Last Wednesday I led my very first Intercultural Communication Workshop with the volunteers at GVI Quepos. To start things off, we imagined looking out at Manuel Antonio National Park, a scene we are all familiar with. Then, we practiced looking at that scene through geological, biological, cultural, familial, and personal lenses. Once we had an understanding of what we could and could not see with each lens, we practiced using the lenses in relation to our education work in the local communities.

Everyone was interested in exploring their own lens preferences and how that affected what they saw and how they acted on project. Some volunteers even commented on practicing changing lenses throughout the rest of the week.

I’m very glad that this first workshop was a success! Each week, we will explore a new topic of culture, self-awareness, and practical communication skills. Thank you to all the volunteers for being willing and engaged participants!