Immerse yourself in Spanish while making a real difference in Costa Rican communities. This 11-day summer program blends intensive language learning with meaningful service work and thrilling outdoor adventures, giving you an unforgettable experience of authentic Costa Rican culture.

You'll spend your mornings in interactive Spanish classes taught by local teachers in two stunning locations: the mountainous jungle town of Turrialba and the beachside community of Puerto Viejo. These aren't traditional classroom settings—you'll learn in open-air classrooms surrounded by nature, with lessons incorporating fun activities like games, songs, traditional dance, and cooking classes. With up to 18 hours of instruction over the program, you'll significantly improve your speaking skills while practicing Spanish in real-world situations.

Beyond the classroom, you'll put your growing Spanish skills to immediate use through hands-on community service. In Turrialba, you'll work alongside locals on projects with a community association—painting walls, fixing playgrounds, and beautifying neighborhoods. In Puerto Viejo, you'll volunteer at an animal rescue center in Cahuita National Park, helping to preserve this incredible ecosystem. These service components aren't just feel-good activities; they're integral to your language learning and cultural immersion, as you interact directly with locals and understand their lives and concerns.

When you're not studying or volunteering, you'll experience the adventure and natural beauty Costa Rica is famous for. You'll zipline over the jungle canopy, whitewater raft through pristine rivers with professional guides, hike to and swim in hidden waterfalls, ride horses through countryside with volcano views, take surfing lessons in Caribbean waters, snorkel among colorful marine life, and spot monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and other wildlife in protected rainforests. Throughout the trip, you'll stay in safe, well-supervised, family-run hotels rather than impersonal chains—in Turrialba with views of the Turrialba volcano, and in Puerto Viejo near the beach and town.

You'll eat authentic Costa Rican cuisine at local establishments, including hearty traditional breakfasts and meals flavored with unique Caribbean spices. The program provides all meals, ground transportation, accommodations, chaperones, guides, and program activities. Whether you're a 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader, this program offers the perfect balance of academics, service, and adventure—letting you discover the true meaning of "Pura Vida" while building Spanish fluency and making a tangible community impact.