10-DAY LANGUAGE & CULTURE IMMERSION ITINERARY

WELCOME - Day 1
Arrive in San Jose Airport.  Spanish Immersion Costa Rica (SICR) staff will welcome you and transport you to meet and stay with your homestay family in Atenas, Costa Rica. 

DESMONTE WATERFALLS AND GOLDMINE - Day 2
Program overview, individual Spanish language assessments, and first Spanish class.  Students will partake in a map orientation activity to get to know the town of Atenas and its seven “barrios” (neighborhoods). Visit 100 year-old goldmine and waterfalls with sand carved pools.  

LOCAL FARMS & LATIN DANCE - Day 3
Spanish class and visit to a local organic coffee farm and hydroponic lettuce farm.Latin dance class to learn the basics of salsa, meringue, and cumbia.

SAN JOSE MUSEUMS - Day 4
Spanish class integrated with trip to the capital of San Jose.  Visit the National Museum and the National Theater for an in-depth look at modern and historic Costa Rican customs and traditions. Language Interchange with Local Costa Rican National Institute of Learning Program.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT & MEET A MENTOR - Day 5
Spanish class and local Community Service project in Atenas. Meet your designated mentor and spend a few “hours in the life” of a local who shares the student’s common career interest or hobby.

FARMER’S MARKET, COOKING & FREE TIME - Day 6
Spanish class and activity at the the local Friday farmer’s market and prepare for cooking class of a typical Costa Rican dish – gallo pinto, tres leches, empanadas, etc.  Spend the afternoon with your own free time and/or local activities such as taking hikes, mountain bike rides, pool, soccer, basketball, volleyball, shopping, etc.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES - Day 7 & Day 8
The weekends are open for your own travel or activities with your host family.  We can help you arrange one-day and overnight excursions at your own costs. 

VOLCANO POAS & TILAPIA FISH FARM - Day 9
Spanish class integrated into day trip to Volcano Poas, one of the most visited volcanoes in Costa Rica. Apart from its volcanic activity, this national park displays Costa Rica’s amazing biodiversity by having four different habitats. Visit a nearby tilapia fish farm.  

FINAL EVENING
Farewell activity with typical Costa Rican light foods, Latin dancing, and student’s acceptance of certificates of program completion.                                                                                       

DEPARTURE – Day 10
Depart for San Jose airport.