TESTIMONIALS

From those students who have participated:

-Four-week 2009 Cultural Immersion Program for doctoral psychology students from James Madison University , Harrisonburg , Virginia :

I am very grateful to you for the time and effort you have put into planning the training program for our students, and I know that as a result of this excellent planning our JMU students are having valuable experiences that will greatly enhance their careers as psychologists.  My time here has been very productive, and I thank you so much for arranging a number of inspiring meetings that allowed me to not only gain a greater understanding of the functioning of various systems but also to envision future possibilities.  I can think of various avenues for future collaboration for interprofessional outreach and research that can involve JMU students from multiple programs, and I look forward to thinking about those together with you. - Dr. Sharon Lovell, Vice-Provost and Professor of Psychology, College of Integrated Sciences and Technology, James Madison University .

“(Me siento muy agradecida por el tiempo y el esfuerzo que han puesto en el planeamiento del entrenamiento para nuestros estudiantes y sé que como resultado de este excelente planeamiento, nuestros estudiantes de JMU están teniendo experiencias valiosas que contribuirán a sus carreras como psicólogos. Mi visita aquí ha sido muy productiva y les agradezco mucho por arreglar todos esas reuniones especiales que me permitieron no sólo obtener una mejor comprensión del funcionamiento de varios sistemas, sino que también visualizar posibilidades futuras. Desde ya puedo pensar en varias alternativas de colaboración futura de alcance interprofesional y de investigación que puedan involucrar a nuestros estudiantes de JMU, provenientes de varios programas y cuento con la posibilidad de pensar juntos al respecto.”).

-Four-week 2009 Cultural Immersion Program for graduate psychology students from Pomona College , California :

The clinical immersion program at UNIBE was a phenomenal experience.  I acquired invaluable exposure to the mental health and clinical treatment systems in Costa Rica , enriched my Spanish language abilities, and throughout the duration of the program, felt supported, safe, and welcomed.  My host family was, from the minute I walked in the door, like my second family and took incredible care of me.  The moment I or any of the other students needed anything, the UNIBE staff were always available and more than happy to help in any way they could, from the Spanish instructors to the program coordinators.  For American psychology students interested in developing their cultural perspective, enhancing their practical psychology experience, and enriching their Spanish language abilities, this program is a perfect opportunity.”

“(El programa de inmersión clínica de UNIBE fue una experiencia fenomenal. Fui expuesto a una experiencia de incalculable valor a la salud mental y el tratamiento clínico en Costa Rica; enriquecí mi Español y a través de todo el programa me sentí apoyado, seguro y bienvenido. Mi familia “tica”, desde el minuto que atravesé la puerta de su casa, fue como mi segunda familia y me cuidó increíblemente. En el momento en que yo o alguno de los otros estudiantes necesitamos algo, el personal de UNIBE estaba siempre disponible y más que feliz de ayudar en cualquier forma que pudiera, no solo los instructores de Español, sino también los coordinadores del Programa. Para estudiantes de psicología de los Estados Unidos, interesados en desarrollar su perspective cultural y aumentar su experiencia práctica en ese campo, al mismo tiempo que enriquecer sus habilidades de Español, este Programa es una oportunidad perfecta.)” Chris Langeler.

-One-week Research Exchange Program for doctoral students from Leadearship and Counseling Department of the College of Education of Sam Houston State University.

Some of their comments:

"Going to Costa Rica and spending time at UNIBE was a fabulous experience. It was so interesting to see how our educational systems compare and learn about the research that is being conducted by Costa Rican students and scholars."

"The site visits that UNIBE arranged were very interesting. People were very kind and willing to share information with us everywhere we visited. We also made lasting professional contacts for the future."