Academics & Volunteer

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

School: Local language institute

Course Hours: 40 Hours of Spanish Language & Culture 20-40 Hours Community Service (40 Hours for Month)

Spanish Language & Conversation:  Students are broken up into levels and attend Spanish language and conversation classes Monday – Friday in the afternoons. The courses focus on developing Spanish communication skills by simulating real-life situations through interactive class activities; these include writing, oral expression, film, music, food, and literature.

> Spanish levels 1 through AP/IB
> 5-10 Students per Class
> Certified native instructors with advanced teaching degrees

COMMUNITY & VOLUNTEER SERVICE

Students engage in volunteer service work 2-3 days during the week. The volunteer service component is designed to immerse students in the local community as they make a positive contribution. Students will earn a certificate of completion of volunteer hours ranging from 12-24 hours.

Service Hours Two Week:  12 Hours   Month: 24 Hours

Costa Rica Volunteer Projects:

> Home Repair, Public Works Projects, Orphanages & Youth Outreach, Nature Park  Preservation

Activities & Excursions

ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES

In addition to SPI’s volunteer service program, students will have the exciting opportunity to enhance their experience abroad by participating in optional elective courses and activities! Electives range from sports activities to unique cultural events, and are designed to further engage students into the local culture and, of course, to just have fun! Specific electives will vary per program and are based on student interest and weather. Upon arrival abroad, students will choose which electives they wish to participate in.

Costa Rica Elective Activities:

> Elective Courses:  Salsa/Latin Dance Course, Surfing Course (Flamingo), Adventure Course – Zip Line, Rafting, Climbing, Horseback Riding (Flamingo), Canopy Tour, Costa Rican Cooking and Gastronomy
*Optional elective activities may have an additional cost

TRAVEL EXCURSIONS

From visits to world class museums to magnificent hikes through lush mountains, students explore the most important monuments, cities and natural wonders in the Monteverde and Flamingo Beach regions. Weekend and cultural day travel excursions help students dynamically use the language of study and interact with the local community.

Possible Travel Excursions:

> Liberia (Arrival City)
> Arenal Volcano (Monteverde)
> Santa Elena Reserve (Monteverde)
> La Fortuna (Monteverde)
> Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Nature Preserve (Flamingo)
> Tamarindo & Brasilito Beach (Flamingo)

What Alumni Say…

“From bartering prices at the local market to just simply telling your teacher about that day’s adventure, there were opportunities everywhere to practice and use my Spanish!  Also, the food was delicious!  I wish I could have taken back to America some of my mama Tica’s arroz con pollo!”

Cara, Virginia

“Traveling to Costa Rica with SPI was a trip of a lifetime that left me with endless memories and lifelong friendships. My teachers and directors were supportive and helpful through out the trip. I had one of the best times of my life and I know I will never forget my experience. Thank you, SPI, for giving me this amazing opportunity!”

Katie, New York

“This program was a great experience!  Not only did I get amazing opportunities to practice and improve my Spanish, I was also able to completely immerse myself in Costa Rican culture and make friends that will last a lifetime.”

Nicholas, Pennsylvania

Safety & Supervision

ON-SITE DIRECTORS & STAFF

Directors and on-site staff are professional multilingual educators and caring leaders who serve as international “moms and dads”. We maintain a highly personal student to director ratio of typically one director for every eight students. Directors actively participate in all aspects of the immersion experience focusing on student well-being, cultural adjustments, and daily check ins to ensure active student participation.

DAILY SUPERVISION & FREE TIME

To ensure student safety, on-site directors are available 24 hours a day and carry local cell phones at all times. Directors check-in with students on a daily basis in the mornings, afternoons and evenings and monitor all aspects of the program. At SPI, we believe in the educational value of giving students a structured amount of free-time on certain mornings. Students are expected to abide by SPI’s standards of conduct at all times and we implement a “buddy system.”

CURFEW:  9-10 PM (Costa Ricans are in bed early!)