Costa Rica – Spanish

Spanish in San Jose, Costa Rica

Learn Spanish in Central America! San Jose is the largest city in Costa Rica, and serves as the nation’s capital. You will be able to enjoy the rich history of the city as well as venture out to explore the beaches, jungles, volcanoes, hot springs, and more.

Below information is subject to change

Deadline to apply: February 17; however, applicants will be accepted first-come, first-serve, pending instructor approval. Approval will be based on application, Spanish course GPA, and interview.

Program Site: This program takes place at Forrester Instituto Nacional, a language school located in the Barrio Yoses of San Jose, Costa Rica. The program and course is led by ACC instructor Todd Phillips.

Duration: May 26-July 4: first 3 weeks in Austin, last 2 weeks in Costa Rica.

Description: Learn Spanish in Central America! San Jose is the largest city in Costa Rica, and serves as the nation’s capital. You will be able to enjoy the rich history of the city as well as venture out to explore the beaches, jungles, volcanoes, hot springs, and more.

Courses and Credit: SPAN 2311 / Spanish III and SPAN 1300/ Spanish Conversation
6 ACC credits.

Accommodations: Student will a share a room with another ACC student in the home of a Costa Rican family.

Activities and Other Program Features: Homestays with local families; weekend excursions to Manuel Antonio National Park & Beach and Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs; 5 half-day excursions to sites including Orosi Valley & Reventazon River, La Paz Waterfall & Butterfly Farm, Savegre Reserve, a coffee plantation, and Poas Volcano; free salsa lessons

Eligibility: By the end of Spring 2010, students must have completed a second semester college Spanish course of at least four semester hours with a grade of C or better, or have equivalent credit by
examination.

Acceptance Policy: Acceptance will be based on application, Spanish courses GPA, and interview.

Program Fee: $1500 Includes homestays, most breakfast and dinners, laundry service, two weekend excursions, 5 half-day excursions, airport pick up, airport drop off, host institution fee, free salsa lessons, general fee (covers some instructor expenses)

Not included: airfare, books and supplies, lunches, and personal expenses (which can vary greatly from student to student). Scholarships may be applied to program costs.

See pictures from the 2009 program
http://www.flickr.com/photos/toddptx/sets/72157619718904719/

See the video from the 2008 program
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPs2-y-XTDc

Contact
For more information, please contact Ellen Aoki at eaoki@austincc.edu