The best way to learn a language is to immerse oneself among those who speak it. We take the first step by making our home for the next four weeks in the beautiful Orosi Valley of Costa Rica. The Reventazón River winds its way through the steep-sided basin until it collects into a beautiful lake formed by the Cachí Dam. Pine trees covered with Spanish moss sway in the wind, and the temperatures are always cool and pleasant – giving the feeling of an “eternal spring.” The spectacular tropical landscape and rich traditional culture is flawlessly matched by the warmth of its people, making Orosi the perfect place to learn how to communicate with a culture that lives for pura vida.
We settle into our house in the gorge of this undiscovered paradise which provides a tranquil setting for our study. For four hours each morning, our focus will be on language learning as we engage in oral and written exercises to improve our conversation and grammar. With no more than four students per class, each student receives individual attention and lessons tailored to specific interests and needs.
Our instructors are dynamic, university-level professionals experienced in teaching Spanish as a second language and eager to help us learn. We get an early start on our Spanish skills as we explore the village and venture to the grocery and fruit markets that line the streets. The simple phrases which can often seem complicated to say in Spanish become standard, flowing vocabulary with the help of the local community which is accustomed to working with students during their study period here. We quickly find that Ticos speak slowly and clearly and they encourage us to do the same.
Our afternoons are spent assisting members of the community on a variety of service projects. Our work provides an ideal opportunity to practice our Spanish and in between these activities, cultural opportunities abound as we interact with locals, dance salsa and merengue and learn about the rhythms of Costa Rica.
On weekends, we take advantage of the adventure activities that make Costa Rica so inviting. We explore the Irazu Volcano, the highest volcano in Costa Rica, possibly catching a glimpse of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We travel to Tapantí National Park to swim in the waters of the Rio Grande de Orosi and hike its lush trails. We venture to the Caribbean Coast for some beach fun, surf lessons and kayaking out in the open waters of Punta Cocles. We end with an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip down the world famous Pacuare River as we meander for two days, carving our way through Class III and IV rapids. The journey culminates in a final gently-flowing stretch of river allowing us to jump out of our rafts and float the current as it carves its way through the high walls, all the while soaking in paradise.
Having experienced the splendor of Costa Rica’s natural beauty, the openness of its people, and the intricacies of its language, we leave Costa Rica with plenty to discuss — fluently, en Español!
| AGES |
DAYS
|
TUITION |
DATES |
ARRIVE/DEPART |
| 14–18 |
28 |
6,495 |
6/26/10–7/23/10
|
San José, Costa Rica
|
