Known for its gorgeous beaches, tropical forests, diverse wildlife and world class surf, Costa Rica is the perfect paradise. Its stunning geography and beauty is overshadowed only by the warmth of its friendly people or “Ticos”. This tiny country visited by more than a million people a year also boasts a reputation of being the safest country in Central America.
Students traveling to Costa Rica with Destino Abroad have two programs from which to choose: the Costa Rica Program and the Costa Rica Intensive Program. Both trips allow students to learn Spanish while enjoying the natural beauty and rich culture of this country. Each program includes individualized Spanish language instruction, community service projects, private surf lessons, canopy tour, adventure activities, day trips, cultural excursions, and much, much more. As always, Destino Abroad leaders accompany the group during all organized activities.
Students enrolled in the Costa Rica Program stay together as a group, along with Destino Abroad leaders, at our beachfront home in Playa Grande. This trip is a great fit for middle school and high school students who want to improve their language skills and enjoy the “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
The Costa Rica Intensive Program includes a week at our beachfront home in Playa Grande plus one week living with a Costa Rican family and studying at a language institute in Playa Potrero and Flamingo. This advanced language immersion adventure is the perfect match for any high school student who wants to become fluent in Spanish.
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COSTA RICA PROGRAM
Day 1
Upon arrival at Liberia International Airport, you are greeted by Destino Abroad leaders. We travel to our beachfront accommodations in Playa Grande, where we stay together as a group for the duration of our stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the long stretch of sand which is home to the endangered Leatherback sea turtles that come ashore every year to lay their eggs on the beach. Enjoy an orientation dinner where we address safety issues, learn about local customs, set personal goals and play games.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we go to the Rio Tempisque area for an exhilarating canopy tour. See howler monkeys, iguanas, and birds as we zip-line through the tropical forest. Stop by the “Monkey Park” to catch a close-up glimpse of rare Costa Rican animals in a rehabilitation program.
Day 3-7
The next 5 days are spent studying Spanish, teaching at a local school, surfing, working with environmental organizations, and enjoying the natural beauty of Guanacaste. Make friends with local students at Escuela Matapalo as you teach bilingual lessons. Play soccer in the afternoon with new friends. At night, learn to prepare delicious Costa Rican dinners and play Spanish games.
Day 6
Take a day trip to the historic city of Santa Cruz. Enjoy true “guanacasteco” cuisine at the famous tortilla factory. Visit the artisan village of Guaitil, known for its longstanding tradition of manufacturing Chorotega Indian ceramic craft. Learn how the villagers use Pre-Columbian techniques to create their pottery. Then put your Spanish skills to the test as you haggle for beautiful hand-created souvenirs.
Day 7
After a final surf session in the morning, we visit our new friends at Escuela Matapalo and challenge them to a soccer match. Return to the villa for an awards ceremony followed by a fiesta dinner, fun and games.
Day 8
After breakfast, our trip to Liberia International Airport gives us a moment to reminisce about our incredible Costa Rican adventure.
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COSTA RICA INTENSIVE PROGRAM
Day 1
Upon arrival at Liberia International Airport, you are greeted by Destino Abroad leaders who take us on a scenic drive along the “Monkey Trail” to Playa Potrero. We settle into this quiet seaside village and get to know our fellow adventurers. Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding sandy coves and swimming in the warm gentle water. Enjoy an orientation dinner where we address safety issues, learn about local customs, set personal goals and play games.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head to the Rio Tempisque area for an exhilarating canopy tour. See howler monkeys, iguanas, and birds as we zip-line through the tropical forest. Stop by the “Monkey Park” to catch a close-up glimpse of rare Costa Rican animals in a rehabilitation program. Travel back to Potrero to meet our gracious Costa Rican host families who welcome us into their homes.
Day 3-9
For the next week, we live with our adopted “Tico” families and attend daily Spanish classes at a language institute in Flamingo. Spend the afternoons teaching in local schools, working with environmental organizations, and enjoying the natural beauty of Guanacaste. Kayak to secluded beaches, go horseback riding, trek through rolling hills, snorkel in tropical waters. This truly is paradise!
Day 9-14
After saying goodbye to our “familias,” we travel to Playa Grande, home to the endangered Leatherback sea turtles that come ashore every year to lay their eggs on the beach. We spend the next week living together as a group in our beachfront villa. Study Spanish in the morning and surf world renowned waves in the afternoon. Make friends with local students at Escuela Matapalo as you teach bilingual lessons. Play soccer in the afternoon with new friends. At night, learn to prepare delicious Costa Rican dinners and play Spanish games.
Day 12
Take a day trip to the historic city of Santa Cruz. Enjoy true “guanacasteco” cuisine at the famous tortilla factory. Visit the artisan village of Guaitil, known for its longstanding tradition of manufacturing Chorotega Indian ceramic craft. Learn how the villagers use Pre-Columbian techniques to create their pottery. Then put your Spanish skills to the test as you haggle for beautiful hand-created souvenirs.
Day 14
After a final surf session in the morning, we visit our new friends at Escuela Matapalo and challenge them to a spirited soccer match. Return to the villa for an awards ceremony followed by a fiesta dinner, fun and games.
Day 15
After breakfast, our trip to Liberia International Airport gives us a moment to reminisce about our incredible Costa Rican adventure. |
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