High School Semester Summer Departure
• Summer Homestay Plus
• Summer Language Study
• Summer Community Service
• 18+ Semester Community Service

Mention Argentina and people think of solitary gauchos, sultry tango dancers, or maybe Madonna as Evita. Europe's influence is strong in Argentina, from urban Buenos Aires to the nation's passion for soccer. You'll find plenty to explore in Argentina, from first- rate museums, galleries, theaters, and architecture to stunning natural wonders and a variety of landscapes that you will not find anywhere else. The nation's territorial sweep ranges from Iguazu Falls in the steamy northeastern rainforest, to glacier- topped mountains and penguin colonies in the south, to the world-famous broad and fertile plains of the Pampas. Sophisticated and lively Buenos Aires will keep you moving, whether you find yourself strolling down the Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest streets in the world; taking in an opera at the world- renowned Teatro Colon; or sipping mate (a kind of green tea) with friends.

Year and Semester Programs: The school year generally starts in March and runs through December with a two-week vacation in July. Classes are either in the morning or the afternoon, or in the case of technical schools, a combination of morning classes and afternoon practices. Teachers change rooms while you remain with your classmates. Your school will be one of the best places to make new friends in Argentina, and they will quickly help you feel at home. When it comes to sports, soccer, volleyball, and basketball are the most popular. Upon arrival you will have an orientation and introduction to Buenos Aires.

AFS also offers the following programs in Argentina:

• High School Year & Semester Summer Departure
• Summer Homestay
• Summer Community Service
• University Program

Hannah Marré arrived in the Czech Republic this past fall on the AFS year program.

I am writing to you from my new home in Stráznice, Czech Republic. Though it has taken some adventures to get here, I have finally arrived and have begun to settle in as part of the family. I have had some difficulties adjusting to the Czech life style; most obvious of which is the language barrier. Yet, with each passing day, I find myself slowly understanding more and becoming less homesick.

The eight day AFS orientation camp was very fun. I met the other AFSers from various parts of the world who were all staying here in the Czech Republic. At the camp, we learned some basics of the Czech language, played lots of bonding games, and experienced Czech food. Fried meat and cheese, anyone? We all had fun leaning about each other’s cultures, dancing and going to an ice hockey game among other things.

All of my host family members have done their best to make me feel welcome. My grandparents are always ready to give me a hug and a mouth full of sweets. One must beware of grandmothers terribly delicious cakes! Though they know I don’t speak Czech, they are constantly rapidly talking to me in either Czech or German. I have found that the panacea for this is to simply smile, nod, and say “Dobře” (Good)!

The longer I stay here, the more I notice both big and small differences about their way of life and mine. One of the most prominent of these differences is the rule that everyone must change shoes upon entering the home or school. This means we all walk around in the same little sandal slippers. It’s not weird, it’s just different!

I do miss my family and home where things were simpler, but each day I am filled with the excitement of what I might discover. I know it will be over in the blink of an eye, but I don’t want it to go by too fast. Nashledanou, ~Hannah~

Throw a "Send Tom to Thailand" party!

Make sure the invitation clearly explains the purpose of the party so that guests know in advance that they are expected to contribute, even if only a little. At the party, make a speech about your goals for your upcoming experience and set up collection boxes in various places. You might also hold a silent auction at the party with items donated from friends and family.

One AFSer collected almost $1,000 on the evening of her fundraising party!