10-DAY CULTURE IMMERSION ITINERARY
Day 1 - WELCOME
Arrive in San Jose Airport. Spanish Immersion Costa Rica (SICR) staff will welcome and transport you to meet and stay with your homestay family in Atenas, Costa Rica.
Day 2 - ATENAS
Program overview and Culture Program curriculum guide. Partake in a map orientation activity to get to know the town of Atenas and its seven “barrios” (neighborhoods). Hike to local waterfall.
Day 3 - COSTA RICAN SCHOOL - MEET A MENTOR - LATIN DANCE
Assist at a local Spanish speaking school with various activities. Spend a few “hours in the life” of a local community member/mentor who shares common interest or hobby. Latin dance class to learn salsa, merengue, and cumbia.
Day 4 - SAN JOSE MUSEUMS - CULTURAL DISCUSSION
Trip to the capital of San Jose to visit the National Museum and the National Theater for an in-depth look at Costa Rican customs and traditions. Shop at a street artisan souvenir market in downtown. Roundtable discussion with a local lawyer from San Jose about Central America, education, and immigration issues. Language exchange activities with local students enrolled in Costa Rica's National Institute of Learning and Employment Program (INA).
Day 5 - FARMER’S MARKET - COOKING - GOLDMINE WATERFALLS
Activity at the local Friday farmer’s market and buy ingredients cook a typical Costa Rican dish. Visit nearby 100 year-old Desmonte gold mining area and waterfalls with naturally sand carved pools.
Day 6 - VOLCANO POAS - TILAPIA FISH FARM
Day trip to Volcano Poas, one of the most visited and accessible volcanoes in Costa Rica. Discuss Costa Rican tourism and visit nearby tilapia fish farm.
Day 7 - OPEN DAY OR HOST FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Take a trip on your own or participate in activities with your host family
Day 8 - COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT - LOCAL FARMS
Local community service projects in Atenas - read and participate in crafts and other activities at the local library, assist in projects on organic coffee farm, work with children at a local soccer league, or assist in a Spanish speaking elementary school. Visit a local organic coffee farm and hydroponic lettuce farm.
Day 9 - PACIFIC COAST BEACH PLAYA ESTERILLOS
Trip to Pacific Coast to enjoy the beach, see scarlet macaw habitat and crocodiles on the Tarcoles River. Canopy zip-line optinal and extra cost. Visit Jaco for coffee/ice cream, souvenir shopping. Farewell activity with typical Costa Rican light foods, Latin dancing, and student’s acceptance of certificates.
Day 10 - DEPARTURE
Depart for San Jose airport.