CROSSROADSCROSSROA DS Language StudioÊs Newsletter March,
March , 201
20 1 3The country is, despite
being one of the smallest,
the most economicallyCosta Rica translates as "rich developed of the Central American countries
coast” in English, and any visitor and the economy is stimulated by many
tothe beaches or around this part of immigrants from other Central American
the tropics would agree that this small countries, particularly Nicaragua. It iscountry in Central America is blessed with estimated that between 10%-15% of thea wonderful abundance of natural beauty population are from neighbouring Nicaragua.
and wildlife.
The currency is the Colon, which takes its
Henson Recording Studios, LA, USA
Costa Rica continually receives awards name from the explorer Cristobal Colon, orbased on the sustainability of its Christopher Columbus as he is more commonly
environmental policies, and is one of the known in English.
leading
eco-tourism
Costa Rican food revolves
destinations
onthearound the main staples of riceplanet. In 2009 the Newand beans. "Gallo Pinto" is theEconomics
Foundation
traditional
breakfast,
rankedthecountry,
consisting of eggs, rice andoriginallyknownasbeans. "A casado" is commonly
Tiquicia, as "the greenest
eaten for lunch, and is acountry in the world" as well
variation on the same theme,as "the happiest nation on the planet". The but including pork, chicken or beef in place oflatter title was re-awarded in 2012.
the eggs, and a fried banana to go with it.
Costa Rica is one of the few countries in Both meals can be found for a few dollars, but
the world to have no standing military. As cheap food is difficult to come across. Manya result, it hosts the headquarters of the products are around the same price or even
United Nations' University of Peace.
more expensive than in the USA, while theThe largest city, San José, was average income in Costa Rica is considerably
established as the capital in 1824. Taking lower than in the United States.
over from the old capital Cartago, theThe country attracts many volunteers, whopopulation of San José has grown to come to work to help protect the endangeredaround 300,000, while the metropolitan wildlife. Sea turtles and sloths are amongarea has over 2 million. Every August those that find their habitat threatened bythere is a pilgrimage from the new capital the development of the country.
to the old, called La Romeria, whereArticle by Craig
approximately half
the population ofthe entire country
travelthe22
NET LESSONS: Are you too busy to come tokilometres by footCROSSROADS?....Try our lessons on the Internet!
to visit a statue ofSITE OF THE MONTH:
You can find the “happy planet index” home page here:
the Virgin Mary.
Ponoramio National Theatre San Jose

http://www.happyplanetindex.org/

Joshua Says: “Time marches on”, as is often said, and here we areagain in spring, the season of most changes. The rooftop garden isstarting to bloom and on sunny days we can even sit outside. Whata contrast to only a few weeks ago! With change and new growth
there is always progress and I expect to see this in the coming
months here at Crossroads with many new experiences for us all.

Junko Says: Learning English while working in a specific field is a greatidea. I know of a good way to do this and travel at the same time! EF has
Internships and Volunteer programs available. You can get involved in afield that interests you while you develop your new language skills
overseas. You’re not paid a salary and it’s only part-time, but what agreat opportunity! Check in with me in the office for the details.

Matthew Says: Spring is here so I can walk my dogs in the sunshine.
We like to walk along the river and watch the ducks and cranes
gracefully stroking the surface of the water with their paddles as theylift off before swooping up into the air to look down on us as we trot
along aimlessly and listlessly wondering what all the fuss is about.

Craig Says: Over the course of this month, I will be saying
farewell to you all, and at the end of March, to Matsuyama. I am
leaving to take up a new position in a university in Hyogo prefecture
which will begin delivering degree courses in English in 2015. It has
been a pleasure to teach you all and I hope you continue coming tolearn with the Crossroads team for many years to come!

Mars etait le Dieu de la guerre Romain. Il est
represente par un bouclier et une lance, ce qui forme le symbole
tres connu des males. Mars est aussi une planete de notre systeme
solaire. Les scientifiques pensent actuellement qu'il existe encore
de l'eau liquide souterraine sur Mars. Et peut etre, des bacteries.
Arnaud Dit:A Working Holiday Visa isissued to encourage young
people to experience
different cultures throughtravel. You can travel,
work and live in a numberof countries that issue
these visas. They include
the United Kingdom,
Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, Ireland, France,
Germany, Denmark,Norway, South Korea, Hong
Kong and Taiwan. In thecase of the U.K., this visa
is good for 2 years
instead of the usual oneyear.
Also, for those who justwant to visit, a Japanesecitizen can go to most EU
countries for 3 months
without even requiring avisa! Again, in the case ofthe U.K., you can go visafree for up to 6 months.

Well, OK, Cookie is not Professor
exactly apet, but if you are thinking ofMatt’s
havingamazinga pet that will stay with you
for aexperimentvery long time, you might
thing
about getting a parrot like Cookie.
Cookie lives at Brookfield Zoo inChicago now, but he is actually anAustralian“Major
Mitchell’s
Cockatoo” given to the zoo in 1934!
That’s right, in 1934 when he wasonly 1 y/o. He will be 80 this month!!
…You can tell he’s old by his bald
patch…
He’s an inspiration for those whowant a “friend for life”, and a parrot
might just be that for you!

Crossroads is affiliatedwith EF who have a very
well organized world-wide
program supporting
Working Holiday travellers,travellers for study orjust travellers.
If you are interested ingetting a working holiday
visas, or want to study
overseas, or just travel,
ask Junko in our office andshe can help you with yourplans.

Don’t forget… Our SPECIAL 1+1 Campaign offer! Up to 50% off!!
See our notice board, or ask Junko in our office, for the details.

Phone: 0120-21-7594
T el: (0 89 ) 921-7 595
Fax : ( 0 50) 3791 -7083
E- mail:in fo @cr ossr o ad sco .co m
W eb Site: www. cr o ssro ad sco . co m