| Week One
During Week One, to allow participants to establish
a base in the language, Spanish classes are the only activity
scheduled. Students are placed according to level based upon a
written exam and oral interview with the director of the schools.
The maximum class size is four students per class. Small class
size makes for optimum learning as the students receive specialized
attention from their professor. Morning classes concentrate upon
grammar and conversation, the necessary elements for communication.
Medical Spanish is also introduced. After class there are optional
cultural activities, such as: Latin dance and cooking classes,
a visit to a local coffee plantation and "noches tipicas".
Weeks Two and Three
The following weeks will allow for students
to observe at a local clinic or hospital and take Spanish classes.
Students will observe on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from
8:00AM-11:00AM. Students will have the opportunity to choose which
area they would like to observe. They will be able to practice
Spanish while working with their Costa Rican counterparts.
Spanish classes will be held Monday-Friday from
1:00-5:00PM. Classes remain concentrated upon grammar and conversation;
however, special focus is placed on relevant medical vocabulary,
patient/doctor dialogues, as well as the important elements of
multicultural awareness.
Activities
Each Wednesday students take a break from the
clinical observation to offer optional trips so that they may
explore the local area. Activities include a guided boat tour
of the Río Sarapiquí in the northern region of Heredia
and a trip to Poás Volcano.
Weekend Excursions
During the first weekend, students depart on
Saturday morning. On the road to the volcano they visit the artisan
town of Sarchí and the gardens of Zarcero. Once in La Fortuna,
hike to the Catarata La Fortuna and swim in the natural pools
at the base of the waterfall. After that they stop by Lake Arenal
and spend the early evening bathing and relaxing at the Tabacón
Hot Springs with its spectacular view of the volcano. If the volcano
is active on this day, you can see impressive lava explosions.
On Saturday morning hike along trails in the "La Jungla";
here the group can see wildlife native to the region.
During the second weekend students, will leave
on Friday afternoon. They will pass by Río Tarcoles and
receive a talk on the flora and fauna of the area. Students will
arrive in Manuel Antonio, check-in, eat dinner. Manuel Antonio
National Park is a dry, tropical forest which is bordered by the
blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. On Saturday the group enters
the park where they will spend the day on the beach or hike along
the trails and observe various species of wildlife such as white
faced monkeys, sloths, birds, butterflies and iguanas. On Sunday,
the morning is free to go to the beach area outside of the national
park entrance.
Includes: Classes,
text books, a talk on medicinal plants, arrangement of volunteer
positions, visits to the Clínica Bíblica and Hospital
México, room and board (breakfast and dinner) with a Costa
Rican family, week-end excursions(meals not included), and airport
transportation. Weekday excursions are NOT included in the cost. |
