10-Day Spanish/ESL Teacher 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.
ATENAS - 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.
COSTA RICAN SCHOOL, MEET A MENTOR , and LATIN DANCE- Day 3
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.
SAN JOSE MUSEUMS - Day 4
Spanish class integrated into trip to the capital of San Jose to visit the National Museum and the National Theater. Students will take an in-depth look at modern and historic Costa Rican customs, traditions, religious practices, celebrations, art expressions, and cultural differences. Language Interchange with Local Costa Rican National Institute of Learning Program.
FARMER’S MARKET, COOKING, & COFFEE FARM - Day 5
Spanish class and activity at the local Friday farmer’s market and prepare for cooking class of a typical Costa Rican dish – gallo pinto, tres leches, empanadas, etc. Visit an organic coffee farm and hydroponic lettuce farm.
VOLCANO POAS & TILAPIA FISH FARM- Day 6
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 nearby tilapia fish farm.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES - Day 7
Open for your own travel or activities with your host family. We can help you arrange one-day and overnight excursions at your own expense.
LOCAL ATENAS - Day 8
Visit a local school and work side by side with teachers. In the afternoon meet with a local lawyer to discuss Central American policies, education, and immigration issues, etc.
PACIFIC COAST BEACH PLAYA ESTERILLOS– Day 9
Trip to Pacific Coast to enjoy the beach and see different flora and fauna (scarlet macaws, crocodiles, etc.). Visit Jaco for coffee/ice cream, souvenir shopping. Farewell activity with typical Costa Rican light foods, Latin dancing, and student’s acceptance of certificates of program completion.
DEPARTURE - Day 10
Departure from San Jose.