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Introduction

Introduction
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Costa Rica

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Immersive Educator Journey

Turn your travel experience into meaningful professional growth. This program is designed to support educators in building real-world language skills, expanding cultural understanding, and bringing new ideas directly back to the classroom.

Participants will engage in:

  • 24 hours of Spanish language instruction with native-speaking educators

  • Immersive cultural and community-based learning experiences

  • Language exchange and real-world communication practice

Participants have the opportunity to earn:

  • Upon successful completion, participants receive a Certificate of Professional Development outlining the program's learning objectives and instructional hours. Acceptance toward professional development or continuing education requirements is determined by the participant's school, employer, district, or licensing authority.

  • Equivalent to approximately 20+ hours of professional development

  • Credits that may be applied toward licensure renewal or salary advancement (subject to district approval)

A small administrative fee may apply for transcript processing.

This experience is designed not only to enrich your teaching practice today, but to support your long-term professional growth and advancement.

At-a-GLANCE

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At a glance

Day 1

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Arrive in San Jose and Prepare for Adventure

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Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, where you will make your own way to the airport hotel for check in.

Spend the evening settling in and adjusting to your new surroundings. You may choose to relax after your travels or venture out to get a first taste of San José at your own pace.

Fellow teachers will be arriving throughout the day, creating a sense of anticipation as the group begins to come together.

Enjoy a restful night as you prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2

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Begin Homestay and Cultural Immersion in Heredia

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Homestay Immersion

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your local representative, who will assist with your transfer to Heredia.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed into your homestay, offering a unique opportunity to experience daily life in Costa Rica. Take time to settle into your accommodations and get to know your host family.

In the evening, enjoy a home cooked dinner together as you begin building connections and immersing yourself in the language and culture.

Day 3

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Orientation, Spanish Classes, and Heredia Tour

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Begin your first full day with a walk to school alongside your host family.

Begin your first full day with a walk to school alongside your host family.
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Program orientation

Program orientation.
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Meet your professors and fellow participants

Meet your professors and fellow participants.
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Spanish placement review

Spanish placement review.
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First Spanish classes

First Spanish classes.
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Group lunch

Group lunch.
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Guided walking tour of Heredia

Guided walking tour of Heredia.
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Explore local parks, historic architecture, markets, and everyday neighborhood life while practicing your Spanish in authentic settings.

Explore local parks, historic architecture, markets, and everyday neighborhood life while practicing your Spanish in authentic settings.

Day 4

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Raft the Sarapiquí River and Explore Rainforest

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White Water Rafting on Sarapiquí River

Travel into Costa Rica's lush rainforest for an unforgettable day on the Sarapiquí River.

After breakfast in the mountains, enjoy a professionally guided white-water rafting excursion through one of Costa Rica's most beautiful regions. Along the way, keep an eye out for tropical birds, monkeys, and breathtaking scenery.

This exciting adventure provides an opportunity to bond with fellow participants while experiencing Costa Rica's famous natural beauty.

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Day 5

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Practice Spanish and Cultural Exchange Activities

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Spanish classes

Morning: Spanish classes.
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Group lunch

Afternoon: Group lunch.
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Heredia Scavenger Hunt

Afternoon: Heredia Scavenger Hunt.
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Local language challenges

Afternoon: Local language challenges.
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Community college intercambio

Afternoon: Community college intercambio.
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Practice your Spanish with local residents and Costa Rican students

Practice your Spanish with local residents and Costa Rican students while helping them improve their English through meaningful cultural exchange.

Day 6

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Wildlife Rescue Center and Conservation Learning

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Spanish classes

Morning: Spanish classes.
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Visit animal rescue and rehabilitation center

Afternoon: Visit Costa Rica's largest animal rescue and rehabilitation center. Learn about wildlife conservation while observing sloths, monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, giant iguanas, and numerous native species.

This immersive experience combines environmental education with real-world Spanish vocabulary and cultural learning.

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Day 7

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Spanish Classes and Community Lunch in Heredia

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Spanish classes

Morning: Spanish classes.
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Community lunch

Afternoon: Enjoy a community lunch with fellow participants before spending the remainder of the day at your own pace.
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Explore Heredia or relax with host family

Options include exploring Heredia, visiting local cafés, shopping, relaxing with your host family, or additional study time at school. This lighter day provides an opportunity to recharge and deepen personal connections within the community.

Day 8

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Discover San José's Culture and History

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Spanish classes

Morning: Spanish classes.
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Travel to Costa Rica's vibrant capital city

Afternoon: Travel to Costa Rica's vibrant capital city.
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Coffee tasting workshop

Highlights include: Coffee tasting workshop.
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National Theater of Costa Rica

The National Theater of Costa Rica showcases breathtaking neoclassical architecture and is a prominent cultural hub. Visitors can enjoy a variety of rich performances and appreciate its historical significance. Unique features include intricate murals, a stunning crystal chandelier, and the home of the National Symphony Orchestra.
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San José Central Market

Explore the San José Central Market, a bustling hub that showcases the vibrant culture of Costa Rica. With its lively atmosphere, visitors can enjoy delicious traditional cuisine and discover unique handicrafts from local artisans. This historic market, established in the late 19th century, serves as a central point for both locals and travelers alike.
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Historic city center exploration

Highlights include: Historic city center.
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Local culture and history

Highlights include: Local culture and history.
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Practice Spanish throughout the day

Gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's political, cultural, and economic development while practicing Spanish throughout the day.

Day 9

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Graduation Ceremony and Salsa Dance Workshop

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Final Spanish classes

Morning: Final Spanish classes.
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Graduation ceremony

Celebrate your accomplishments during a graduation ceremony recognizing your language growth and participation.
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Certificate presentation

Receive your certificate and bid farewell to your instructors before enjoying a lively salsa dance workshop.
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Salsa dance workshop

Enjoy a lively salsa dance workshop.
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Free afternoon for relaxation, shopping, or time with host family

The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation, shopping, or spending time with your host family.

Day 10

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Full-Day Excursion to Isla Tortuga

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Travel to Isla Tortuga

Travel to the Pacific Coast for a full-day excursion to beautiful Isla Tortuga.
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Catamaran cruise

Catamaran cruise as part of the Isla Tortuga excursion.
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Swimming

Swimming opportunities during the Isla Tortuga excursion.

Beach games

Beach games as part of the Isla Tortuga excursion.

Relaxation

Relaxation time on Isla Tortuga.

Snorkeling opportunities

Snorkeling opportunities during the Isla Tortuga excursion.
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Group lunch

Group lunch during the Isla Tortuga excursion.
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Enjoy one final day of pura vida

Enjoy one final day of pura vida surrounded by crystal-clear waters and tropical scenery.
Map of the trip locations

A. Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Heredia Province, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

B. Juan Santamaría International Airport

Provincia de Alajuela, Río Segundo, Costa Rica

C. Isla Tortuga

Isla Tortuga, Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica