Note to an International Language Placement Advisor; Crisis...

The host family father gave Emily 10 minutes to get out of his house, called her an insect and a worm, called her other names, said to go to the street where she belonged and he hoped she died trying to find help. DID YOU KNOW THIS?

What in the world is wrong with this program that you would place my daughter with an insane man who threatened her and turned her out onto the streets of San Jose, Costa Rica, telling her he hoped she died there? I want assurances that no student is ever placed there again. They were like captors; isolating her, berating her, refusing to get her medical help or support in orienting to the circumstances, then forcing her to leave within 10 minutes, before she could be safely seen into the care of the University of Costa Rica driver. She had to hide on a neighbors' porch, for God's sake!

I have called the OSU President's office, spoken with support personnel, and intend to make sure this never happens to another American student. I do not blame her for needing to be home, and immediately. She has been traumatized enough. She is not in a state of mind to concentrate on studies, and needs to get out of there. The other tragedy in this is that it is her first bad experience in a foreign country, and she has travelled extensively. Not to mention that her entire minor degree credits were able to be gained in this convenient time. We are all devastated, and very worried.

Please, please give Emily the support she needs until she is safely on her way home.