Student Interview 1

Student Interview 1

Overview of Pillars of Hope

Pillars of Hope Language and Vocational Institute is a residential school designed for young adults ages 17-13. It also has a separate vocational process for students who are 18 and older who are also seeking greater hope for success in their lives.

The Setting
Pillars of Hope or Pilares de Esperanza in Spanish is located in what many have described as "the most beautiful country in the world." Costa Rica is just a short, direct, 3-hour plane ride from many major U.S. cities. Pillars of Hope has a "world-class program in a world-class environment," which combine to help instill a new sense of change and awakening in all who go there. The setting is breathtaking, peaceful, safe, and a world away from the problems associated with the child's former environment.

Pillars of Hope is located 50 miles from San Jose, very near the town of Orotina and the Pacific port of Caldera, amid lush gardens of tropical fruit trees, plants and flowers. Here, students' lives are forever enriched and redirected, not only by the strength of the program design and leadership, but also by Costa Rica's unique culture and environment. Bilingual teachers help students learn Spanish, which further enhances the process of change while adding an important educational language component helpful in their future.

Finding themselves in entirely new surroundings, teens tend to be much more teachable and open to new direction. Experience has shown that a foreign experience not only facilitates change and perspective, but also creates the kinds of memories that they are likely to appreciate the rest of their lives.

Large sections of Pillars of Hope are set aside as nature reserves, protecting the unique ecosystem and ensuring an educational experience in biodiversity and environmentalism that is second to none. Observing the abundance of wildlife - from the white faced or howler monkeys that forest in the treetops, to the scarlet macaws and green parrots that fly freely, one cannot help but gain a new perspective on nature and life. The drinking water has been rated among the purest in the world.

The Program
Pillars of Hopes Program consists of several key components: effective behavior modification, a series of highly motivational "emotional growth seminars" called TASKS, progressive academic curriculum, and a structured daily schedule that includes daily personal development courses.

Pillars of Hope has an extremely progressive academic program. The academic program is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities. The curriculum is individualized and competency based, allowing students to work at their own pace and maximize the learning process. It is possible to complete courses on an accelerated basis. Each student is assessed upon admission and then assisted in designing their specific course of study.

High standards exist. Inappropriate behavior is confronted, consequented and redirected. Appropriate behavior is reinforced and rewarded. A merit system is used requiring each teen to earn their status and privileges through a standard program using a level system.

On and off campus activities provide a proper balance of recreation, exercise, learning and social opportunities. Initially, all activities are on grounds. Over a period of time, teens may earn the privilege of participating in off campus activities; which could include sight-seeing, water sports, beach outings, cultural events, etc.

Students participate in a series of seminars designed specifically for Pillars of Hope. During the seminars teens work on specific issues such as: accountability, honesty, integrity, trust, choices, responsibility, anger and especially self-esteem. After the student has completed his or her series of seminars the parents are invited to attend, in the United States, a Parent Seminar and two Parent/Child Seminars. Parent/Child seminars are designed to assist each family in rebuilding the family unit. Daily personal development and emotional growth courses are an important part of the overall program. These courses intermittently utilize effective resources such as: educational and inspiring audio & video tapes, selective reading material, special workshops, and group feedback sessions.

Admission Process
The Admission Process at Pillars of Hope is simple ..Just get with an admissions coordinator and start the process in most cases you can admit the child immediately as quickly as you can make the travel arrangements and sign the necessary paper work. The process is often done in 2 parts or phases..Students who are 17 and under typically need to attend Carolina Springs for about the first 90 days of the program. Carolina Springs is Pillars of Hopes (POH) sister school in upstate south Carolina see www.carolinasprings.com and this allows the student to qualify for the program and obtain their passport needed for transfer to POH. Pillars of Hope only works with students who are program acclimated and meet the requirements of admission. Carolina Springs helps qualify them for this process. And they can be admitted there at anytime immediately if needed. Carolina Springs also accepts the $1995 tuition of POH during this phase instead of its regular tuition rate of nearly $4000.. However, this is not a requirement for admission to the Institute and if the student is 18 and has a passport they can go directly to the school.

The cost of flying the child first to Atlanta for this first phase process at Carolina Springs then on to Costa Rica is typically no more than a direct round ticket from any major city in the U.S to Atlanta (typically around $500 to $600 dollars) you simply book the ticket as a round trip to San Jose Costa Rica (SJO) with a stopover in Atlanta (ATL) with the continuation of the flight on to SJO Costa Rica in a couple of months the program will provide transport to and from Carolina springs and if you have any questions on these flight options we suggest you call Oasis Travel and speak to Brenda, Marilynn or Pam at 435-628-1712 and they will be happy to make all necessary arrangements for you.