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HIGH SCHOOL STUDY ABROAD

High School Spanish Immersion & Volunteer Service in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has recently emerged as one of the most desirable Latin American destinations for high school study abroad and Spanish language immersion programs. Pura vida (literally ‘pure life’) is Costa Rica’s most-used phrase for a reason — its inhabitants truly embody the pristine beauty and warmth of their country like no other. Our Costa Rica programs are based in the breathtaking Guanacaste coast (Flamingo Beach) and in the Puntarenas highlands (Monteverde). Costa Rica offers students a culturally enriching experience in a laid back, small town environment.

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The core elements of SPI’s high school study abroad programs in Costa Rica include a meaningful homestay or student residence experience, intensive Spanish language courses, volunteer community service, exciting elective activities, and inspiring travel excursions guided by our on-site team of directors. Our program’s unique elements focus on the practical acquisition of Spanish by putting students in real-world settings where they are best able to grow linguistically and culturally. The program is designed not only to immerse students in the language, but also to give them firsthand interactions with the local community through volunteer work.

Volunteer Service in Costa Rica

In addition to language immersion, students on all SPI Costa Rica programs will make a lasting impact by engaging in meaningful volunteer service projects designed to help them connect to the Spanish language and local community.

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Why SPI Costa rica?

Authentic Immersion

Authentic, unique immersion locations. Our two destinations in Costa Rica offer an inland and coastal experience.

Safe, Secure & Reliable

Safe, beautiful and inspiring. Costa Rica has evolved as the premiere destination in Latin America for language immersion.

College Readiness

Excellent college preparation. Rigorous Spanish language academics combined with an enriching volunteer service component.

Food, Fun & Friends

Make new friends, enjoy being culturally immersed with local food, and most of all have fun!
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Flamingo beach & Montverde

COSTA RICA

Teen Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica

SPI offers two inspiring program locations in Costa Rica that can be combined to form an incredible month abroad! Our program in Monteverde is located in the cloud forest central region and Flamingo Beach is located in the Guanacaste province in northern Costa Rica.

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ABOUT SPI HIGH SCHOOL STUDY ABROAD

Since 1996, SPI High School Study Abroad offers intensive French, Italian and Spanish language immersion, cultural leadership and volunteer service summer programs in Spain, France, Italy, and Costa Rica.

Top Youth Travel Program

Language Immersion

Spanish Immersion+Leadership

San Sebastian, Spain
Santander, Spain

Spanish Immersion+Volunteer

Costa Rica

French Immersion+Leadership

Biarritz, France

Italian Immersion+Leadership

Siena, Italy

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SPI Study Abroad

P: 512-502-7505
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On-Site Supervision Team Abroad

We hire bilingual high school teachers, university professors, and caring local staff who, as a team, serve as international “moms and dads” throughout the program. Directors actively participate in all aspects of the immersion experience: helping with housing adjustments, checking in on classes, and making sure students are taking advantage of the wonderful excursion and activity opportunities. All SPI staff go through extensive reference checks.

Training & Experience

Directors are selected based on their experience working with teenagers in an international setting, their ability to communicate fluently in the language of study, and their academic & professional background. All on-site staff go through an intensive training process.

Daily Supervision

Students are expected to be respectful of their directors’ guidelines and abide by the SPI standards of conduct at all times. SPI directors and program staff are available 24 hours a day. Directors check in with students on a daily basis in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings; they also frequently monitor all aspects of each student’s progress. Homestays and residence directors are contacted to learn how students are adjusting, and to handle any concerns. Daily curfews are enforced.

Student Behavior Expectations

Since 1996, we have proudly attracted an academically-minded student body focused on improving their language skills and growing from cultural experiences. At SPI, we take our role as teachers seriously — we recognize that we are responsible for guiding students through one of their most life-changing experiences. We expect students not only to abide by our standards of conduct at all times, but also to serve as ambassadors of their local communities, schools, and cities.

No Alcohol Policy

SPI maintains a strict policy against the use of alcohol. Directors check in with students in the evenings; however, parents are expected to review our standards of conduct with their children and set clear family expectations prior to the start of the program with regards to their behavior abroad.

Afternoon Elective Activities

Our meaningful afternoon elective activities make local culture, art, architecture, museums, sports, and attractions come to life! Each program offers a variety of engaging activities designed to combine serious fun with truly inspiring “once in a lifetime” experiences. Electives are not included in the program price, and we suggest students budget $100 per week for participation in these incredible learning experiences.

Common Afternoon Electives

> CULTURAL: Cooking, Dance, Art & Architecture, Museum & Theater Visits, Local Sporting & Cultural Events

> SPORTS: Surfing, Volleyball, Soccer, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Hikes & Walks

> ENRICHMENT: Photography, College Prep (Essay Writing, Admissions Prep), Photography, Guest Speakers

Sample Travel Excursions

SPAIN: Bilbao, Pamplona, Santander, San Sebastian, Guernika, Biarritz (France), Comillas, Picos de Europa

FRANCE: Bordeaux, Bayonne, Anglet, San Sebastian (Spain), St. Jean de Luz, Pyrenees Mountains

COSTA RICA: Liberia, Cloud Forest, Puntarenas, Rincon de la Vieja, Tamarindo Beach

ITALY: Florence, Orvieto, San Gimignano, San Vincezo, Castiglione della Pescaia

Our Screening & Selection Process

Students live with roommates in a local homestay or student residence that is experienced in hosting foreign students. SPI has worked with most participating homestays and student residences for a number of years, and they understand students are there to learn the language and experience the culture. SPI diligently screens each homestay and student residence facility with the following in mind: safety, location, cleanliness, and previous experience hosting students.

HOMESTAY EXPECTATIONS

Most homestays have hosted students for many years and take their jobs and duties as cultural ambassadors very seriously. Our foreign schools also work with each family on a year-round basis to ensure a positive experience is had by each student. It is critical to understand that most homestays come from humble means and different dynamics.

Location of Housing

All housing options are located within a 10-30 minute commute from the school. Students will walk or take the local bus, which is a safe and normal way for students their age to get around in our host cities. The majority of our housing options are located in the same areas where students will be close to each other.

Evening Curfews

Student curfews are set based on what a culturally appropriate weekday and weekend curfew would be for teenagers in the country of study. This is normally between 10 PM – 11 PM on weekdays and a little later on the weekends depending on location and group dynamic. As an important safety measure, program staff diligently monitor student curfews. Specific curfews are listed on each program page for your reference. 

Typical Housing Dynamics

Students are well supported in all housing options and are provided with: meals, a living and study space, laundry service or facilities, linens and towels. It is fundamental that students have an open mind to trying new foods and living in an environment different than “home” to benefit from this transformative experience!

HOMESTAY EXPECTATIONS
Although SPI homestays come in all shapes and sizes, the majority are older couples or single/widowed women in their 50s – 60s who have extra room in their home and are eager to host students. We have found this dynamic provides the best support, the most interaction, and the most culturally rich experience. Some homestays do have children, but students should keep in mind that homestays with children are busier and often offer less interaction — much like a busy American family.

Language Course Overview

The language courses focus on developing communication skills by simulating real-life situations through interactive class activities that include writing, oral expression, film, music, food, and literature.

> 2 Hours – Grammatical Concepts

> 1-2 Hours – Conversation, Culture, Literature, Film, etc.

> Small class sizes with levels 1 through AP/IB

College Credit Opportunity

SPI uses foreign universities and accredited language institutes for coursework abroad. These institutions provide high school students, upon successful completion of their courses, with an official transcript that they may use to petition college credit from their future university or college. Official transcripts are first sent to SPI in September, and then we will mail an official copy of the transcript in a sealed envelope to each participant. You will mail the official transcript packet directly to your U.S. university once you are enrolled.

Credit Hours vs. Credit Granted

Most SPI language immersion programs give 30-80 contact hours, or classroom hours, enabling for a potential of up to 1-6 semester college credit hours by your university. Contact hours are treated differently at every school. Some schools will grant specific class credit for the hours (e.g., Spanish), although most give a general foreign language or elective credit. Normally, 15 Contact/Class Hours = 1 College Credit Hour.

IMPORTANT:  Due to the nature of college credit granting by each individual U.S. university, it is impossible for SPI to guarantee credit for any student.