The UWinteriM course Spanish for Social Workers immerses students in the language and culture of Central America, preparing them to work with a Spanish-speaking client base in Wisconsin.
Developed in 2009, the course was created in consultation with the California chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Students acquire a functional knowledge of Spanish through 56 hours of instruction (three hours a day). Local site visits relevant to social work practice provide students with the opportunity to examine social welfare issues through a cross-cultural lens.
We asked Social Work Clinical Assistant Professor Dana Riesterer about the study abroad experience in Costa Rica.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Why go to Costa Rica?
Studying abroad in Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture deeply rooted in the “Pura Vida” way of life which is centered on gratitude, community, and environmental stewardship. Through immersive language practice, site visits, and lectures on topics like social justice and human rights, students get a deeper understanding of Costa Rican culture and build the skills to connect with and engage diverse communities in a meaningful way. This trip expands students’ worldviews in ways that textbooks simply cannot — it challenges, inspires, and empowers them to step into the world as a global citizen and future change maker.
Can students from majors other than social work participate in the program?
Yes! We often have students from a variety of majors: social work, criminal justice and criminology, psychology, education, sociology, and public health, among others.
When did the Costa Rica trip start at HBSSW?
The program has been operating through HBSSW since 2009 with a couple year break for the recent pandemic (2021 and 2022). For the first five years, the group went during the summer and for the past eight trips, they have been during winter break (UWinteriM). Since 2009, 123 students have attended this program — including myself as a graduate student in 2010!
This trip expands students’ worldviews in ways that textbooks simply cannot — it challenges, inspires, and empowers them to step into the world as a global citizen and future change maker.
Could you describe more about why you visited Musade, the Kayrós Foundation and the senior day center?
The visits to these organizations within Costa Rica provides students an opportunity to observe different models of social services in action, focusing on marginalized groups such as women, people dealing with drug addiction, and seniors. These agencies allow students to reflect on the diversity of social services available in Costa Rica and their impact on local communities. The models, ranging from grassroots women’s empowerment to holistic addiction recovery programs and senior care services, offer valuable lessons on inclusion, dignity, and social justice.
- MUSADE defines itself as a grassroots women’s organization.
- The Kayrós Foundation has 23 years of experience in providing care to people who struggle with drug addiction.
- Centro Diurno AATEGRE (Asociación de Atención de la Tercera Edad de Grecia) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1994. The senior day center is dedicated to supporting older adults by promoting their overall well-being.