Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, is a lively city known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. To give us a personal tour, we invited Rosmery Ribera, an experienced English teacher passionate about sharing her culture. Rosmery has been teaching English for over seven years and holds multiple degrees, including post-graduate certifications from the University of Oregon. Here, she introduces us to the must-see sites, local cuisine, and her innovative approaches to making English classes engaging and interactive for her students.
Must-See Sites in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Shelly: Which events are a must for visitors?
Rosmery: The main attractions include the Main Square, Guembe Biocenter, Samaipata, and the Misiones Jesuiticas.
- Main Square: Santa Cruz’s central hub, where visitors can soak in the city’s dynamic energy, enjoy street performances, and see historic landmarks.
- Guembe Biocenter: A lush eco-resort with butterfly sanctuaries, lagoons, and tropical gardens, perfect for a day of relaxation and nature exploration.
- Samaipata: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring pre-Inca archaeological ruins and scenic trails that are ideal for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
- Misiones Jesuiticas: These Jesuit Missions are famed for their stunning Baroque architecture, offering a glimpse into Bolivia’s colonial history.
These locations offer TESOL teachers a chance to connect with Bolivia’s history, nature, and architecture while providing endless conversation topics to bring back to the classroom. Visiting these sites with students can inspire lessons on Bolivia’s history, art, and ecology, making learning feel both meaningful and relevant.
Local Flavors: Popular Dishes of Santa Cruz
Shelly: What are popular local dishes?
Rosmery: Some favorites here include Majadito, Picante de Lengua, and many other traditional plates.
- Majadito: A classic Bolivian rice dish cooked with meat, fried eggs, and plantains. It’s a flavorful, satisfying meal that embodies the region’s culinary traditions.
- Picante de Lengua: This spicy dish is made with tender beef tongue, cooked in a peppery sauce and served with potatoes and rice. It’s a popular option for those who enjoy a bit of heat!
- Salteñas: While not unique to Santa Cruz, these savory pastries filled with meat, potatoes, and spices are a Bolivian staple and a must-try.
For TESOL teachers, food can be a gateway into cultural understanding. Discussing popular dishes like Majadito in class can open up conversations about cultural heritage, family traditions, and the language of food. Students often love to share their favorite dishes and recipes, making food-related activities a fantastic way to build vocabulary and conversational skills.
Engaging Language Learners: Classroom Favorites
Shelly: Describe activities your English learners enjoy!
Rosmery: My students love classroom debates, online quizzes, Jeopardy games, and other competitive activities.
In her classroom, Rosmery uses a mix of interactive games and discussions to keep students engaged and motivated. Classroom debates encourage students to express opinions and practice persuasive language skills. Online quizzes and Jeopardy games add an element of friendly competition, allowing students to reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge while having fun. These activities not only strengthen language skills but also build confidence in public speaking and collaboration.
Why This Works: For TESOL teachers, blending games with structured learning offers a balanced approach to language acquisition. Students learn best when they’re actively participating, and Rosmery’s methods make English lessons memorable, engaging, and lively. She finds that when students have fun with the language, their retention and enthusiasm increase, which ultimately enhances their learning experience.
Thank You, Rosmery!
Rosmery Ribera has a wealth of knowledge and a passion for language education. With over seven years of teaching experience and advanced certifications from the University of Oregon, she’s a grammar enthusiast who shares her expertise in webinars and online communities. Her dedication to teaching reflects her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
For TESOL educators interested in exploring Bolivia, Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a beautiful and welcoming city. From its historic sites to its culinary delights, Santa Cruz provides endless cultural experiences that TESOL teachers can incorporate into their language lessons. With engaging activities, delicious food, and stunning sights, teaching in Santa Cruz offers a unique opportunity to inspire students and make a lasting difference in their lives.
- Learn more: Classroom debates, online quizzes, Jeopardy games, and competitive games in education.
- Learn more: about living and working in Bolivia.
