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language immersion adventure spans two beautiful and
culturally rich Central American countries from the highlands
of Costa Rica to the spectacular volcanic islands of
Nicaragua. Learn Spanish as you explore magnificent river
valleys, a grand colonial city, lush tropical rainforests
and a verdant island in the middle of Central America’s
largest freshwater lake. Attend Spanish school in Costa
Rica, studying with local teachers in small groups of
two to four students. Live with gracious Costa Rican
families who welcome you into their community and daily
routines. Raft a thrilling river and zip line through the jungle canopy surrounded by howler monkeys. Work with a Nicaraguan orphanage on service projects that will change the way you view the world. This academic trek highlights the
diversity of these two countries and opens your eyes
to the colorful cultures of each. |
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| Day 1–11 |
| After flying into San Jose, get to
know your fellow adventurers on a thrilling whitewater
expedition. Together you take on the rapids of the world-famous
Rio Pacuare, considered to be the most scenic in a country
renowned for its natural beauty. Hike to an indigenous
village in La Amistad International Park, the largest
single protected area in Costa Rica and a World Heritage
Site. Then head to another stunning river valley in the
highlands to start our language immersion. The town of
Orosi is a small, tranquil and friendly oasis, the perfect
place for our home stays. Our families give us a warm
welcome as we settle in and begin our Spanish classes.
Formal instruction usually takes place in the mornings,
while afternoons are spent working with village members
on service projects at the school or on excursions to
majestic waterfalls and cool swimming holes. With the
goal of being conversational in Spanish, we work with
our profesores inside the classroom and out, testing
our skills in real-life, everyday situations. Become
a true Costa Rican cocinero as you learn to cook empanadas
and other local favorites during a cooking class. Play
soccer with locals on the field adjacent to the Iglesia
San José de Orosi, the oldest church in use in
Costa Rica. Reluctant to leave this highland utopia,
we say goodbye to our adopted community with a festive
celebration honoring the families who have taken us in
as their own. |
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| Day 12–15 |
| A short flight takes us to Granada,
Nicaragua, one of the most picturesque cities in all
of Central America. Situated beside Lake Cocibolca with
Volcán Mombacho as the backdrop, Granada’s
colonial history is evident in its magnificent architecture.
The city was founded in 1524, and you sense its rich
heritage as you stroll around the Parque Colón
with its busy merchants, sidewalk fritangas and horse-drawn
carriages. You quickly realize there are few English
speakers in Nicaragua. Time to put your evolving Spanish
skills to the test! Granada provides an authentic Central
American experience that is clearly distinct from Costa
Rica, giving us a new perspective on Spanish and the
Latin culture. The city also offers the perfect base
from which to take a multitude of excursions… Fly through the treetops on the slope of Volcán Mombacho on a zip line canopy tour. Haggle for souvenirs in the colorful mercado. Hike to the active crater of Volcán Masaya and visit the famous museum, Antiguo Convento San Francisco. |
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| Day 16–22 |
Formed by two volcanoes, the lush
island of Ometepe is located in Lake Cocibolca, the largest
freshwater lake in Central America. Our community service
takes place at an orphanage where over 300 young people
live, attend school and learn skills that will prepare
them for life as an adult. From the minute you arrive,
you are embraced by friendly, enthusiastic children who
are eager to make new friends and help you practice your
Spanish. Every moment spent with them is not only fun,
but also time well spent, as you can make a real difference
in their lives even in a few short days. When not working
and playing at the orphanage, we might take in a spirited
baseball game, a favorite pastime of the locals, play
Frisbee at the beach or hike in Volcán Maderas’ mist-laden
forest beneath white-faced capuchin monkeys and parakeets.
We wrap up our amazing three weeks in Central America
at the spectacular Laguna de Apoyo, one of Nicaragua’s
numerous crater lakes. We leave with incredible memories,
new friends and a thirst for more adventure in this beautiful
and enchanting part of the world.  |
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Attend Spanish School in
Costa Rica |
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Home Stay in a Costa Rican
Mountain Village |
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Service Work in a Nicaraguan
Orphanage |
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Rafting, Zip Lining, Hiking, Cultural Excursions |
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Earn High School/College
Credit |
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Earn 30+ Hours Community
Service Credit |
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Prerequisite: One Year High School Spanish |
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