Costa Rica Combination - Community Service and Spanish Language by 360° Student Travel

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 14 Days: June 27 - July 10; 21 Days: June 27 - July 17 / July 6 - July 26; 28 Days: June 27 - July 24

Description: The Costa Rica Rainforest Spanish Language Immersion program by 360° Student Travel is a unique 25-day program combining Language Learning, Community Service and Adventure travel.

* Community Service partners include:
- Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF) works to improve the quality of life for at-risk and special-needs populations. CRHF manages more than fifty projects throughout the country, focusing on education, community development, and primary and preventive health care.

- Flamingo Beach Community Project The impact of recent development in the beach community of Flamingo and the surrounding area has created economic and environmental challenges for the local population

- Monteverde Cloud Forest Project Called a cloud forest rather than a rain forest because of its altitude, its canopy is extremely rich with wildlife - and one of the most acclaimed refuges in the New World Tropics.

* On the 14 day program, there are 20 hours of language classes and 20 hours of community service.
* On the 21 day program, there are 30 hours of language classes and 30 hours of community service.
* On the 28 day program, there are 36 hours of language classes and 36 hours of community service.

Highlights: Amazing Details:

* Heredia/Central Valley

Your suburban classroom close to the city is the perfect balance of culture and comfort! ExplorePoas Volcano National Park and walk to the volcano's cone! Get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting adventure! Bond with your group at a night of crazy Karaoke. Experiment with the local cuisine in cooking class.

Service Project: Run programs such as sports, reading, dance, crafts and face painting for the children of La Carpio. Participate in a beautification and local development project in this impoverished town by painting murals on the walls and improving their homes and community.

* ARENAL
Visit La Fortuna waterfall and relax in thermal hot springs. View the lava flowing from this active volcano & don't worry, we keep a safe distance! Ride the Zipline.

* FLAMINGO
This beachfront paradise is an ideal stop for our first classes. Sail off Flamingo beach and dive into the crystal blue waters to snorkel. Learn to surf at Tamarindo Beach our expert instructors will have you standing on the long board in no time! Experience local nightlife at a disco and beach bonfire.

Service Project: Participate in a community improvement project; groups may be doing beach preservation or improving local homes for underprivileged residents.

* Rincon De La Vieja
On this retreat, spend two days river tubing and pampering yourself in rustic mud baths.

* Monteverde
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to unique wildlife and will be the base for more language learning. Hike to the Santa Elena reserve and relax in the hot springs. Visit the San Luis Waterfall. Learn the art of Latin dancing!

Service Project: Complete a project focusing on reforestation (planting trees) under the supervision of a local guide. Protect growing plants from invasive species and plant coffee plants at a local co-op.

* Manuel Antonio Eco-resort
Now, this is Costa Rica! Spend your last few days with your close friends at the most popular and most visited National Park in the country. Relax on pristine sandy beaches. Hike through lush rainforest. View sloth, iguanas and the rare squirrel monkeys. At our final banquet, we reflect together on all we have learned and the friendships we've made along the way.

Qualifications: Participants should be prepared for our program. Once you are part of a team, you are committing yourself not only to hard work on service days (from 6-8 hours) but also to your fellow volunteers and those we will be assisting. In sharing this rewarding experience, you are guaranteed to form lasting friendships and will no doubt take away much more than you give. You will receive a certificate of completion recognizing 30-80 hours (depending on program) of service and listing projects accomplished.

Cost in US$: USD 3,999 for 14 Days; USD 5,399 for 21 Days; USD 6,399 for 28 Days

- Plus airfare to and from Costa Rica
- Accommodations: All Hotels.
- Everybody participates together in each project.

21 Days

- Plus airfare to and from San Jose, Costa Rica
- Accommodations: All Hotels.
- Everybody participates together in each project.

28 Days

- Plus airfare to and from San Jose, Costa Rica
- Accommodations: All Hotels.
- Everybody participates together in each project.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of limited up to 30 participants

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement: 360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded: 1992

360 Student Travel is a based organization. We do not require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.