“I absolutely loved the language immersion program in Costa Rica. Not only did my Spanish improve exponentially in a short time — from both the classes and living with a host family — but I also had the chance to see stunning national parks and volcanoes. I could not have had a better experience, and I’m very much looking forward to doing this again! ”
We chose Costa Rica because it's the perfect place to find a beautiful easy-to-understand dialect of Spanish, a highly educated middle class, renowned history of peace and majestic national parks.
Costa Rica for the New Global Citizen is a unique ten-day immersion experience based on the idea of viewing the world as a singular interdependent community. This experience allows you to quickly immerse yourself in the host language and culture by actually living with a local family.
You'll learn Spanish and you'll gain a better understanding of Central American culture. You'll meet and network with local students, community leaders, academics and expats. You'll participate in roundtable discussions on Costa Rica's history, economy, politics and current strengths and weaknesses.
You'll have time for touristy stuff as well. You'll zip line through the rainforest, hike the base of an active volcano and soak in natural hot springs. You'll learn the art of coffee cupping and professional beer tastings from the experts who produce them. You'll cook typical Costa Rican dishes and you'll learn to dance salsa and merengue.
You'll also have the opportunity to participate in scavenger hunts and international photo contests.
At the end of this experience you'll walk away with a better understanding of the people who inhabit the Switzerland of the Americas, but most importantly you'll leave with a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Costa Rica, like its people, promises to be an experience that you will never forget!
Experience Highlights:
A Whole New World Awaits...
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Arrive in San José, Costa Rica. Meet the rest of the group and get adjusted to life in this vibrant city.
Meet key administrators and instructors at the language academy. Take a brief Spanish language placement test. Learn the ins and outs of the Costa Rica homestay program.
Meet your host families and get settled in. Have your first Costa Rican dinner in your new home.
Day 2: Zip Lining, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
Travel to La Fortuna, the once sleepy little farm village that sits at the base of one of the world's most stunning volcanoes.
Zip line through the rainforest. Learn about the prolific flora and fauna in this area. Participate in the international IG Scholar photo challenge.
Take a guided walking tour of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Learn the history of this enchanting place. Enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs at the base of the mountain. Overnight in La Fortuna de San Carlos.
Day 3: National park and Adventure Sports
Choose from a wide variety of ways to continue exploring this area: trekking, horseback riding, canopy walks, etc.
Travel back to San José.
Dinner with your host families. Overnight in San José.
Day 4: Español, City WalkS, Exotic Butterflies and Dance Lessons
Study Spanish in small groups at the language academy. Sign up for Costa Rican cooking or dance classes in the afternoon.
Join a walking tour of San José that highlights traditional foods, local hangouts and good eateries and pubs.
Visit El Museo Nacional where you'll also have an amazing photo opportunity with the legendary blue morpho butterfly.
Dinner with your host families. Overnight in San José.
Day 5: Español & Meeting Local Peers
Join your group for Spanish classes today.
Visit a local brewery where you'll meet a group of University of Costa Rica students. Participate in a roundtable discussion on issues that are relevant to them. Brainstorm, exchange ideas and get to know about life in Costa Rica through their eyes.
Dinner with host families. Overnight in San José.
Day 6: Español and Scavenger Hunt
Join your group for Spanish classes today.
Divide into teams and get ready for today's scavenger hunt en español! The team that wins choses an activity for the entire group later this week.
Dinner with host families. Overnight in San José.
Day 7: Español and Global Citizenship
Join your group for Spanish classes today.
Participate in a roundtable discussion with community leaders and expats on life in Costa Rica and how global citizenship is defined through their lens.
Dinner with host families. Overnight in San José.
Day 8: Graduation Day and Networking Event
Join your group for Spanish and cultural classes today.
Enjoy a small ceremony where you’ll receive your diplomas.
Meet up with local friends from the University of Costa Rica.
Dinner with the group at a fun, hip local spot.
Dance the night away at a local discoteca. Overnight in San José.
Day 9: Volcanoes, Coffee Plantations and Farewell Lunch
Visit Poas Volcano and hike around its breathtaking lagoons.
Enjoy the picturesque drive through valleys and cloud forests.
Explore life on a large coffee plantation. Learn from a connoisseur how to taste and evaluate coffee.
Visit a popular dairy farm and try their famous strawberry milkshakes. Speak with farmers about the challenges and successes to organic farming.
Enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch.
Dinner with host families. Overnight in San José.
Day 10: End of Program. Departure for U.S.A.
¡Hasta luego y buen viaje!
