Costa Rica – Spanish & Adventure Camp for Teenagers – Images

Spanish Camp is a dynamic program designed specifically for teenagers, offering a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish language while exploring the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Costa Rica. Through a combination of daily Spanish classes, cultural activities, and eco tours, teens will develop language skills and gain invaluable life experiences. The program ensures a safe and supportive environment, together with experienced counselors and host families. Whether zip lining through the jungle or learning to cook traditional dishes, this program promises an unforgettable adventure for every participant.

 

Program Highlights:

  • 24/7 counselors; 8:1 student-counselor ratio
  • Host family accommodations with laundry included
  • Small group Spanish classes, 15 hours/week
  • Exciting cultural adventures and nature tours
  • Salsa dance and traditional cooking classes

 

Weekly Itineraries

Week 1 – San Jose: 7 – 13, July 

Sunday: Arrival at San Jose International Airport (SJO). Campers are picked up and transported to their host family accommodations where they settle in and rest after their travel.

  • Monday to Friday in San Jose:
    Each day begins with breakfast at the host family’s home, followed by pick-up in private transportation for the day’s activities.
  • Mornings:
    Monday: Coffee farm tour
    Tuesday: University Tour & Scavenger Hunt
    Wednesday: La Paz Waterfall Gardens
    Thursday: Irazu Volcano & Sanatorio Duran Tour
    Friday: Panoramic City Tour & Souvenir Market
  • Afternoons:
    Lunch at the school
    Daily Spanish classes from 1 PM to 5 PM
  • Evenings:
    Monday and Friday: Food Truck Dinner
    Tuesday: Go Karts
    Wednesday: Cooking Class
    Thursday: Traditional Costa Rican Dance Show
    Friday: Karaoke Night & Speed Tandem
  • Saturday: A thrilling day at San Luis Zipline.
  • Sunday:
    Departure home or continue to Manuel Antonio camp week.

 

Week 2 – Manuel Antonio: 13-21, July

  • Monday to Friday in Manuel Antonio:
    The schedule continues with breakfast, pickup/transfer service, and a variety of activities.
  • Mornings:
    Monday: Surf lessons or beach day
    Tuesday: Surf lessons or mangrove tour
    Wednesday: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
    Thursday: Scuba course or beach day
    Friday: Scuba course or hanging bridges tour
  • Afternoons:
    Lunch at the school
    Daily Spanish classes from 1 PM to 5 PM
  • Evenings:
    Monday: Salsa class
    Tuesday: Movie night
    Wednesday: Cooking class
    Thursday: Costa Rica BBQ
    Friday: Karaoke night
    Saturday: Morning at Beach & return to San Jose.
  • Sunday:
    Departure day, transfer to airport

 

Note for Parents:

  • You can book either week 1 in San Jose or/and week 2 in Manuel Antonio
  • This itinerary is designed specifically for teenage volunteers, offering a higher level of supervision throughout the program.
  • GoEco also offers the convenience of flight booking services to help coordinate participants’ travel arrangements after registration and approval.
  • The schedule is flexible, subject to weather and local considerations, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience.

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Week 1 takes place in San Jose and week 2 is in Manuel Antonio, near the Pacific Coast.

Project length Project length: One or two weeks

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

Age Age:  14 – 17

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: Varies by session, typically around 20 participants per week

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Host family accommodations with laundry included

Food Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, 7 days/week

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers: Airport pickup / drop-off and private transportation to/from all activities

Orientation Orientation: Program and safety orientation upon arrival

Support Support: Teen groups benefit from designated support staff for itinerary support and chaperoning, comprehensive pre-departure travel guidance, a 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, and an experienced local field team.

Other Inclusions: 

  • All tours and social activities
  • Official certificates for Spanish proficiency
  • Souvenir camp t-shirts (2)
  • Small group Spanish classes, 15 hours/week
  • Spanish books and materials
  • Free Spanish language tutoring table
  • Tandem Conversation Program
  • Wi-Fi and computer lounge
  • Salsa dance classes
  • Cooking classes

 

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses

Costa Rica is one of the most exotic places on Earth, offering unparalleled natural beauty with white sand beaches, rainforests, and many national parks. Located in Central America, it borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. The Andean-Sierra Madre mountain chain runs the length of the country, separating the Caribbean Sea on the east coast from the Pacific Ocean on the west coast. With thousands of miles of gorgeous coastline and abundant sunshine, Costa Rica provides an inspirational learning environment.

The capital city of San Jose (week 1) and the beach towns of Manuel Antonio and Quepos (week 2) serve as the primary locations for the Spanish Camp. These areas are rich in culture, biodiversity, and offer a perfect blend of urban and natural settings.

 

 

Spanish Camp is dedicated to fostering intercultural exchange and language immersion for young learners. The program combines Spanish language instruction with cultural activities and nature tours. The goal is to help students grow as global citizens, improve their Spanish proficiency, and develop self-confidence.

Internet icon Internet: Wi-Fi is available at the host families’ homes and at the camp’s computer lounge.

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry services are included with host family accommodations.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers stay with carefully selected host families in San Jose and Manuel Antonio. The accommodations are comfortable and provide a safe environment for participants. Host families offer a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and Spanish practice.

Food icon Food: Three meals a day are provided, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are prepared by host families and caterers, offering a mix of traditional Costa Rican dishes and familiar foods.

 

 

  • Interview with GoEco Advisor
  • Parental consent is required
  • Two Character Reference Letters
  • Age 14-17
  • No previous Spanish knowledge required
  • Willingness to take part in all scheduled activities and volunteer work
  • Positive attitude and openness to new experiences

Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Participants will explore the vibrant capital city of San Jose, with its historical landmarks and bustling markets. Manuel Antonio offers pristine beaches and stunning national parks. Campers can expect to experience the thrill of jungle ziplining, the tranquility of hot springs, and the adventure of scuba diving. Cultural activities include salsa dance classes, traditional cooking lessons, and local festivals. The program also includes educational tours, such as the famous Costa Rican coffee tour and visits to significant historical sites. Overall, the Spanish Camp provides an immersive experience that blends learning, adventure, and cultural exchange.

Summary of Camp Activities

San Jose Activities:

  • City Tour & Souvenir Shopping: Explore the main points of interest in San Jose, including the downtown area, “Plaza de Cultura,” Costa Rica’s first Airport, the National Theater, Central Avenue, and the Central Market. Shop for souvenirs at traditional markets and local stores.
  • Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare typical Costa Rican food, such as tamales and empanadas, in a participatory cooking class taught by a local host mother.
  • Coffee Tour: Experience the original Costa Rican coffee tour to learn how coffee is grown, roasted, and processed from bean to cup.
  • Recreation & Sports: Spend the afternoon at a local sports facility, such as an indoor soccer field, trampoline park, or basketball court. Play soccer and other sports with host families and staff.
  • Mini Golf or Go Karts: Enjoy a fun evening racing around the indoor go-kart track or playing mini-golf.
  • Ram Luna: Visit the Ram Luna center, perched high above the mountains overlooking San Jose. Enjoy panoramic views, traditional dances, marimba music, and a delicious buffet with traditional Costa Rican dishes.
  • Tours: University Tour & Scavenger Hunt, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Irazu Volcano & Sanatorio Duran Tour
  • San Luis Zipline: Exhilarating experience soaring above the rainforest canopy, providing breathtaking views of the lush landscape below.

 

Manuel Antonio Activities:

  • Surf Lessons: Spend the day on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, learning to surf from professional instructors. Enjoy body surfing, boogie boarding, and paddleboarding.
  • Scuba Course: Participate in a 2-day introductory “Discover Scuba” course, which includes safety and equipment training in a swimming pool and a supervised ocean dive.
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Tour: Take an informative hike through Costa Rica’s most famous national park, led by an experienced nature guide. Discover small beaches, ocean inlets, and a variety of wildlife.
  • Mangrove Kayaking Tour: Paddle through the estuary of the Paquita River, led by an expert naturalist guide, to observe diverse wildlife in the mangrove ecosystem.
  • Hanging Bridges Tour: Trek through the rainforest along hanging bridges and natural trails up to the top of Rainmaker Mountain, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and visits to picturesque waterfalls.
  • Costa Rica BBQ: Enjoy a typical Costa Rican barbecue with traditional “Tica” music.

 

Evening Activities:

  • Salsa Lessons: Learn popular Latin American dances such as Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata from a professional instructor.
  • Bonfires, Karaoke, Game Nights, Movie Nights: Spend evenings socializing with fellow campers through various fun and engaging activities.
  • Evenings with Host Families: Practice Spanish and immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture by spending quality time with your host family.

 

*Please note that the camps activities are subject to change.

Volunteer Experiences

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