Day 1

Arrival in San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport and make your way to the airport hotel. Take time to relax, settle in, and meet fellow educators as the adventure begins.

Day 2

Homestay Welcome
Travel to Heredia and meet your carefully selected host family. Settle into your new home, enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner, and begin your cultural immersion experience.

Day 3

Orientation & Exploring Heredia
Meet your professors and fellow participants, complete language placement activities, and begin Spanish classes. In the afternoon, discover Heredia's parks, markets, and historic streets on a guided walking tour.

Day 4

Rainforest Adventure
Head into Costa Rica's lush rainforest for an exciting white-water rafting excursion on the Sarapiquí River. Experience breathtaking scenery, tropical wildlife, and the natural beauty that makes Costa Rica famous.

Day 5

Language & Cultural Exchange
Continue your Spanish studies before participating in a scavenger hunt and language challenges around Heredia. Connect with Costa Rican students through a meaningful intercambio (language exchange).

Day 6

Wildlife & Conservation
Visit one of Costa Rica's premier wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers. Learn about conservation efforts while observing sloths, monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, and other native species.

Day 7

Live Like a Local
Enjoy a slower-paced day that allows you to deepen connections with your host family and community. Explore Heredia, visit local cafés, shop, relax, or spend additional time practicing your Spanish.

Day 8

Discover San José
Travel to Costa Rica's vibrant capital city. Highlights include a coffee tasting workshop, the National Theatre, the Central Market, and opportunities to experience Costa Rican history and culture firsthand.

Day 9

Celebrate Your Progress
Complete your final Spanish classes and celebrate your achievements during a graduation ceremony. Receive your certificate before enjoying a fun salsa dance workshop and free time with your host family.

Day 10

Pacific Coast Escape
Spend the day on beautiful Isla Tortuga. Cruise by catamaran, swim in crystal-clear waters, relax on white-sand beaches, and soak up your final full day of Costa Rican paradise.

Day 11

Farewell Costa Rica
Share one last breakfast with your host family before transferring to the airport. Depart with new language skills, lasting friendships, and fresh inspiration to bring back to your classroom.

Return home with skills, insights, and inspiration that extend far beyond the experience itself.

• Strengthen your confidence in real-world Spanish communication

• Develop culturally responsive teaching strategies through immersion

• Gain authentic materials, stories, and examples to bring into your classroom

• Experience language learning the way your students do, building empathy and new instructional approaches

• Connect with local educators and students through meaningful cultural exchange

This program is designed to provide not only an unforgettable experience, but practical tools and perspectives that will enrich your teaching long after you return home.

This program includes structured instructional hours, potential Continuing Education Units, and direct classroom applications that align with professional development goals. 

A sample approval letter and supporting materials can be provided to help you communicate the value of participation.

• IALC International Association of Language Centres

• National Geographic

• GoOverseas Study Abroad Network

Summary of the program

Experience a thoughtfully designed program that blends language learning, cultural immersion, and professional growth.

At the start of the program, there will be a short oral and written assessment before arrival for proper level placement

• 24 hours of Spanish instruction with native-speaking Costa Rican professors

• Small group classes tailored to your language level

• Cultural workshops and activities including cooking, dance, and local traditions

• Language exchange opportunities with Costa Rican students

• Service learning and community engagement experiences

• Two full-day excursions including white water rafting and a beach adventure

• Guided city exploration of San José with museums, markets, and a coffee workshop

• Graduation celebration and Latin dance class to conclude your experience

• 9 nights of homestay accommodation with daily meals and cultural immersion

• Full-time on-site support from experienced local staff