COSTA RICA: CLASSIC

Travel and experience life in another country, learn the language and live with a host family on a classic high school student exchange. The classic high school student exchange program provides you with your own unique experience and opportunity to see a little bit of the world.

Costa Rica is available in:

CLASSIC | GROUP | SUMMER

HOW LONG CAN I STUDY ABROAD?

Late August–Late November

Application due:
February 28

Early February–Late April

Application due:
September 30

Late August–Late November

Application due:
February 28

Early February–Late April

Application due:
September 30

Late August–Late November

Application due:
February 28

Early February–Late April

Application due:
September 30

ACCOMMODATION STYLE: HOMESTAY

What better way to learn the language and culture than to live with a host family. Host families provide a warm and welcoming environment, providing meals in the home as well as an opportunity to immerse yourself in everything the country and culture has to offer. Just like families in Canada, host families abroad represent many different compositions, nationalities and live in a variety of different areas from small towns or villages to larger cities. Families come in all shapes and sizes but one thing they all have in common is that they are motivated to be part of the experience and look forward to welcoming you into their home!

ORIENTATION: LANGUAGE CAMP & LOCAL ORIENTATION

The program in Costa Rica starts with a mandatory language camp provided by the Institute for Spanish Language Studies at one of their Costa Rican campuses. You can select 2 weeks, 3 weeks or 4 weeks of language instruction – to help you get a kick start with the language and acclimate to the Costa Rican culture before starting at the local high school!

The language camp includes 4 complete hours of Spanish instruction a day, with classes from 8:30am – 1pm. The afternoons are free to fill with local activities or you can opt to purchase tours or additional classes (please inquire!).

In addition to the language courses, a local coordinator will provide you with a local orientation to help you get to know your placement community and the culture of Costa Rica!

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: SPANISH

6 months – 1 year of Spanish language study is required.

All students are required to take a minimum 2 week language camp course. Should the level of Spanish not be sufficient for success and integration in the local high school, additional tutoring may be required.

SCHOOL LIFE: LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL

Attend a local public school (private school option may be presented if available).

School Year: School starts at the end of February and ends in December
Common courses: Math, History, Physical Education, Science
Average hours per week: 35 hours of class per week.
Common school holidays: 2 week winter break in July, 2 weeks at Easter, the summer break is in December and January.
Fun fact: Many schools have some pretty fun uniforms!