Costa Rica Language & Culture Summer Camp
Global Travel Holdings Program | Ages 13-17 | Duration: 1-2 Weeks
Overview
Step into Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle- a place where lush rainforests, vibrant cities, and tranquil beaches become your classroom. Our Language & Culture Summer Camp with partner institutions offers students from around the globe an immersive Spanish-learning adventure, daily cultural discovery, and the warmth of host family living.
You’ll spend 15 hours per week in Spanish classes, live with a welcoming host family, and explore everything from volcanoes and waterfalls to local markets and wildlife. It’s an opportunity to grow academically, culturally, and personally- all in one of Central America’s most richly beautiful settings.
Why Choose This Costa Rica Camp?
This is more than just learning a language- it’s about diving into a culture. Students will:
- Improve Spanish with native teachers through interactive classes and daily use
- Live with a vetted host family and absorb Costa Rican culture firsthand
- Join in cultural excursions, nature walks, and local tours (city + beach/rainforest)
- Practice Spanish outside the classroom- with your host family, during excursions, and in daily activities
- Be supported 24/7 by chaperones, host family, and program staff
Snapshot
Feature | Details |
Locations | San José (city) and Manuel Antonio / coastal area |
Program Length | 1 or 2 weeks (with some sessions of 3 weeks available for extended stays) |
Accommodation | Host families in safe neighborhoods (shared rooms by age & gender); hotel stays during weekend trips |
For Students | Ages 13-17; beginners welcome; good physical & mental health required |
Classes | Spanish language levels from beginner to advanced; small interactive classes; Spanish + culture curriculum |
Support | Full pre-departure orientation; in-country staff; excursions; 24/7 support |
What’s Included
Students in this camp receive:
✅ Spanish classes (≈ 15 hours/week)
✅ Host family accommodation (breakfast & dinner at hosts, lunch at school)
✅ Airport pick-up & drop-off
✅ Transportation to/from daily school and to excursions
✅ Daily cultural activities & local excursions
✅ Comprehensive health / accident insurance
✅ Orientation materials, language-level testing, and all classroom materials
✅ Certificate of completion
Not included: Airfare to Costa Rica, visa fees (if needed), personal spending money
Day-to-Day Sample Schedule
Here’s what a typical 1- or 2-week session might look like:
Time | Activity |
Morning | Breakfast + travel to school or activity (hosted by local partner) |
Mid-morning to Lunch | Cultural activity / local tour until around 1:00 PM |
Early Afternoon | Lunch; break or rest |
2:00–5:00 PM | Spanish class (interactive, small-group) |
Evening | Group event: salsa lesson, karaoke, movie night, BBQ, game night |
Weekend | Day-long or overnight excursions: volcano & waterfall hike, beach trip, wildlife sanctuary |
Eligibility & Application Overview
- Students must be between 13 and 17 years old
- Beginners to advanced Spanish speakers accepted
- Good mental & physical health required; some mental health situations may require documentation or conversation beforehand
- Apply via online application; submit relevant health & personal info; attend pre-departure orientation
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this camp, participants will:
- Gain confidence in speaking and understanding Spanish in everyday contexts
- Increase cultural awareness and adaptability living with a host family
- Experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity, landscapes, and traditions firsthand
- Build friendships with peers from different countries
- Return home with a certificate and experiences that enhance their academic profiles
Why Global Travel Education?
- Experienced in leading safe, immersive youth programs
- Partner institutions that provide high-quality language instruction and cultural immersion
- Attentive support, vetted accommodations, and full supervision
- Transparent inclusions so families know exactly what’s provided