SPANISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMS

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IMMERSION

The Language and Culture Immersion Program is designed for individuals and/or groups who are interested in a truly unique opportunity to travel and live in a Spanish-speaking country to improve one’s Spanish language skills and explore the rich culture and diverse tropical environment of Costa Rica. 

We blend the most effective language learning instruction for all levels of Spanish with interactive cultural activities in the community and environment.  Key components of our program are homestay or private accommodations, daily Spanish classes, community service projects, excursions, and cultural activities. 

We are based in the town of Atenas, Costa Rica and have two Student Centers - the Town Center  and the Green Classroom. Located thirty minutes from the International Airport, Atenas is a small, safe town renowned for its beautiful surroundings, central location, and moderate temperatures.

 PROGRAM LENGTH & START DATE
• We have 10 Day, 2 week, 3 week, and 4 week programs
• Individual student programs start on the first of each month, and can be arranged for any length of time (For 2009 - August 31, October 5, November 2, closed December. Start date in January 2010 will be the 11th).
• Group programs available year-round

Prices

TRANSPORTATION
• Pick-up and return from the airport
• Please notify us as soon as possible about any arrival schedule changes you know about.  If you do not inform us within 24 hours about any flight changes Spanish&Fun will not be held responsible for the pick up at the airport.
• We will be checking for any flight delay or extended layover of your flight

ACCOMMODATIONS
• Host family will provide a private room for one or two people. 
• Couples can be accommodated with the same host family
• Apartments can be arranged for private accommodations
• Laundry service provided by host family

MEALS
• Two meals daily: breakfast plus lunch or dinner
• Students may prepare lunches at the Student Center or inexpensively purchased in town
• We will notify host family about any diet needs or allergies

SPANISH CLASSES
• 3 hours of Spanish classes per day (15 hrs per week) with experienced and trained local Costa Rican Spanish teachers
• Instructional books, supplies, and materials provided
• Conversation hours arranged weekly
• Wireless internet service provided at the Town Student Center. You are welcome to bring your laptop.

EXCURSIONS
• 10 Day and 2 Week Program - 2 Day Trips: Volcano Poas, San Jose Cultural Museums
• 3 Week Program - 3 Day Trips: Volcano Poas, San Jose Cultural Museums, Pacific Coast Beach Esterillos Oeste
• 4 Week Program - 4 Day Trips: Volcano Poas, San Jose Cultural Museums, Pacific Coast Beach Esterillos Oeste, ZooAve Reserve/Botanical Gardens
• Additional excursions may be arranged that investigate: volcanoes, the beach, national parks, the rainforest, national museums, artisan towns, and other attractions

  Click here for Excursions Table 
 
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Choose from a variety of our ongoing service learning projects:
• Work on a local organic coffee farm
• Teach local children computer skills, reading, and other activities
• Assist the local librarian with weekly children's classes


CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
• Dancing lessons include salsa, meringue, and cumbia
• Cooking lessons use local tropical fruits and vegetables, typical desserts
• Celebrate local traditions: Lunada Tica celebration, a Costa Rican celebration of the full moon
• Attend local festivals; La Feria del Clima (Festival of the Climate), Fiestas Patronales (Community celebrations with parades), Dia de la Independencia, etc.