Costa Rican Woman Enjoying
Her visit
By Kurt Backscheider, Cincinnati.com
Jennifer Helmers never forgot about the family who welcomed her into
their home when she studied Spanish in Costa Rica.
Now the Price Hill resident is returning the favor by providing
their daughter, Karol Villalobos Villegas, a place to stay while she
studies English.
"I went to Costa Rica several years ago and I stayed with Karol's
family while I studied at a language school down there," Helmers
said.
"We've kept in touch this whole time."
Villegas, who also stayed with Helmers when she first visited
America 13 years ago, said she came to the states around
Thanksgiving to experience the American holidays. She originally
planned to visit her aunt in Boston after the new year and start a
job, but the job fell through.
When the plans changed, Helmers invited Villegas to continue staying
at her house so she could keep studying English at the International
Family Resource Center until her legal residency expires at the end
of May.
"It's a big opportunity for me to spend time with other people and
get to know their culture and customs, and to learn and practice
English," Villegas said.
"It's perfect for me."
While she's here improving her English, Villegas is also helping
students with their understanding of Spanish. Helmers, who teaches
Spanish at St. William School, invites Villegas into her classroom
from time to time to give presentations.
"The students are able to get a first-hand account of the traditions
and cultures of Latin America, and have the benefit of having a
native Spanish speaker available to them," Helmers said.
Villegas said she's impressed with how well-mannered Helmers'
students are, especially after seeing how polite they were when she
cooked them a traditional Costa Rican dinner at Christmas time.
"They are open and eager to learn about my culture," she said.
Helmers said her family has enjoyed opening their home to Villegas
and giving her the chance to experience American traditions like
buying a Christmas tree, sled riding after the big snow storm and
the busy schedules today's families keep.
"It's been great for us and great for my kids," Helmers said.
"Karol is such a fantastic, open and loving person who wants the
best for everyone, and she's so easy to get along with. She really
loves the community and is happy here."
Villegas, who wants to use her new English skills to get a better
job in the travel industry when she returns home, said she is
enjoying her time here as well.
"It's very different from my country, but I love it," she said.
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