Summer Study in Costa Rica / Middle and High School Students

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Flamingo,  Heredia
• Monteverde: 
Monteverde

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Various sessions throughout the summer

Description: The main objective of our Language and Culture Programs in Costa Rica is to have each participant totally immersed in the culture of the country. This facilitates a truly intercultural perspective, as well as the exciting opportunity for growth in life skills and language proficiency. ECI, a non-profit educational organization based in Northern California, is dedicated to making our Costa Rica programs the best of their kind available to US middle and high school students. Our coordinators and leaders are experienced, qualified educational professionals who provide guidance and support throughout the trip. We offer a comprehensive program that includes living with a host family or living in a student residence, and the experience of studying at a prestigious language school. Additionally, all of our summer Costa Rica trips include excursions to some of the most ecologically diverse areas in this magnificent country.

We have two fantastic programs from which to choose. Each one offers specific characteristics designed to meet various interests and educational needs. The Expedition Costa Rica program limits group size to 30 students and the Natural Wonders program, for current 7th, 8th and 9th graders, limits group size to 26. Both include three full-time adults: one trip leader and two additional chaperones. This is an ideal size in terms of student bonding, personal attention, organization, and safety are always our number one priority.

CPI (Centro Panamericano de Idiomas) participants have the option to earn three units of university credit, an invaluable asset in the competitive realm of higher education. Designed to be fun as well as challenging, ECI's programs provide students with an unforgettable and exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants must be current 9th, 10th, 11th or 12 graders.

Whenever possible, we also incorporate local residents into our itineraries. This component enriches the total experience by providing our group with lots of opportunities for integration into the community and practice in conversational Spanish.

All programs include a variety of excursions and activities and at least one day of community service.

Highlights:
* Participate in a two or three week Spanish study program at a prestigious language school.
* Have the opportunity to visit at least two of the following exciting destinations: majestic Arenal Volcano, ecologically rich Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Manuel Antonio National Park.
* Enjoy an enriching two-week homestay during the CPI program or dormitory stay in Grecia.
* Participate in a variety of extracurricular activities designed to enrich your cultural experience.

Cost in US$: From $3450-$4880. Chaperoned airfare is also available.

Price does not include application fee of $95, spending money, optional activities, fee for university credit (optional), some meals, and optional Cancellation / Interruption Travel Insurance Plan.

Experience Required: yes

Grecia Program - No language requirement / open to current 7th-9th graders CPI Program - Two years of Spanish required / open to current 9th-12th graders

This Program is open to American, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 30

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Edu-Culture International (ECI)'s Mission Statement: To broaden the academic horizons of students and to create well-rounded, culturally aware student leaders. Goals: ECI provides young people with opportunities to embrace new cultures, to improve foreign language ability, and to develop interpersonal skills. We strive to make each program a high-quality, unique, and enjoyable experience. It is also hoped that the programs will engender in students an interest in the pursuit of education, especially in the humanities and acquisition of foreign languages; motivate learning and independent thinking; promote world friendships and cultural understanding; educate students about the culture, language, people, and ideas of other nations and ethnic backgrounds; help students to realize their potentials and become aware of their roles in our global community.

Year Founded: 1998