5 Things to do in:
Atenas, Costa Rica
Cherish the Climate
Neither too hot nor too cold, Atenas boasts one of the best climates on the planet. Rain keeps everything lush and green, but afternoon showers give way to sunshine. There's really no bad time to visit.
Eat local
Atenas is an agriculture-oriented town, meaning it's also a great place to eat. Visit the School of Agriculture to purchase their homemade cheese and yogurt, or check out the big bread store for pastries made fresh daily. For better-than-you've-ever-tasted fruits and vegetables, head to the Friday farmer's market.
Socialize local
"Ticos," as Costa Ricans call themselves, are known for their warmth and friendliness. With a small town atmosphere, Atenas is a great place to experience the "real" Costa Rican lifestyle without feeling too much like an outsider. Start up a conversation while shopping and return every smile.
Observe like an ornithologist
Costa Rica is a paradise for birdwatchers. Grab a set of binoculars and go hiking for some serious birding, or, if you prefer, just wait in the park for the flock of parrots that comes to roost each evening.
Day-trip for days
From Atenas, travelers can reach waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, and biological reserves all within half an hour. Not to mention the capital San Jose, which offers a city's worth of things to see and do.
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WE Summer Photo Contest
 This summer, World Endeavors interns, students, and volunteers all over the world will be participating in our Third Annual Summer Photo Contest! Follow World Endeavors on Facebook to see the great photos our participants submit, and comment on or like your favorites to vote for them! |
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Featured Alumni Profile:
Heather, Study in England
Heather was a junior education major at Vanguard University in Orange County, California when she spent a semester abroad with World Endeavors at Edge Hill College in Ormskirk, England.
With a student body of 10,000, the campus is quaint and relatively small. From the library to the big pond to the campus bar, "everything is within walking distance," said Heather. Even the nearby town of Ormskirk is within a 10-miute walk of the campus. The small town contains some shops, pubs, a grocery store, and a train and bus station, and every Saturday there is a small fair.
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Check us out on Facebook!
Want to see our latest promotions, updates, pictures, and stories first-hand? Want to connect with fellow travelers? Be sure to "Like" our World Endeavors Facebook page. We would love to hear from you!
Find us on Facebook!
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Testimonials
"The ability to work in a different environment and culture develops important life skills such as adaptability, creativity, leadership, and independence."
Rachel, Intern in Spain
"The fruit was amazing! I would stay my entire life to eat that fruit. They have fruit trees in their yard and I really miss that!"
Madelyn, Volunteer in Costa Rica
"This study abroad experience definitely opened my eyes more and gave me a deeper understanding and awareness of other cultures."
Michelle, Study in Thailand __________________________________
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Connect with WorldEndeavors
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World Endeavors
3015 E. Franklin Ave
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406
612-729-3400
866-802-9678
9:00AM-5:30PM CST
www.worldendeavors.com
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WE Picks: Great Travel Reads
When faced with the plane rides, train rides, and bus rides that  inevitably come with travel, one the best ways to pass the time is to delve into a good book.
This month, World Endeavors shares their favorite travel
reads--some for learning more about a specific place, culture, or time period, and others for just getting into the mindset of travel and exploration.
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
- The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris by John Baxter
- Spotted in France by Gregory Edmont
- The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
- Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
- Mountains Beyond Mountains by Dr. Paul Farmer
- Posionwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
- Watership Down by Richard Adams
- Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
"Sometimes it's a little better to travel than to arrive." - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
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Spotlights: Off the Beaten Path
Stepping off the beaten path of travel can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for those who embrace the challenge and opportunity for personal growth. To spark your adventurous spirit, check out this at-a-glance profile of programs you might not have considered at first (but hopefully will now!).
Nepal: "The Roof of the World"
- Agricultural nation with a slower pace of life.
- Volunteer and intern placements around Pokhara--Nepal's third largest city and the jumping off point for treks through the Annapurna range.
- Cultural activities such as watching performances of Nepalese folkloric tales performed through song, dance, and music.
- Welcoming and friendly host families.
- Challenge: Might have to go without comforts such as readily available hot water, consistent electricity, and indoor plumbing.
Ghana: "Africa for Beginners"
- Home to the Ashanti nation, a thriving tribal culture replete with kings and queens.
- Volunteer placements around Kumasi, one of the busiest and most historic cities in Ghana.
- Cultural activities such as visiting the daily market in the center of town, and day trips to the coast, the capital Accra, and nearby national parks.
- Long-forgotten homeland for many members of the African Diaspora.
- Challenge: Housing accommodations may differ from Western norms in terms of space or amenities.
The Philippines: "A Unique Jewel in Southeast Asia"
- Comprised of over 7,000 islands dotting the South China Sea.
- Volunteer placements in Tacloban City, located on the island of Leyte.
- Cultural offerings include exploring Tacloban City's churches, museums, shopping centers, and bustling seafood market, and taking a pump boat to visit some of the many beautiful surrounding islands.
- Filipinos noted as being one of the friendliest people in Southeast Asia.
- An easier place to visit for English-speakers since English is one of the two main languages spoken.
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Featured Video:
Ashley, Intern in Australia
Ashley did a marketing internship in Sydney, Australia with World Endeavors. For more information about World Endeavors' Internships in Australia or other study, intern or volunteer programs abroad check out our website at: ______________________________________
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Featured WE Staff Member:
Joe Ali
Enrollment Intern
 Joe Ali was born in San Francisco, but he grew up in Wayzata, MN. He currently attends The University of St. Thomas, and this spring he will graduate with a degree in French Studies and K-12 Foreign Language Education.
Feeling like he had hit a wall learning French in the classroom, Joe studied abroad in Paris in the spring of 2012. Because he really wanted to immerse himself in the language and the culture, he chose to live with a host family that did not speak any English and attend a school with a strict no English policy.
Joe's life goal is to learn as many languages as possible while traveling the world, but that doesn't stop him from nurturing other interests along the way. He loves sports, specifically basketball and (real, non-American) football, but also golf, snowboarding, and swimming. He also really likes beer and wine and recently started brewing his own beer.
Joe hopes to someday visit all 7 continents (even Antarctica) and all 50 states. As a person who's always up for adventure, one of his favorite travel memories is the time he spent in volunteering at the ARCAS Rescue Center in Guatemala, working spider monkeys and parrots, and living without hot water, meat, and electricity for two weeks.
As an Enrollment Intern, Joe enjoys being around others who share his passion for international education and foreign languages, and he loves helping other students eager to put themselves outside of their comfort zones and experience the world. "Traveling the world is something I believe everyone should experience and I am grateful to be able to help people in achieving that goal," he said.
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