25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
Our introductory Spanish language course is taught in Spanish and is very intensive. It is modelled on a proven method which we have adapted to local conditions. There are 3 hours of lessons a day (plus coffee break), Monday to Friday, and classes are either morning or afternoon, depending on availability.
The course has a duration of either two or four weeks. In down time we would recommend another 3 (or more!) hours of study per day to gain the most from the course, coupled with local immersion (either trying out your new language skills or watching local TV/listening to the radio/reading books or newspapers).
You are of course able to take part in the same entertainment as participants on other programmes. Your teachers during lessons, and the local staff after lessons, are available to answer any questions and to try to assist you with your language needs. Classes are kept small, in order to improve the learning experience.
You will be amazed by what you can achieve in just two weeks, by which time you will have familiarity with basic and appropriate vocabulary, numerous useful and applicable verbs and phrases, and several tenses. The four week course takes you further, up to the beginning of intermediate.
Objectives
- Our objective is to give you a thorough grounding in Spanish, either as a springboard to progress to further study or to help you get the most out of another of our local placements if you chose to stay with us.
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Esparza, Costa Rica
Esparza is a medium-sized agricultural town nestled amongst the mountains above Rio Barranca, in the Central Pacific Coast area of Costa Rica. The area was first settled by the Chorotega and Huetar peoples. The Chorotega people fled from Mexico 1,500 years ago and brought their traditions with them. This is a possible reason why there are Mexican words which jump several countries and turn up again in Costa Rica.
Itinerary
Saturday / Sunday - Arrival
We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to our center. Saturday arrivals need to book one extra night at our accommodation.
Monday - Friday
Morning classes will usually be from 09:00 - 12:30 with a half hour coffee break, and afternoon classes from 13:30 - 17:00 with a half hour coffee break. You will have lunch on site (or arranged nearby).
Down time is for further study or for enjoying the facilities or the local area. The pace is fast moving and challenging, but achievable.
Saturday - Departure
Take a bus from Esparza directly to SJO Airport (2 hours). Buses depart every hour for earliest flights on Saturday afternoon.
Inclusions
- Shared Accomodation
- All meals included
- Free beverages
- Wifi in public areas
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
- Departure Transfer
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum age18
- minimum english levelBasic
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredNo
- resume copy requiredNo
Other Requirements
- Casual dress is appropriate
Food
Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals will mainly be a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican food, so you may experience the Costa Rican take on foods you will be familiar with. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for.
Accommodation
Your new home will be one of two newly built eco houses in our centre in Esparza: Jaguar House and Toucan House.
The two houses sleep up to 22 people. Most rooms have bunk beds and are shared on a single gender. One room in each house has a bunk bed with a double bed below, single above, suitable for couples or small families, if needed. (Private rooms can be obtained at additional cost; this must be arranged before arriving for your program).
All doors are lockable, but as rooms are shared, and we carry out regular cleaning, we recommend that you don't lock your rooms.
There is also a large dining hall/games room/communal area shared by both houses, with free WiFi, and table tennis, and a large garden of tropical plants, including coconut palm, papaya, banana, and citrus
Cancellation Policy
Bookings can be amended and cancelled 30 days before the program start date without any costs. Bookings that are cancelled less than 30 days before the program start date will be charged the first week of the booking.
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