The Kevin Cessna-Buscemi Global Citizen Scholarship offers opportunities for students who wish to participate in language immersion programs that do not require travel outside of the United States. Applicants choose whether they wish to participate in a Residential setting, in partnership with Concordia Language Villages, or in a Virtual Language Immersion Summer Camp offered by United Planet. This option is available for students who participate in the National Spanish Exam (NSE), the National Portuguese Exam (NPE), or the National Spanish Challenge (NSC).
This year, six KCB Virtual Global Citizen winners from Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kansas and Indiana who are studying in grades ranging from 8-11 participated in a week of fun and interactive sessions with United Planet. During their Virtual Quest, the students got the chance to practice their Spanish while learning about the countries and cultures of our Central and South American neighbors.
The Virtual Quest
July 24th – 29th, 2023
The activities take place from the comfort of the students’ own homes and are conducted via Zoom meeting. A typical day in a virtual quest begins with a morning welcome and a group activity, followed by Language Learning Groups, break time, Whole Group Activities, and a daily wrap-up. The 2023 Virtual Quest Week broke down as follows:
Day One – Welcome!
Students were divided into groups to participate in Spanish interactive games to learn about Costa Rica, and about different greetings in Ecuador through karaoke. Then, they engaged in a whole group cooking workshop that was guided in Spanish and featured a recipe from Peru. Yum!
Day Two
Students were divided into groups to learn about the traditions of Ecuador and the importance of legends and storytelling in its rich culture. They also learned about the basics of Argentinean tango, and some of the basic steps of the popular dance. Later, they went on a guided virtual tour through the botanical and butterfly garden in San José by the Spiroyra Project.
Day Three
Students were divided into groups to learn about the history and culture of the Chane community in Argentina with a mask-making activity, and learn about the origins of the Mexican piñata and how to make a real piñata a home. After their break, the students engaged in a whole group activity to make a Monigote (doll) or better known in Ecuador as an Año Viejo.
Day Four
Students were divided into groups to learn how to make a Columbian twisted wire bracelet. They also learned about the history of Mexican norteño band music – and how to dance it! After break, they participated in a whole group activity to learn about the history and culture of the Argentine barbecue, focusing on how to make typical Argentinean sauces used in Asado Argentino.
Day Five
Students were divided into groups to learn how to make a small Colombian doll, and discovered the importance of dance in Peruvian culture, and even learned the basic steps to some common dances in Peru! After break, they participated in a whole group activity to learn about the popular Mexican festivity of Dia de los Muertos. They learned about the festivity’s historical approach, why and how it is celebrated in Mexico, and the importance of this festivity for Mexican families.
Day Six
Students were divided into groups to learn about Costarrican cuisine and how to make tortillas and nachos. They also got to know the Casa Ronald project in Peru, which offers temporary housing for Peruvian families who need to travel to the city of Lima to access complex medical treatments for their children. Later, they took a “time tunnel” photographic tour of Colombia.
Final Thoughts
Students who participate in our scholarships are encouraged to keep a journal and required to submit a reflection on their experiences.
Student Natalie shared :
Este campamento fue muy beneficioso. Aprendí sobre otros países hispanos y sus culturas. Tuve la oportunidad de practicar mi español y aprender nuevo vocabulario. Disfruté mucho las actividades que hicimos cada día. Conocí estudiantes de otros estados de los Estados Unidos y también de otros países con quienes espero mantener contacto. Mi parte favorita fue cuando interactuamos con un grupo de niños de Perú. Ellos nos invitaron a visitar su país y probar los platos típicos. También me gustó el viaje virtual que hicimos de Costa Rica. Apreciamos la naturaleza y sus bellos paisajes. En resumen, fue una experiencia educativa muy agradable e informativa. Es definitivamente una oportunidad que recomiendo a todos los estudiantes que tengan la posibilidad de participar.
Natalie
