Costa Rica - Rainforest Language Immersion - 25 Days

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 30 - July 24 (summer)

Description: Immerse yourself in all things Costa Rica! Practice your Spanish while bargaining at a local market, hiking through lush rainforests or surfing the Pacific Ocean. While there is no formal instructional setting, the welcoming villages of Costa Rica become your classroom as we integrate ourselves into the lives and families of the communities we visit. You will also have the have the opportunity to complete 35 hours of community service. Get ready for the summer of a lifetime!

* Minimum 2 years Spanish required on this itinerary only.

Language & Cultural Immersion:
    * Speak Spanish 24/7 from the moment you arrive to the time you leave!
    * Interview local community leaders
    * Enjoy a group stay together with our hosts the Fonseca family deep within the rainforest
    * Create a presentation for the Mayor & village of Zarcero
    * Play soccer, enjoy a bonfire & rock climb with the local villagers

Community Service:
    * Meet the children of the Hogar Ama orphanage
    * Build them a playground and teach a sport
    * Improve the environment- make a difference
    * Certificate of 35 hours of service & list of projects accomplished is issued after the trip.

Adventure:
    * Rappel
    * Surf
    * Raft
    * Zip
    * Climb
    * Kayak
    * Check out an active volcano

Highlights: Amazing Details:

* Rainforest Adventure Center - Fonseca Family Lodge Group Stay

Welcome to the real Costa Rica! After a one-night orientation, travel by four wheel drive vehicle to the village of El Brujo where we begin our exhilarating hike to the beautiful and rustic Rainforest Adventure Center. This amazing trek will take you wading through the Division River, across a suspension bridge past scenic waterfalls, gazing at Birds of Paradise, guava trees and teak plantations, and all while listening to the amazing sounds of toucans and other unique wildlife in the distance.

Once you cross the gondola to the Center you will be greeted by the Fonseca family, our host for three amazing days during our "group stay". Embark on a medicinal plant walk and partake in a traditional spiritual ceremony with Albino Fonseca, a trained Shaman of the Cabacar tribe. Rappel down a 60-foot waterfall, make your own chocolate from Cacao seeds, and ride the zip-line over the surrounding forest! Fall asleep each night to the relaxing sound of the nearby waterfall. By eating our meals and participating in day-today activities with the Fonseca family, we will surely improve our Spanish and appreciation of Costa Rican culture.

* Soccer, Service and Our Local Friends - San Gerardo

After a relaxing day off in the hot springs near our rustic lodge, we will assist our community hosts while farming delicious fruit. We put our Spanish skills to good use as we organize the community in recreational games and compete at the local rock climbing gym with our local hosts. Our farewell bonfire with our new local friends will be filled with local folklore while listening to native instruments.

* Hogar Ama Orphanage Project - San Isidro

At the foothills of Mount Chirripó (the tallest peak in Costa Rica), San Isidro will be our home for the next 4 days as we partake in our first community service project. Get to know the children of the Hogar Ama Orphanage through group dynamic and cultural exchange initiatives such as sports, music and crafts. We will also be constructing a playground for the children to use and remember us always. At the end of our stay, celebrate with the village children and receive recognition from the local government. We will surely appreciate all we have learned from each other.

* Surf, Spanish and Service - Playa Uvita & Dominical

The unspoiled beachfront paradise of Uvita is our home for the next five days. Begin our time here with an incredible 2-day surf school! Our experienced, professional guides cover all aspects of surf safety and technique, from entering a wave to positioning and falling safely. Feel a sense of accomplishment when you're able to stand and ride the waves!

Interact with local students by reading to them, and performing skits in Spanish. To relax; spend your time chilling on the beach, taking kayaking lessons and experience the local culture!

* Language Immersion Project - Zarcero

Get ready for the ultimate community project in the mountain village of Zarcero. Strangers become friends as we get to know all we can about the people of this small town. We will first get to know them by working with individuals with special needs at the local community center. We will then interview local community leaders, children, farmers, teachers, athletes all in Spanish of course! Meet the mayor, discover who the oldest person in the community is, and which family has the most children. Uncover facts that others in the community may not even know! You will truly get to know the unique personality of this town, and by the end of our three days, you will have a great understanding of what typical, rural life in Costa Rica is really like. On our final night in town, we host a party for the villagers to present our unique take on their community. Use your own creativity through video, photos, skits to share your findings with our new extended family. We will surely be sad to leave, but we will take with us an amazing experience and undoubtedly many new friends.

* Grand Finale - Arenal Volcano National Park & La Fortuna

Get set for an amazing three-day finale in the park that is home to Costa Rica's youngest and most active volcano! Of course we keep a safe distance as we spend an amazing evening having dinner at the Observatory Lodge, watching avalanches of lava cascading over the side of the volcano. Learn about "vulcanology" from a local specialist and relax in the local hot springs. Zip-line over surrounding forests and waterfalls at up to 45 miles per hour on a canopy adventure covering a mile and a half - a once in a lifetime thrill! Look back with pride at our final banquet, as we realize we have not only moved outside the classroom, but outside our own comfort zone and truly embraced la pura vida.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: USD 5,999 Plus airfare to and from San Jose

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of limited up to 30 participants

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement: 360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded: 1992