Immersion Spanish in Costa Rica
Immersion Spanish (SPN 201/202) offers a great opportunity to study Spanish, live with a host family in Costa Rica and volunteer in the community for three weeks. In a five week period, students will be able to complete two semesters’ course work and meet the CAS language requirement. The first two weeks of class will take place on-line and will prepare students for the last three weeks of immersion in Costa Rica. Once students arrive in Costa Rica, they will live in the city of Heredia. Heredia is an important cultural center for Costa Rica, and has managed to retain a typical Latin American "pueblo" feel despite increasing modernization. It is home to the National University and is only 20 minutes from the airport and the capital city of San José. Known as the "City of Flowers" for the colorful, tropical vegetation in the surrounding mountains, Heredia provides the convenience and manageability of a smaller city (pop. 75,000). As tourism is minimal in Heredia, students experience a truly authentic cultural and linguistic immersion during their stay.
Classes in Costa Rica consist of two sessions each day. The Miami instructor continues the teaching of the Intermediate Spanish curriculum, using a textbook, local literature such as newspapers and magazines, as well as discussion of the students’ daily activities, to support the language concepts being taught. Students also participate in a two hour daily conversation/culture class with local instructors, practicing their acquired language skills in a natural setting. In Costa Rica, there are plenty of opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. The students live with local families and participate in volunteer projects in local schools. Each week ends with excursions around the region which give the students the opportunity to experience natural attractions in Costa Rica while interacting with local residents.
Classes in Costa Rica consist of two sessions each day. The Miami instructor continues the teaching of the Intermediate Spanish curriculum, using a textbook, local literature such as newspapers and magazines, as well as discussion of the students’ daily activities, to support the language concepts being taught. Students also participate in a two hour daily conversation/culture class with local instructors, practicing their acquired language skills in a natural setting. In Costa Rica, there are plenty of opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. The students live with local families and participate in volunteer projects in local schools. Each week ends with excursions around the region which give the students the opportunity to experience natural attractions in Costa Rica while interacting with local residents.
Program Coordinator
Nohelia Rojas-Miesse
(513) 529-4506
Dates
- From the last week of May to the first week of June - Class is on-line.
- From the second week to the last week of June class meets in Costa Rica.
Course Credit
- Earn 6 credit hours while immersing in the language and culture.
- Satisfy the CAS Foreign Language requirement and Global Perspective hours by taking SPN 201/202.
Prerequisite
Successful completion (C or better) of Spanish 102 or 111. Will also accept student placement exam score of 201.