NCC-In-Costa Rica 2018

          The musical talent emerging out of Costa Rica deserves international recognition equal to its caliber.  From gypsy-folk band Passiflora led by Mariana Echevaria, indie pop band Los Waldners, garage rock trio Las Robertas, and instrumental rock band Niño Koi, to big-name singer songwriter Debi-Nova, there's an abundance of modern talent gaining traction domestically that is ready to make its breakthrough on the international stage.                        One group that has come to my attention recently is the psychedelic funk, blues, reggae, and rock inspired fusion band Cocofunka.  The band consists of singer Javier Arce, keyboardist Gustavo Gutierrez, guitarist Nacho Páez, bassist Reynaldo Escobedo, percussionist Ricardo Machado, and drummer Jaime Nowalski.       ...

         Are stereotypes a completely negative influence on cross-cultural interactions?               Before reading this week’s assignment from our class textbook Maximizing Study Abroad , I was under the impression that while stereotypes don’t always hold true, they possess some validity because they are always derived from a truth that describes some individuals within a cultural group.                          However, it has become clear to me that although stereotypes may possess some validity, relying on stereotypes to serve as primary information creates a barrier preventing genuine interactions between ourselves and others; doing so tends to sort people into categories and highlight differences instead of similarities.        ...

             During our class’s BAFA BAFA simulation, I was assigned to be a Betan as part of the Beta culture.   Learning the Beta culture was fairly straightforward.   Using sets of cards distributed to every Betan that were then traded among all Betans, we needed to collect numbers 1-7 of a particular color in order to score points for ourselves.   In order for a successful trade to happen, it was important to negotiate a deal that satisfied both trader’s needs.   However, we could only communicate using a simple verbal system that from the English-speaking perspective may have seemed repetitive, rhythmic, and even nonsensical, coupled with a small set of response-oriented body movements.               Once we were asked to leave the security and familiarity of Beta culture to experience Alpha culture, a myriad of social challenges emerged. ...