Spanish Immersion Program

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Nicoya Peninsula,  Guanacaste,  Samara

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Start dates every Monday, year-round

Description:
* Learn Spanish while traveling in Costa Rica
* All Teen Spanish on Wheels Program
* Visit Nicoya, Manuel Antonio & Arenal Volcano

Includes classes, first class hotel accommodation, all meals, transportation, excursions and entrance fees to the national park. Based on shared accommodations, double occupancy. We will assign roommates for students traveling alone. Fully escorted. One teacher escort for every four students.

Highlights:
* Immersion (Highly recommended)
Four hours of class each day. This program is appropriate for those wanting to learn Spanish quickly, and is suitable for adults of all ages. Schedule: 8A-12N, Monday through Friday Includes: Homestay with private bedroom, daily breakfast & dinner while at the homestay, all course materials, coffee and fresh fruit while at school.

* Super Immersion
Same as Immersion, except is six hours of class each day.

Schedule: 8A-12N & 1:30P-3:30P, Monday through Friday

* Language Only
Same program as both Immersion Programs, except the Language Only programs do not include homestay. For those students who prefer to stay in a hotel, we can arrange nearby hotels within your budget.

Schedule: 8A-12N, Monday through Friday

** Includes: All course materials, coffee and fresh fruit while at school.

Qualifications: You may not change the world, but you will certainly make someone's life a little easier by joining our volunteer programs. Volunteering will improve your Spanish and leave you with a wealth of local culture.

Afternoon Programs:

* Student Teacher: You will be assigned to the public elementary school to work as a teacher's aide, teaching English, helping with homework assignments, coaching physical education, leading arts and crafts, and more.

* Children's Nutrition Center: You will assist staff in leading children's activities and games, serving meals, and your program could include some facility maintenance and other incidental necessities determined by the Center.

* Rotary Club of Nicoya: Community service projects can include a variety of tasks such as delivering books to needy children, painting, utilizing your computer and English skills, working a bake sale, building a new library, or cleaning up a local river.

* Senior Assisted Living Center: There's no greater need in the community than for our seniors living at the Center.   The residents are always appreciative of visits, and chance to play some cards or have an interesting conversation. Volunteers will learn a lot of family history, our community, as well from the life experiences.

* Nicoya Hospital: Medical professionals can volunteer at the pubic hospital or a public health clinic in the early mornings and afternoons. Medical volunteers need to have the ability to converse in Spanish minimum Intermediate II level.

Multi-day programs (minimum three days):

* National Park Program: At nearby Barra Honda National Park, volunteers assist the park rangers in various activities including maintaining the trails. The student's cost is USD 10 per day. Students must be able to communicate in basic Spanish. Minimum three day commitment.

* Habitat for Humanity: At the conclusion of your program, why not stay onand work with Habitat for Humanity in Nicoya building homes. A great program and you'll become a valuable part of the community. Minimum one week.

* Turtle Reserve: This program involves many interesting tasks in protecting some of the largest reptiles on earth. The student's cost is USD 20 per day with a minimum three day commitment.

With our volunteer programs we should have at least 30 days prior notice. Not all programs may be available throughout the year.

Cost in US$: USD 495

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Student Teacher: You will be assigned to the public elementary school to work as a teacher's aide, teaching English, helping with homework assignments, coaching physical education, leading arts and crafts, and more.

Age Range: 9 & up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of two

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Instituto Guanacasteco de Idiomas's Mission Statement: The Institute offers Personal Approach Teaching with maximum two students per teacher learning setup. Our quality teachers are university degreed, have years of experience, patient and most importantly, enjoy teaching. They will help you expedite your learning and increase your Spanish skills. Our Courses are designed to meet the student's individual language needs.

Year Founded: 1996