Location

Costa Rica is a truly wonderful location to immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Central American culture.  The surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful, the people are incredibly friendly and life is easy!

Our Costa Rica summer program takes place on the campus of a well respected high school in the peaceful community of Heredia, on the outskirts of the capital city of San Jose.  But San Jose and Heredia are not the only places you'll see.  You'll visit active volcanoes, incredible waterfalls, butterfly gardens, coffee plantations and rainforests teeming with animals you have only read about!

Course

Perhaps what makes this program most unique is the mix of stimulating language classes with weekly volunteer work. Volunteer placements are usually at schools for underprivileged children or orphanages.  The program also offers rich and varied cultural activities that include dance classes, indigenous arts and crafts and cooking lessons.  Of course, there is always time for relaxing and there are weekly sports activities such as swimming and soccer as well as leisure activities such as movie nights and concerts. 

Classes are offered Monday to Friday from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.  Classes cover all aspects of Spanish language learning including grammar, vocabulary, oral comprehension and oral fluency.  The emphasis is on conversation and you will be encouraged to speak in class as well as use the Spanish you are learning when you are with your host family and out exploring.  Please see our sample schedule for more information.

Teachers

Teachers are all fully qualified to teach Spanish as a second language and have many years of experience teaching young learners.  They design lessons that are engaging, challenging and fun!

Accommodation

You will stay with warm and welcoming host families who will make you feel as if you are one of the family.  At home you will eat local Costa Rican cuisine as well as learn about local customs.  One other student from the program may also be placed in the same host family although you will both have single rooms.  Many families have high school-aged children who attend the high school where the summer program takes place so the families are very familiar with the campus and surrounding areas.

This program is an excellent opportunity to become deeply immersed in the culture and daily life of Costa Rica while developing Spanish language skills and making new friends! 

For general information on homestay accommodation please visit our Homestay Q & A page.

The following program features are included in the price:

• 3 lessons per day - classes take place in the afternoon

• Study materials

• Fully supervised activities program including daily, evening and weekend activities

• Language level test on first day of classes

• Certificate of attendance

• 24-hour emergency support

• Single or shared rooms in homestay accommodation, 3 meals per day

• Daily student pick up and drop off each day by school staff

• Laundry facilities in homestay

• On weekend excursions students will be accommodated in hotels with chaperones

• Return airport transfer from San Jose International Airport

• Comprehensive Medical & Travel Insurance (Only available for US citizens/residents)