About Costa Rica
The region
The program alternates between San Jose and Manual Antonio State Park.
Pura vida, a characteristic Costa Rican phrase, literally means pure life, with connotations that suggest translations such as "full of life," "real living," "going great," or "this is living!" The phrase can be used as a greeting or a farewell, as an answer expressing that things are going well, as a way of giving thanks, or as a way of showing appreciation. It's a way of life. It is a perspective to life that evokes a spirit that is carefree, laid back and optimistic.
The School and schedule
In San Jose: The school is located in San Pedro—the university district of San Jose. Spanish Camp participants study in a separate area of the institute and are not mixed with adult program participants. There is 24/7 supervision of all Spanish Camp students. Spanish classes take place from 9:00am to 12:00pm daily. Lunch is catered at the school every day.
Manuel Antonio: Spanish classes take place just a 5 minute bus ride from the beautiful Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park.
The Classes
Your classes will be held for three hours every weekday morning at a local private school. With no more than eight students per class, you will have plenty of opportunities to participate and practice. The focus of the classes is to take your communication skills to the next level and help you speak Spanish more fluently outside the classroom.
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Cultural Activities and Excursions
Spend your afternoons exploring waterfalls, working on community service projects, or trying your hand at Costa Rican cooking. Weekends are reserved for full-day and overnight excursions.
Depending on the week of your stay, you may visit the fiery Arenal volcano, the beautiful sand beaches of Isla Tortuga, or the Punta Leona rain forest. All activities are designed to give you deeper insight into Costa Rican culture and to let you explore the natural beauty of the country.
Community service activities may take place at public schools, orphanages, nursing homes, recycling projects, or environmental conservation projects. You might teach basic English to children, help maintain the facilities, work in the school's vegetable garden, or help out in other ways, depending on current needs.
Sample two-week schedule
Activities will vary depending on your time of stay. Other activities may include: indoor soccer games, karaoke (in Spanish, of course), a canopy tour, roller skating, bowling, a visit to a local amusement park or country club, a beach cruise to Isla Tortuga, or a movie.
Week One
Monday: dance class
Tuesday: walking tour of the capital
Wednesday: community service project
Thursday: cooking class
Friday: butterfly farm tour
Weekend: Arenal volcano and hot springs
Week Two
Monday: art workshop
Tuesday: coffee farm tour
Wednesday: community service
Thursday: bird sanctuary tour
Friday: shopping
Weekend: Punta Leona beach (with surfing lesson)