Gap Program: Spanish, Diving, and Volunteering in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Flamingo,  San Joaquin de Flores
• Monteverde: 
Monteverde

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Start any Monday!

Description: Experience Costa Rican culture first-hand as you interact with the friendly people of San Joaquín de Flores, a suburb of Heredia conveniently located near the capital city of San José. Choose this location if you enjoy the atmosphere of a smaller community and the convenience of close access to the culture and life of a big city.   If you have always wanted to disappear into the clouds, we recommend that you study Spanish at the school in Monteverde, famous for the cloud forest reserves. The Monteverde zone is well known for its commitment to the sustainable development of the community and conservation efforts.   If you choose the school in Flamingo, you can do your homework on a sunny beach, just five minutes from campus! The province of Guanacaste is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches and Flamingo beach is considered the best in the area.

Located in modern facilities designed specifically for language instruction, each campus has comfortable classrooms as well as comprehensive orientations, a bilingual staff and email access. Teachers are university-educated native speakers and use a communicative approach, designed to develop fluency in Spanish in the shortest possible time. Because the maximum class size in each school is just four students, you will have many opportunities to interact with classmates and receive personalized attention from your teacher.

You are invited to join in a variety of lectures and activities each week that focus on the culture and history of Costa Rica. Classes in Latin dance and Costa Rican cooking are included in the tuition fees. Additionally, each location offers unique excursions and activities to explore the surrounding area and the local culture.

Deepen your understanding of the Spanish language and the Costa Rican culture by living with a welcoming local host family. Homestay accommodations include airport pick-up, a private room, laundry service, and breakfast and dinner each day.

Highlights: Andeo offers individually customized Gap programs. Begin your program any Monday of the year, stay for four weeks or several months, and combine two or more programs in different countries! You can further enhance your Gap experience by including a volunteer or cultural activity. There are dozens of options - the choice is yours. We will work closely with you to design the Gap program that best fits your goals and interests.

In Costa Rica, we invite you to discover the magic beauty of the underwater world of Costa Ricas Golden Coast while improving your Spanish conversation skills. You will take home a divers certification, specialized vocabulary, and a wealth of ocean memories. Available as an addition to any program in Flamingo, call for details.

If you want to enrich your stay in Costa Rica by supporting local education, social services, or natural conservation program, we can arrange a volunteer placement for you. You can get involved for just a few weeks or for several months. Students planning to volunteer for 3 months or longer should contact us about special projects in the community of Orosi, located in the heart of the country.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $5,170 for 12 weeks; 4 weeks to 12 months possible

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Andeo-International Homestays's Mission Statement: Andeo-International Homestays is a non-profit organization specializing in short-term homestay programs since 1981. We design programs for students, teachers and families who are excited about developing friendships that span the globe. We work with carefully selected foreign organizations that are experienced and respected in the areas of homestays and exchange programs. Together, we coordinate all of the elements essential to a successful homestay: careful selection and matching, preparation, support and follow-up. We offer summer immersion homestay programs for high school students in Spain, France, Mexico, and Germany. We also offer programs that combine a homestay with classes, volunteer opportunities and activities in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, France, Germany and Japan. No matter which program you choose, you are sure to discover a world of new friends and adventures!

Year Founded: 1981