Walking Tree Travel Costa Rica Summer 2009

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Arenal
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Manuel Antonio
• Monteverde: 
Monteverde

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Please inquire for student-program dates

Description: Walking Tree Travel offers four exciting types of programs in Costa Rica. Read on to find out more about these programs!
                                                                  
Immersion Program, 30 Days
The Immersion Programs are designed to give students the maximum exposure to and opportunity in Costa Rica. A 30-day program provides students ample time to see a great deal of the country in seven adventurous destinations; engage in meaningful community service projects; truly connect with the people and language of Costa Rica; and internalize what they are learning.

Discovery Program, 15 Days
The Discovery Programs aim to incorporate community service, language exposure and adventure travel while further minimizing time away from summer employment, family, scholastic programs and athletics. This shorter two-week option provides an amazing Costa Rican adventure but abbreviates the time in the village and excludes Monteverde and Arenal.

Explorer Program, 21 Days
The Explorer program is three weeks, yet includes almost as much time in the host community as our month-long program.    With this emphasis on village time, Explorer is designed to maximize community service and language immersion in the village, yet minimize time away from home.

Spanish Intensive Explorer, 21 Days
(open to students with at least two years of Spanish experience)
Mirroring the Explorer Program described above, the Spanish Intensive was created with the language lover in mind. Students will pledge to speak only Spanish during their time abroad, which will include more formal practice and daily lessons.

Highlights: San Jose
Students will briefly experience one of the most cosmopolitan Central American cities as we explore colonial courtyards, busy avenues and quaint neighborhoods. We will take Latin dance lessons and gather for orientation meetings to prepare for our upcoming adventure.

Pura Suerte
Nestled high in the tropical mountains overlooking the Pacific Coast, Pura Suerte is an ecological retreat outfitted with impressive bamboo bungalows and a fabulous restaurant that specializes in organic cuisine. Students will learn about sustainable agriculture and rainforest ecology through a variety of adventurous activities. Groups can explore the surrounding jungle, hike along breathtaking passes to secluded waterfalls, learn to cook dishes made from organic ingredients, and relax in hammocks while rain pelts against the jungle canopy.

Manuel Antonio
Participants will spend a long weekend in Manuel Antonio, a beautiful white sand beach and national park on the Pacific coast. Famous for its wildlife, Manuel Antonio is home to sloths, monkeys, a stunning variety of birds, and much more. Those who are interested in surfing can take professional lessons and apply their practice to waves renowned for their ease and consistency. At night we will gather around bonfires on the shore and eat fresh seafood caught during the day.

Village
Homestay
The heart and soul of our Costa Rica programs is the time in the host village. For the duration of our time in the community, students will live with homestay families where they will significantly improve their Spanish and experience firsthand an intimate snapshot of Costa Rican family life. While we understand the thought of living with another family can be intimidating, we are convinced through personal experience that homestays are extremely rewarding. Walking Tree has carefully selected each host family to ensure it makes the students experience comfortable and enriching.

Days in the village are spent working on a variety of community service projects that are decided upon in conjunction with the community to ensure their usefulness. Some projects will necessitate construction while others will be less labor-intensive. The days will begin early and end in the afternoon, broken up by a midday break. They promise to be long and rewarding. Students will eat breakfast and dinner with their families, while lunching with the group and continuing with the service projects.

When not working on the community service projects, our students will have free time to spend with their families, practice Spanish, play soccer, make friends with local youth, and attend community gatherings. At the end of our time in the village, we will have a fiesta de despedida, or going away party, to say goodbye to the community that has been our home.

Arenal
We will spend a short time in the small town of La Fortuna in the shade of one of Costa Ricas most impressive landmarks, the Arenal Volcano. The group can hike down to La Catarata de la Fortuna, an impressive waterfall, or plunge into refreshing rivers from suspended tire swings. At night we will bathe in luxurious natural hot springs and, if the weather is clear, watch as lava erupts from Arenals cone.

Monteverde
Costa Rica is famous for its cloud forests, and this is one of its best. Students will take a canopy tour where they are safely harnessed into a series of zip lines and soar over old growth canopy and enjoy the excitement of a Tarzan Swing. We will also have the option to tour a coffee plantation, take a guided nature walk through the forest to learn more about the unique flora and fauna, practice yoga at a world-class studio, and sample excellent ice cream at the local dairy factory.

Pacuare River
According to the Discovery Channel, the Pacuare River is one of the five most beautiful rivers in the world, but we find it hard to imagine that there is anything better. Students will safely navigate class II and III rapids that weave through a breathtaking tropical canyon. Students on our Discovery Programs will participate in a one-day rafting adventure. The Immersion Programs spend two days rafting with an overnight stay at an ecologically sensitive retreat along the banks of the Pacuare River. National Geographic has recently hailed the Pacuare Lodges first-class fare and lavish accommodations as one of the worlds finest retreats.

Cost in US$: Immersion Itineraries: 5,350 dollars; Discovery Program: 3,350 dollars

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network

Walking Tree Travel's Mission Statement: Our mission is to inspire young adults to become global citizens by taking an active interest in the world around them. We hope to achieve this goal by providing unforgettable programs filled with challenging and enriching adventures. We have found that our most rewarding travel experiences have been as active members of a community rather than tourists. For this reason, Walking Tree specializes in programs based in communities we know and trust around the world. This approach allows us to focus all of our energy and expertise on providing the safest, most dynamic experience possible. Our programs are designed for a proactive, select group of youth who are not looking for the typical tourist trip, but rather an opportunity to interact with another culture while forming relationships that can continue long after they return home. Walking Tree programs incorporate cultural and language immersion, community service, and adventure to enable young people to see themselves, another culture, and the world in a new and exciting light. Our programs combine living in local communities, significant service projects, cultural activities and education, and excursions to our host countrys best destinations. We encourage you to spend a portion of your summer with us, opening your heart and mind to an experience you will never forget.

Year Founded: 2005