Spanish/Cultural Immersion Trip in Costa Rica (a co-ed trip)

Spanish/Cultural Immersion Trip
in Costa Rica
with Ann Becker
April 21-29, 2012

Program Partner: Personalized Spanish
Trip Co-Sponsor: Multilingual Chicago

Click here to download the Spanish/Cultural Immersion Trip Brochure, including the registration form.

Itinerary

CENTRAL VALLEY (four nights)

Arrive at Juan Santa Maria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica and transfer to the nearby community of Tres Rios and your Tico host family.

Increase your Spanish knowledge (all language levels welcome: beginner through advanced), confidence, and fluidity through 25 hours of mini-group lessons (directed to your learning goals) and programmatic activities. Our headquarters will be Personalized Spanish, a small boutique school with an outstanding track record for creating effective immersion experiences with plenty of time and space for individualized attention.

Experience firsthand the cultural warmth and embrace of your host family - all located within easy walking distance of school. Your home stay experience is a great opportunity to practice your Spanish skills in daily living situations, especially around eating the traditional “gallo pinto”, sampling delicious tropical fruits and drinking coffee Costa Rican style. Learn more about the family and social lives of Costa Ricans, and make cross-cultural friendships that can last a lifetime.

Enjoy additional daily cultural activities that are interactive, informative and fun. Among other activities, we’ll take a “Chepe Cletas” walking tour of some of San Jose’s most historic and artsy neighborhoods; learn the importance of and sample an array of Costa Rica’s amazing tropical fruits; and create and partake in a traditional Tico meal and fiesta with our host families.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Home stays arranged by Personalized Spanish www.personalizedspanish.com

MEALS INCLUDED: 4/21 D; 4/22 B, D; 4/23 B, D; 4/24 B, D; 4/25 B

OSA PENINSULA (three nights)

Our second major destination is the magnificent Osa Peninsula, the southernmost peninsula of Costa Rica and a magical place full of pristine rain forest, rugged natural beauty and amazing wildlife.

Settle in at a small, family-owned and run lodge in the community of Drake Bay. Hear the personal stories and learn about the history of the lodge as well as the opportunities and challenges of the community from Manolo, his family, and our local guide, all long-time local residents.

Join Javier, our outstanding guide and long-time colleague, on a day trip to Corcovado National Park, the “crown jewel” of Costa Rica’s famous national park system and one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world. Our destination will be Sirena, the largest interior ranger station and considered by many to be the heart of Corcovado. In addition to a spectacular boat ride along the untouched coastline, our Corcovado hike will include spectacular flora and fauna, including a once in a lifetime opportunity to potentially see, in their natural habitat, the endangered squirrel monkeys, wild peccaries, and the tapir, the largest land mammal in the Central American rain forest.

Our second tour may be snorkeling and beach time at Cano Island, a marine biological reserve once considered sacred ground by the pre-Columbian Diquis peoples—with possible dolphin sightings along the way. Alternatively, we will take a boat trip through the beautiful Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands, including the largest protected mangrove area in Central America. This popular boat tour also offers myriad opportunities for spectacular bird and wildlife viewing.

Meet Ann’s good friend, Pedro Rojas Morales, from the indigenous community of Boruca. Talk with Pedro and learn about the history, culture and extraordinary artisanship of the Borucan people.

Pick your pleasure. “On your own” options include a zip line tour through the rain forest canopy, guided bird and night walks, or just relaxing at the beach or in a hammock by your room.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Cabinas Manolo www.cabinasmanolo.com

MEALS INCLUDED: 4/25 L, D; 4/26 B, L; 4/27 B, L, D; 4/28 B.

SAN JOSE (one night)

Spend our final night at a historic and charming hotel in close proximity to the Central Market, National Theatre, pre-Colombian Gold Museum and a renowned indigenous art gallery- great for gift shopping.
Enjoy a final group dinner to celebrate our accomplishments and toast to the memories.

The trip concludes on April 29. Depart Juan Santa Maria International Airport to return home.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Don Carlos www.doncarloshotel.com

MEALS INCLUDED: 4/28 D; 4/29 B

For more information about Guided Costa Rica Experiential Adventures, contact Ann Becker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .