Costa Rica Spanish Intensive

We waste no time immersing ourselves in authentic Costa Rican life as we meet our first host family and start Spanish classes in Heredia, a lovely suburb of Costa Rica's capital. Daily adventure escapes such as whitewater rafting on the Reventezon River and floating the Sarapiqu’ River happen daily. Forget your typical Spanish class, daily conversation is enhanced with culture, cooking, dancing and games.

Next we head to the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for more classes, adventures and a new host family! The remote town of Santa Elena is perched high in the clouds amongst one of the most amazing wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Keep your eyes open for hummingbirds, toucans, sloths and monkeys. We enjoy an opportunity to give back with community service.

We wrap up our amazing journey on the pristine beaches of Flamingo. There is time to relax on secluded beaches, snorkel clear waters and surf the waves at Tamarindo. We complete our trip with more adventure: mountain biking, visiting an active volcano, mud spas, and sailing. "Pura Vida!"

» Day 1:
You will be met upon arrival at the San Jose airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse regions we explore, we load up our custom vehicles and head off to our bed & breakfast near Heredia. During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins.

We will spend a week with a host family while studying in Heredia, a week with another host family while studying in Monteverde, and a week with a final host family while studying in Flamingo. Costa Ricans are very warm and friendly. The families have been hand-picked based on their accommodations, including indoor plumbing and a private room for each student, as well as a history of gracious, successful hosting. Hosting students is a main source of income for many Costa Rican families. Most students bring a few pictures from home and a small gift from their hometown for their host family. For six days we share breakfast and lunch with our "tico" families, making the most of this opportunity to immerse ourselves in true Costa Rican culture.

At our language school, Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI), each class has a maximum of five students and includes verbal and written assignments. Each student is given a Spanish test to determine their placement level. There are homework assignments and participation in all classes is mandatory. Teachers are native speakers, professional, fun, and open to teaching based on the strengths and interests of the students. Learning the language is done through games, cooking, and dance. Making a firm commitment to speaking the Spanish language ensures a true, cultural experience of a lifetime. Before class each day our group participates in local adventures, including a Sky Trek Canopy Tour, hiking in the Santa Elena Reserve, assisting with tree planting and more! After class, we meet as a group before going home to our host families. Various evenings each week we will do an activity as a group. Independent evening outings are not allowed unless with adult members of host families.

» Days 2-6:
We live and study Spanish in San Joaqu’n de Flores, a suburb of Heredia. This is in the central valley of Costa Rica near the capital city of San Jose. San Joaqu’n gives you a view into typical "tico" lifestyle. You see what it is like to live in the more urban, but less touristy part of Costa Rica. For morning excursions, we check out the market and central plaza of Heredia, and we take a boat tour of the Sarapiqu’ River to watch for jungle wildlife. We volunteer with the Humanitarian Foundation to assist low income families and hike to the crater of the Poas Volcano. We finish this week with whitewater rafting on the Reventezon River in Braulio Carrillo National Park.

» Days 7-8:
We take a break from language classes and host families over the weekend for a trip to the Arenal Volcano. This active volcano is famous for its nearby hot springs. We'll swim in the hot springs, witness the glowing orange lava, hike to a waterfall and have dinner out on the town.

» Days 9-13:
From Arenal, we travel to Monteverde, a small town located in the mountains and famous for its Cloud Forest Reserve. Our "tico" families here have a much different lifestyle than the families in San Joaqu’n de Flores. Monteverde is a popular tourist destination. For morning activities we hike in the Santa Elena reserve, ride zip-lines through the jungle canopy, visit a local farm, assist with a volunteer project, take Latin cooking classes and play Costa Rica's favorite sport, soccer.

» Days 14-15:
There is no better way to spend a weekend than exploring the incredibly diverse ecosystems of this beautiful country. We hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park against the backdrop of a tropical paradise while conquering the heat and encountering a tree filled with howler monkeys! We also visit a natural mud bath/spa in the middle of the jungle.

» Days 16-20:
Vamos a la playa! Lets go to the beach and catch some waves! Guanacaste is home to the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica. Our school is right on the coast, and you get plenty of beach time while living with your final host family. Morning activities include surf lessons, riding in outrigger boats, visiting an indigenous artisan town, mountain biking, Latin dance classes, sailing and snorkeling.

» Day 21:
All good things must come to an end. We travel to the airport in the morning to say our goodbyes after a summer of incredible Costa Rican adventure, challenges, new friends and great fun!

CSI is a physically, mentally and culturally demanding trip. You stay in simple homes with families, local hostels and native hotels; there is no camping or backpacking.