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Location |
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Our partner school in Costa Rica is located
in the colonial city of Heredia, approximately 20 minutes
by bus from the capital city of San José. Known as
the "City of Flowers," (reputedly more for its beautiful
women than for its vegetation!) Heredia and its surrounding
areas provide all the conveniences of a medium-sized city
in an environment which has escaped, to a large extent, the
normal urban problems affecting the capital. It is home to
the National University and an important cultural center
for Costa Rica. Furthermore, much of Heredia has managed to
retain a typical Latin American "pueblo" feel despite
increasing modernization. The colonial church and it's plaza
are still a favorite meeting place for Heredia's inhabitants,
old and young.
The school's central location within the city gives students
easy access to transportation, shops and entertainment. In
addition, the tranquility and natural beauty of the mountains
is only a few minutes away by taxi or bus. In the downtown
area students are usually no more than a 5 minute walk from
a variety of services, including: sports center and olympic-size
swimming pool, Internet cafés, gyms, bars, restaurants,
discotheques, the National University's theatre and grounds,
the International telephone office, clinics and travel agencies. |
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The province of Heredia is the coffee-growing
capital of Costa Rica, where one can still see loaded ox-carts
bringing in the beans from the coffee plantations characteristic
of the green mountainsides. In the rural villages you will witness
a way of life very different to that of the cities and see
vestiges of the old colonial architecture once typical in the
entire central valley. |
 Heredia's
proximity to transportation hubs such as the airport and the
central bus stations in San José makes it an ideal base for your
stay here. Easily accessible from the city are the nearby Poás
and Barva volcanoes, along with Costa Rica's numerous beaches and
national parks. Thus, in addition to learning the Spanish
language, you may thoroughly explore the country's natural
wonders, world renowned for their beauty and biodiversity. |
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School |
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The primary goal
of our partner school is to teach you the Spanish language in a
warm yet intellectually challenging environment. Classes at
the city and beach campuses are conducted entirely in Spanish,
providing students from all over the world with a complete
and intensive learning experience. The professors have advanced
university degrees and teaching certification and the school
is accredited through the US university system, offering
undergraduate
credit to those interested. In addition, you have the
opportunity to get to know Costa Rica, its traditions and
its rich cultural heritage by participating in the school's daily cultural
and extracurricular activities.
On a larger scale, we hope to promote global awareness and
tolerance through this sharing of cultures. We believe that
participation in programs such as this one, teach not only
a new language but also effective tools for communication
and understanding in the constantly evolving world culture
in which we live. Check out the
Volunteer
Work opportunities offered by the school.
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The Spanish program
uses a combination of immersion teaching methods centered around
the Communicative Approach. Our aim is to enable students to
really express themselves in the language. Instead of a
traditional grammar program, classes are designed to provide
balance between theory and practice. The course incorporates all
aspects of language acquisition: conversation, grammar, reading,
listening, writing, general comprehension and idiomatic
expressions. In addition to formal textbooks, teachers use a
wide variety of current materials: newspapers, literature,
audio-cassettes, videos, advertisements, music, short stories
and more. Classes also incorporate field-trips and out-of-class
learning experiences by taking students to practice their
Spanish in marketplaces, museums, buses, restaurants, and other
areas where communication practice is a necessity. Thus course
material is varied, interesting, as
well as educational! |
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Text and method used : SCHOOL OWN LANGUAGE
BOOKS, CURRENT EVENTS MATERIALS,
NEWSPAPERS, FILMS, NEWS PROGRAMS, LITERATURE, ETC.
What countries are most students from? USA, HOLLAND,
SWITZERLAND, CANADA, JAPAN, AND OTHER (IN THAT ORDER).
Age (mostly university students, independent travelers,
professionals, older/retired)? 65% ARE FROM 20-35, 35% FROM 35
TO 65. IN SUMMER, MORE UNIVERSITY AGE STUDENTS.
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Courses |
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The core Spanish program
consists of 18 different levels, from complete beginner
through advanced. After these have been completed, students
continue with six additional levels of high-advanced to superior
level Spanish, which develop upon the literature used in lower
levels and intensify work towards full proficiency in the various
areas of language acquisition. Also covered at these levels
are complex field projects, current events, linguistics, regional
language usages and Costa Rican history. In addition, we have
specialized courses for those who wish to study specific topics
such as business, medical or media Spanish. Classes are given
in open-air ranchos, terraces, balconies, or in air conditioned
rooms. Courses put emphasis on
conversational aspects and didactic activities. Every Friday,
workshops are offered on political, social and cultural themes
which
students may attend in accordance with their preferences.
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1. Standard
Course (20 lessons per week) |
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 Upon
arrival you will be given a placement exam and oral interview
to determine which level is most suitable for you. These exams
are given every Monday at 7:45 am before classes begin; students
need to be punctual in order to be assigned a level for that
week. The exams ensure an effective learning environment in
a class appropriate to your knowledge of Spanish. The Spanish
Director is always available for consultations and to reevaluate
your placement should you feel that you have been placed in
an unsuitable level. Private lessons are available in the
afternoons. Classes consist of groups ranging
from 1 to 6 students, the average group size being 3
to 4 for most of the year, except during high season (June to August), when 5 to
6 is the norm. Classes run from
8:30 am to 12:30 pm in the morning session or 1:30 to 5:30
pm in the afternoon sessions (usually only in high season).
Students will be informed of their placement (morning or afternoon) after
their entrance exams.
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2.
Standard Plus Course
(20 group
lessons + 5 private lessons per week)
This course
combines a standard course (20 group lessons per week) and 5 private lessons per
week. The private lessons allow you to focus on the
language skills you are more interested in developing, and offers special
attention from your teacher. Private lessons take place in the afternoons.
Important :
Private lessons in Heredia are offered from mid March to May and from mid August
to December only. |
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3. Private
Course (One to One lessons)
You can chose to
take private lessons in order to supplement your regular group studies. Your
private teacher will custom-tailor this course to maximize your Spanish
progress. Private lessons take place in the afternoons.
Important :
Private lessons in Heredia are offered from mid March to May and from mid August
to December only. |
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4.
Teen Summer Program (15 to 17 years old)
Every summer our
partner offers a Spanish immersion program for Teens which allows adolescents to
learn Spanish and immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture. In addition to
Spanish classes, the summer program offers a variety of fun, chaperoned
adventure activities which will expose teen students to the amazing variety of natural life in Costa Rica. Students may
study at the Heredia city campus, at the Samara beach campus or at both
campuses. The duration of program is 2 weeks with set dates.
PROGRAM DATES 2008
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Heredia: From June
29th to July 13th
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Heredia & Sámara
Beach: From July 13th to July 27th
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Sámara Beach:
From July 27th to August 10th.
Classes Schedule:
Students have two 15
minute breaks.
Examples of
activities/excursions :
Heredia : walking tour of the
city, latin dance classes, hiking at the Barva Volcano, San José, forest trip,
etc.
Sámara Beach: art and craft class, bike trip to Carrillo, kayak trip to
Choro Island, horse riding, etc.
Details:
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20 Spanish lessons
per week
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Duration : 2 weeks
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Ages: 15-17 years
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Activities +
excursions included in the program
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Accommodation in
Host family (Single or Double Room depending on student´s preference)
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Full Board
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Laundry service
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Airport Transfer
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Behaviour contract
needs to be signed by parents and teens before course start
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Teen Coordinator
working in close contact with host families
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24-hour emergency
help line for parents + students
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Free internet access
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Learning material
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Dates |
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Starting dates can
usually be arranged and are flexible. However ideally you arrive
during the weekend so you can start the courses on a Monday.
Holiday and Vacations in 2008
(The school will be closed, classes are not recuperated nor
refunded)
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JANUARY 1:
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New Years Day |
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17-21 MARCH: |
Easter Week |
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APRIL
11: |
Juan Santamaría Day (Costa
Rica's national hero) |
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MAY 1: |
Costa Rican Labor Day |
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JULY 25: |
Annexation
of Guanacaste |
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AUGUST 15: |
Mother’s Day |
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SEPTEMBER 15: |
Costa Rican Independence Day |
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OCTOBER 12: |
"Día de las Culturas" |
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DECEMBER 15-JANUARY 2, 2009: |
Christmas Vacations |
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Activities
+ Excursions |
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After classes and
on weekends, the school offers a wide selection of activities, conducted
in Spanish (the majority involve no extra charge). Students
should check the notice boards in reception daily for times,
sign-up sheets and specific information. We encourage all students
to participate in as many activities as possible, as you will
find they greatly enhance your understanding of and connection
to, the culture.
If you are interested you can do
Volunteer
Work within the community!! |
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Latin Dance
Classes |
 From Monday through Thursday you have the opportunity to participate
in classes where you will learn salsa, merengue, cumbia and
marcado, the most popular dances in Costa Rica.
This enables
you to go out to discos and dances with confidence and interact
in a fun, social atmosphere with Ticos. |
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Monthly Activities
Calendar |
| Each month we have
a new activity plan of special events, national holiday activities,
and a variety of fun excursions which are accompanied by a school
teacher or staff member and in which we encourage English students
to participate so as to promote social interaction with the
locals. These activities include football (soccer) games, trips
to the bowling alley or roller-skating rink, special dance or
theater shows, discussion groups, live music discos and more.
For some of the more important national holidays Intercultura's
staff presents educational performances relevant to the occasion,
in which student interaction is highly encouraged! |
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Costa Rican
Cooking Class |
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| Once a week we teach
students how to make typical Costa Rican dishes, a nice skill
to take home and share with friends and family! |
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Lectures |
| We hold periodic talks
and informal gatherings which cover a diverse range of subjects
and inform students about topics such as the ecology and environment
of Costa Rica, Latin-American literature, politics, women's
studies and other socially and culturally related themes. |
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Film Night |
| Once a week we show
a film in Spanish, an entertaining and practical way to practice
the language. |
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Intercambios |
| During these cultural
exchanges Spanish students meet with Tico English students at
the school to practice conversation skills (in both languages)
in a relaxed atmosphere, and to make new friends from the local
community. |
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Local Activities |
| Every Thursday evening
and Sunday morning, weather permitting, the local band presents
free open-air concerts in Heredia's central park. Also, every
Thursday afternoon the National University shows primarily Spanish
language films which are open to the general public for a nominal fee.
The school maintains a list of suggested day trips in the
area for other after- school activities. |
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"Fiestas
Patronales" |
| These local celebrations
are held in all Costa Rican cities and villages every year,
usually over a weekend. They are advertised throughout the country
and are an excellent source of cultural entertainment. You can
watch bullfights, "Tico" style (where the bull is not
harmed in any way), participate in traditional games and try
out a variety of local fare. |
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Excursions |
On weekends we host excursions to many different parts of the
country: Possibilities range from relaxing on a white sand
beach, studying the complex ecosystems of the Monteverde
Cloud Forest, or watching the eruptions
of a live volcano! During the week we take students to theaters,
museums, nearby parks, the capital city of San José,
discotheques, soccer games, concerts and more!
Read about the Beach
Campus !!! |
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TRANSPORTATION
UPON ARRIVAL:
HEREDIA
The students are picked up at
the airport by their Heredia host families. If they decide to
arrive on their own, they can take a taxi from the airport to
their host families in Heredia.
SAMARA
You have several options for your
transportation to Playa Sámara, which we can help you arrange.
Note: For the taxi option, up to 4 students can share a
taxi--you may contact us for students arriving at similar
times if you prefer to ride-share.
1. Liberia
International Airport arrivals:
a) Standard taxi option costs $80* one way, and will take you
directly to your homestay in Sámara (1.5 hour drive).
b) Car rentals are available at the airport, and are available
for $45-$70* for a one-day rental with drop off in Sámara.
2. Juan Santamaría
International Airport arrivals (San José):
a) Standard taxi option costs $130* one way, and will take you
directly to your homestay in Sámara (4 hour drive).
b) Car rentals are available at the airport, and are available
for $45-$70* for a one day rental with drop off in Sámara.
3. Stopover in
Heredia/San José:
c) If you prefer to stay overnight in the Central Valley you can
book one night of homestay in Heredia with airport pick up by the
family. The airport pick up costs $12 + price of 1 night
homestay accommodation ($18). The family will call you a taxi the next
day to catch the local bus to Sámara from San José ($6 one
way)*, or the private bus service Interbus ($30 one way)*,
or if there is a shuttle leaving the school, you may catch that
($15 one way)*.
d)
You can also book the Special Transportation Package (one
night of homestay + breakfast with airport transfer and
transportation to the bus station + bus ticket) which costs $65.
e) You may stay overnight at a local hotel in Heredia or near
the airport (prices range from $30-$80 per night)* and catch a
bus the next day (see above for bus options).
f) If you prefer not to take the bus, you may fly from San José
to Sámara-Carrillo local airport, 7 kms from Sámara Centro, for
$75* one way.
*Prices are subject to changes
WEATHER
How much rain during rainy season (afternoon,
evening)? RAINY IN AFTERNOONS FROM MAY TO NOVEMBER. LIGHT
RAINS FROM MAY TO AUGUST, HEAVIER FROM AUGUST TO NOVEMBER.
USUALLY RAINS IN AFTERNOONS, BUT CLIMATE IS STILL WARM AND SUNNY
IN MORNINGS.
When is the weather the best? FROM LATE NOVEMBER TO EARLY
MAY. What are the temperature fluctuations throughout the year?
AROUND 88-93 DEGREES, CONCORDANT WITH RAINY SEASONS. |
You still
have questions? Go to
FAQs ,
PDF BROCHURE COSTA RICA
,
PDF BROCHURE SAMARA BEACH
More about Costa
Rica
, Volunteer
Work
, Beach
Campus |
ACCREDITATIONS OF OUR PARTNER SCHOOL:
- AATSP (Association of Teachers of Spanish and
Portuguese)
- Instituto Cervantes (Spanish Cultural and
Linguistic Association)
- ACTFL (American Council for the Teaching of Foreign
Languages)
- NACLA (North American Congress on Latin America)
- NAFSA (Association of International Educators)
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LEARN
SPANISH IN COSTA RICA - LANGUAGE SCHOOL HEREDIA
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