Saturday, May 5, 2012

Featuring: Au Pair In America in Costa Rica | Photojournalism by Summer Lynn |

So.

This is the part when I pretend like I'm a NatGeo photographer sent on a special expedition on the other side of the globe to document Nature in all its wonder.

Because NatGeo would want none other than me, of course.

Actually . . .
I did get to travel someplace pretty cool with the agency I work for as an Au Pair In America Community Counselor - Costa Rica - where I had one glorious day to make as many photographs as I possibly could. I get the unique privilege of overseeing new au pairs from all over the world (including scenic Costa Rica!) as they adjust to life and learn to thrive here in the United States. These young women are bright, intelligent and experienced child care providers, giving host families an opportunity to offer their children a global education during their most formative years, by learning about the world through the au pair’s culture and customs. And on a personal level, it is so fulfilling to see how these young women's whole lives can be positively altered by the opportunities provided to them through our great program: the American colleges they get to attend, and the valuable work experience they are able to gain by being here in the United States. Au Pair In America is a division of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), which has provided educational and cultural exchange programs for more than 40 years.

(And if you'd like to learn more about

 

the world's most experienced intercultural live-in child care program



just ask me!)

It was a very quick trip, but I am ever so grateful. What a beautiful country! And the people are awesome. I was able to visit InBioParque, the Poas Volcano crater, as well as a picturesque coffee plantation called Tres Generaciones.


I will go back.

Maybe as a real NatGeo photographer.
And if working with young women from all over the planet has taught me anything, it's that . . .

A girl can dream :)

¡Pura Vida!
















                       ↗me!

















3 comments:

  1. Very nice! What's up with the snakes? Were they just around like that?

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    1. thanks Shereen! Ya, I am completely terrified when it comes to snakes. Luckily they were enclosed! The bright green one is poisonous, but the striped one is "harmless". Although, to me, there is no such thing as a harmless snake! ha!

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  2. Beautiful, Summer! I was waiting to see these...thanks for sharing! Costa Rica is a place I definitely want to go one day! You captured the feel, the colors and culture so well:)

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