Costa Rica Frika

28/10/2024

Want to bring some warmth into your home this winter? Costa Rican students will be visiting and staying with host families in Verona, Edgerton, WI Dells, Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc, and Lexington, OH Jan. 15th-29th.
If your family would like to host please join us TOMORROW (Oct. 29) at 7:30pmWI / 8:30pmOH to find out more.
Info and mtg link at bit.ly/hostingexchange
¡Pura vida!🇨🇷🇺🇸

21/10/2024

Want to bring some warmth into your home this winter? Costa Rican students will be visiting and staying with host families in Verona, Edgerton, WI Dells, Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc, and Lexington, OH Jan. 15th-29th.
If your family would like to host please join us TONIGHT at 7:30pmWI / 8:30pmOH to find out more.
Info and mtg link at bit.ly/hostingexchange
¡Pura vida!

14/10/2024

The high school exchange is back! Costa Rican schools will be visiting Verona, Edgerton, WI Dells, Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc, and Lexington, OH Jan. 15th-29th. Students are hosted by local families that can provide a bed, meals, transfer to/from school and have an interest in learning about CR culture.

If that sounds like your family please join us at the virtual host family info meeting this Tuesday (tomorrow) at 7:30pmWI / 8:30pmOH.

More info and meeting link at bit.ly/hostingexchange

¡Pura vida!

07/10/2024

The high school exchange is back! Costa Rican schools will be visiting Verona, Edgerton, WI Dells, Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc, and Lexington, OH Jan. 15th-29th. Students are hosted by local families that can provide a bed, meals, transfer to/from school and have an interest in learning about CR culture.

If that sounds like your family please join us at the virtual host family info meeting this Wednesday at 7:30pmWI / 8:30pmOH.

More info and meeting link at bit.ly/hostingexchange

¡Pura vida!

30/09/2024

The Costa Rica HS Exchange is back! CR schools will be visiting Verona, Edgerton, WI Dells, Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc, and Lexington, OH Jan. 15th-29th. Students are hosted by local families that can provide a bed, meals, transfer to/from school and have an interest in learning about CR culture.

If that sounds like your family please join us at the virtual host family info meeting this Thursday at 7:30pmWI / 8:30pmOH.

More info and meeting link at bit.ly/hostingexchange

¡Pura vida!

30/09/2024

The Costa Rica HS Exchange is back! CR schools will be visiting Verona, Edgerton, WI Dells, Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc, and Lexington, OH Jan. 15th-29th. Students are hosted by local families that can provide a bed, meals, transfer to/from school and have an interest in learning about CR culture.

If that sounds like your family please join us at the virtual host family info meeting this Thursday at 7:30pmWI / 8:30pmOH.

More info and meeting link at bit.ly/hostingexchange

30/04/2024

With the US school year coming to a close followed by a highly anticipated summer exchange, the exchange program is beginning to look ahead to next school year's exchanges.

Join us for an info meeting on Thursday, May 2nd at 8pm central time at https://meet.google.com/vgr-biwp-xuv to find out how you can get involved in hosting an exchange student in January 2025 or being hosted in Costa Rica in summer 2025.

If you live near/in Verona, Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Elkhorn, Edgerton, WI Dells, Oconomowoc, Kewanee IL, or Lexington OH you'll have the opportunity to host and/or exchange to Costa Rica. More schools to be announced soon...

¡Pura vida!

26/04/2024

When we're not all things Frika or Costa Rica, we're pro cultural exchange. Check out this opportunity to host a spanish student this summer if you're within driving distance of Madison, Milwaukee or Chicago.😀

11/03/2024

While schools are preparing to host in Costa Rica this June it is never to early to start planning for 2025. Join us this Wednesday for an informational meeting on how your school can get involved in the Costa Rica exchange hosting in January and/or traveling in summer 2025.

Meeting is open to all US students, parents, teachers and administrators.

Costa Rica Exchange 2025
When: 7PM Central / 8PM Eastern Time, Wednesday, March 13th
Where: https://meet.google.com/vgr-biwp-xuv

¡Pura vida!

06/02/2024

Hi Everyone! The English Conversation Group is back! Registration is currently happening at bit.ly/eccvirtual with virtual groups meeting Mon-Thurs evenings for 4 weeks starting Feb. 12th.

The conversation groups is a space where non-native English speakers can practice their English with a Native English speaker. It is not an English course, however you will learn new things!

We hope you'll join us. ¡Pura vida!

24/01/2024

Through Costa Rica Frika, students from Costa Rica have been staying with some of our MHS families and are getting to experience what winter life is like in Wisconsin. Today, they gave presentations to Spanish classes at Lake Denoon Middle School and shared what it’s like to go to school and live in Costa Rica. Thank you to our host families for welcoming these students and for showing them some of our Wisconsin and Muskego pride!

12/12/2023

Embark on a Cultural Journey! Host a Costa Rican Student in Wisconsin! 🇨🇷🌐🇺🇸

Hey Wisconsin Families! 🏡

Get ready for an extraordinary high school exchange that's all about sharing cultures, making lasting friendships, and creating unforgettable memories! 🎉✈️ Our Costa Rican students are eager to explore Wisconsin, and we're on the lookout for warm-hearted host families to make this cultural exchange a reality.

We are looking for host students/families fromKettle Moraine Lutheran, Slinger, Muskego, Mukwonago, Stoughton, Edgewood, Monona Grove, Dodgeville, Mt. Horeb, WI Dells and New Prague Minnesota schools.

📬Pen Pal Exchange Highlights:
Through our pen pal exchange between our student ambassadors, it's clear that the excitement is mutual! Costa Rican and Wisconsin students are buzzing with anticipation to dive into each other's worlds, discovering the richness of culture through music, food, dance, and games. 🎶🍲💃

Culinary Adventures Await…
Costa Rican students are looking forward to savoring the flavors of Wisconsin, from the deliciousness of Culvers to the joy of bowling and the thrill of shopping at a mall. Meanwhile, Wisconsin students are thrilled to introduce their Costa Rican friends to local favorites and create memories over shared meals.

Fun-Filled Activities!
From attending basketball games to exploring aquariums, our students are eager to immerse themselves in new experiences and make the most of this cultural exchange. It's not just about sightseeing; it's about sharing laughter, creating bonds, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

How Can You Be a Part of This Adventure?
We're looking for families in Wisconsin who are ready to open their hearts and homes to our Costa Rican students. Share your love for your hometown, create a welcoming space, and embark on a cultural journey that promises to be filled with joy and connection.

Ready to Host?
If you're a Wisconsin family excited about languages, cultural exchange, and creating lifelong connections,
sign up to host visiting students from Jan. 17th - 31st 2024 at bit.ly/hostingexchange

04/12/2023

Excelente oportunidad para cualquier persona con ganas de mejorar su ingles. Sobretodo los que van o van a ir de intercambio en el futuro!👍🇨🇷🇺🇸

Si Ud. perdió la matricula para los grupos virtuales, todavia hay chance entrar y aprovechar de las reuniones que quedan. 😀

Tambien seguimos matriculando para el campamento de ingles para adolescentes que es el sabado 9 y 16 de diciembre de 9am a 12pm en el Hostel Sabana por el estadio de San Ramon.

Todos los lideres son hablantes nativas de ingles y se están capacitando para convertirse en profesor@s de ingles.

Toda la info en bit.ly/eccvirtual ¡Pura vida!

28/11/2023

🌟 Host an Unforgettable Cultural Experience! 🌟
Looking for a meaningful way to connect your family with a vibrant cultural exchange? 🌎
We are currently seeking enthusiastic families who are interested in hosting our wonderful Costa Rican students during their visit. This is a fantastic opportunity to open your home to a student from a different culture and create lasting memories for your family.
We are looking for host students/families from Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Slinger, Muskego, Mukwonago, Stoughton, Edgewood, Monona Grove, Dodgeville, Mt. Horeb, WI Dells and New Prague Minnesota schools.

Join us tonight at 8pm for an informational meeting about hosting. Meeting link at bit.ly/hostingexchange students travel with their school and stay with families Jan. 17-31st.

¡Pura vida!

28/11/2023

After discussing the challenges they face and what helps them the most in their language-learning journeys, the conversation moved on to whether!

During this week's pen pal exchange, the student ambassadors from Wisconsin shared photos of the snow from this past Sunday, while the student ambassadors from Costa Rica showcased bright and sunny landscapes! ❄️☀️

28/11/2023

Unlock the world through language! Host a Costa Rican Student and Dive into Cultural Exchange! 🇨🇷🇺🇸

Hello Language Enthusiasts and Wisconsin Families! 🏡

Are you ready for an exciting high school exchange that goes beyond borders? We're thrilled to connect Costa Rican and U.S. students, and we need your help! We're on the lookout for amazing host families to welcome our Costa Rican students!

We are looking for host students/families from Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Slinger, Muskego, Mukwonago, Stoughton, Edgewood, Monona Grove, Dodgeville, Mt. Horeb, WI Dells and New Prague.

Let's explore the beauty of language learning through our insightful pen pal exchange between our student ambassadors.

Pen Pal Wisdom:
Learning a new language brings its challenges, whether it's Spanish or English. Our students have shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of practicing with native speakers. As language learners, they've faced the difficulty of finding patient conversation partners and navigating the fast-paced dialogue of native speakers.

Language Learning Journey:

Challenges:
Finding patient practice partners can be tough.
Native-speaker conversations can feel overwhelming due to the rapid pace.
Different dialects pose a unique challenge.
Regional slang terms add an extra layer of complexity.

Keys to Success:
Practice, Practice, Practice: Persevere in your language learning journey.
Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in the language through connections with native speakers.
Diverse Conversations: Embrace the variety of dialects and slang, making your language skills versatile.

How Hosting Can Make a Difference:
By opening your home to a Costa Rican student, you're not just sharing space; you're providing a unique opportunity for language immersion. Your family becomes a supportive environment for practicing English, creating bonds that help overcome language challenges.

Ready to Take the Leap?
If you're a Wisconsin family excited about languages, cultural exchange, and creating lifelong connections,
sign up to host visiting students from Jan. 17th - 31st 2024 at

Please join us for host family info meetings at https://meet.google.com/vgr-biwp-xuv at 8pm on Nov. 28th. Missed a meeting or want to review? See https://youtu.be/9x7JlSBB4_Q?si=gRO175PZ-YjhwZs9

25/11/2023

¡Los grupos de ingles conversacional están de vuelta para una ultima sesion de 2023!

OJO: Mañana es el ultimo día de matricula para los grupos virtuales 😱

Habrá 2 oportunidades:

1. Grupos virtuales 2 horas por semana durante 4 semanas (inicio 27 nov).
2. Campamento de ingles presencial (San Ramon) el sabado 9 y 16 de diciembre para colegiales.

Toda la info en bit.ly/eccvirtual

Contribucion: 8mil/oportunidad con el derecho de llevar a un/a amigo/a sin costo adicional. O sea, 2x1!

Ambas oportunidades son guiadas por hablantes nativos de ingles enfocandose en conversaciones y actividades dinamicas para poner el ingles en practica. También para desenredar sus dudas como la de la imagen abajo:

¡Pura vida!

21/11/2023

Embark on an Adventure of a Lifetime! Host a Costa Rican Student in Wisconsin! 🇨🇷🤝🇺🇸

Hey Wisconsin Families! 🏡

Host a student in your home during the Costa Rica Exchange Jan. 17th - 31st 2024! We're on the lookout for amazing host families to welcome our Costa Rican students! CR students stay with local students, attend the host school, and go on field trips to learn more about U.S. culture. Host families provide shared or private rooms, meals, and transportation to/from their high school.

We are looking for host students/families from Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Slinger, Muskego, Mukwonago, Stoughton, Edgewood, Monona Grove, Dodgeville, Mt. Horeb, WI Dells and New Prague.

As part of this cultural exchange, let's explore the exciting pen pal insights that connect Wisconsin and Costa Rica!

📬🌟 Pen Pal Exchange Discovery:
Beyond the borders, our students have been sharing the wonders of their favorite places in their home countries. Let's delve into the breathtaking places and exciting activities awaiting our Costa Rican friends in Wisconsin and vice versa!

🌆🧀 Wisconsin Wonders:

Madison: Students love to experience the vibrant capital city with its array of museums, a free zoo, and a bustling farmer's market. You can’t miss the iconic University of Wisconsin-Madison and the stunning Capitol building.

Wisconsin Dells: Students immerse themselves in the natural beauty of glacier-carved sandstone formations, nature trails, and thrill-filled water parks.

Devil's Lake State Park: Students are eager discover the awe-inspiring geological formations and hiking trails that make Wisconsin a nature lover's paradise.

🌴🌺 Costa Rican Charms:

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: Students enjoy diving into the rugged rainforest, relax on white-sand beaches, explore coral reefs, and witness the rich biodiversity through tropical plants and wildlife.

Monteverde: Students traverse the enchanting cloud forest, unveiling the beauty of Costa Rica's ecological diversity.

Limón: Students bask in the sun at this spectacular city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant cultural scene.

Interested in hosting? More info at bit.ly/hostingexchange

¡Pura vida!

20/11/2023

Two weeks in your home, forever in your hearts!
Host a student in your home during the Costa Rica Exchange Jan. 17th - 31st 2024!
CR students stay with local students, attend host's school and go on field trips to learn more about US culture. Host families provide shared or private room, meals and transportation to/from their high school.
We are looking for host students/families from Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Slinger, Muskego, Mukwonago, Stoughton, Edgewood, Monona Grove, Dodgeville, Mt. Horeb, WI Dells and New Prague.
Join us tonight at 8pm for an info mtg at https://meet.google.com/vgr-biwp-xuv
More info at bit.ly/hostingexchange
¡Pura vida! 🇨🇷🇺🇸

17/11/2023

We’re excited to join on November 17-19 for . Come to booth 4031 to learn about our high school group travel/host exchanges, volunteer experiences and teach abroad opportunities.

Enter our drawing for Costa Rica goodies including 2 nights at a beach villa🤯. Drawing at 4pm Saturday. ¡Pura vida!

14/11/2023

Cultural Exchange Opportunity! Host a Costa Rican Student in Wisconsin! 🇺🇸🇨🇷

Hey Wisconsin Families! 🧀🌽

✈️ Our friends from Costa Rica are eager to experience the vibrant culture of Wisconsin, and we need your help finding amazing host families!

We are looking for host students/families from Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Slinger, Muskego, Mukwonago, Stoughton, Edgewood, Monona Grove, Dodgeville, Mt. Horeb, WI Dells and New Prague.

As part of the program, some students will also engage in an exciting pen pal exchange, where they'll explore the cultural nuances between Costa Rica and Wisconsin. Here's a glimpse of the delightful contrasts in food culture between these two vibrant places.

👫 Pen Pal Exchange Insight:
In both the United States and Costa Rica, food is a delightful reflection of diverse tastes and regional influences. While meat and potatoes are staples across both cultures, there's a world of culinary exploration awaiting our students!

🍔🍟 Wisconsin Flavor Highlights:

-Indulge in classic American fast food with hamburgers, french fries, and sodas.
-Savor the taste of Wisconsin at Culver's, featuring cheese curds and delectable frozen custard desserts.
-Dive into the Friday tradition of fish fry, complete with fried fish, potato pancakes, cole slaw, and rye bread.
-Don't miss out on Wisconsin's signature sausage and cranberries!

🍚🍌 Costa Rican Culinary Adventures:

-Wake up to a Costa Rican breakfast favorite, "Gallo Pinto," a delightful mix of scrambled rice and beans topped with the famous Lizano sauce.
-Experience the rich flavors of a traditional "Casado," a plate filled with white rice, black beans, fried plantains, fresh vegetable salad, and your choice of meat.
-Embrace the staple of Costa Rican cuisine – tortillas!

☕🌴 And of course, coffee lovers rejoice! In Costa Rica, coffee is not just a drink; it's a way of life! ☕🌴

By hosting a Costa Rican student, you're not just opening your home but sharing the heart and soul of Wisconsin's culture.

🏡 Interested in Hosting?
Don't miss this chance to immerse your family in an unforgettable cultural exchange! Embrace the joy of learning about another culture firsthand, right from the comfort of your home.

Sign up to host visiting students from Jan. 17th - 31st 2024 at bit.ly/hostingexchange

¡Pura vida! 🇨🇷🇺🇸

08/11/2023

🌟 Host an Unforgettable Cultural Experience! 🌟

Looking for a meaningful way to connect your family with a vibrant cultural exchange? 🌎

We are currently seeking enthusiastic families in the Wisconsin area who are interested in hosting our wonderful Costa Rican students during their visit. This is a fantastic opportunity to open your home to a student from a different culture and create lasting memories for your family.

We are looking for host students/families from Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Slinger, Muskego, Mukwonago, Stoughton, Edgewood, Monona Grove, Dodgeville, Mt. Horeb, WI Dells and New Prague.

As part of the program, some students will also engage in an exciting pen pal exchange, where they'll explore the cultural nuances between Costa Rica and Wisconsin. Here's a glimpse of the delightful contrasts in holiday celebrations between these two vibrant places:

Christmas Traditions: While both regions embrace the spirit of gift-giving and festive decorations, the culinary delights diverge. Wisconsin delights in savory ham or turkey, paired with scrumptious sides and decorated sugar cookies. In contrast, Costa Ricans savor the rich flavors of pork tamales wrapped in green plantain leaves, accompanied by pan de negro and pan bon. Plus, the vibrant Christmas fireworks add an extra touch of magic in Costa Rica!

🎃 Halloween Fun: Halloween is a well-loved celebration in Wisconsin, complete with creative costumes, trick-or-treating adventures, and spooky pumpkin carvings. Haunted houses and scary movie marathons add to the thrill. While our Costa Rican friends also enjoy dressing up, religious beliefs shape a different approach to this festive occasion.

Don't miss this chance to immerse your family in an unforgettable cultural exchange! Embrace the joy of learning about another culture firsthand, right from the comfort of your home.

Sign up to host visiting students from Jan. 17th - 31st 2024 at

Please join us for host family info meetings at https://meet.google.com/vgr-biwp-xuv at 8pm on Nov 7th, 15th, 20th, 28th.

01/11/2023

Did you have a hard time deciding what to wear today, especially with the quick shift to the cold weather? This is something students at Laguna don’t spend so much time thinking about as they go to school wearing uniforms in a tropical climate!

🇺🇸❄️🥶
🇨🇷🏝☀️

That being said, they do have to spend more time inside because of their longer school days from 7:00 a.m. - 4:10 p.m. compared to Mukwonago students who are in school from 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

This is one of the many differences that our student ambassadors have uncovered while getting to know each other before students from Laguna visit Mukwonago on Jan. 17th-31 for Winter Exchange!

Sign up to host visiting students at bit.ly/hostingexchange

30/10/2023

Host a student in your home during the Costa Rica Exchange Jan. 17th - 31st 2024!

CR students stay with local students, attend the host school and go on field trips to learn more about US culture.

We are looking for host families from the following schools/communities: Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Slinger, Muskego, Mukwonago, Stoughton, Edgewood, Monona Grove, Dodgeville, Mt. Horeb, WI Dells and New Prague.

Join us today at 8pm for and info mtg at https://meet.google.com/vgr-biwp-xuv

More info, including an exchange opportunity TO Costa Rica at bit.ly/hostingexchange

¡Pura vida! 🇨🇷🇺🇸

24/10/2023

With high temperatures 80 degrees year round Costa Rican exchange students are excited to experience the cold and snow of January in the Midwest.

If you want to be responsible 😎 for that experience the consider hosting an exchange student Jan. 17-31!
We are looking for host families from Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Slinger, Muskego, Mukwonago, Stoughton, Edgewood, Monona Grove, Dodgeville, Mt. Horeb, WI Dells and New Prague.
Join us this Thursday at 8pm for and info mtg at https://meet.google.com/vgr-biwp-xuv
More info, including an exchange opportunity TO Costa Rica at bit.ly/hostingexchange ¡Pura vida! 🇨🇷🇺🇸