Costa Rica: Spanish Language Immersion

Arrive at San Jose Airport (SJO) and meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion and an introduction to the local culture.

Costa Rica is a fantastic place to learn Spanish. Costa Ricans speak clearly and with an easily comprehensible and neutral accent. Ticos normally use the formal “usted” when addressing people, but often throw in terms of endearment like “cariño” to show their friendliness. Ticos are also known for their patience and acceptance of tourists. Costa Rica provides the perfect learning environment for beginners and more advanced students to hone their language skills, as you will soon find out.

Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service. 

Overnight: Hotel, San Jose

Start the day by driving to Turrialba, a beautiful and peaceful valley surrounded by nature and warm people. Upon arriving in Turri (as it is called by the locals), settle into your new home for the next few days.

Meet with staff at our language school for your placement test and your first Spanish class. No worries, you don’t need to study for this test. We just want to know where your Spanish level is, so that your teacher can start with you in the right level.

Overnight: Turri Base House

Begin the morning with a traditional breakfast, followed by an adventure activity.

• On day 3, go on a mountain biking tour to get to know more about Turrialba. Bike through town and beyond on picturesque trails between the cane sugar fields and the lush tropical mountains.
• On day 4, hike to a towering waterfall hidden in the Turrialba mountains.
• On day 5, visit a farm that produces sustainable coffee. The farm is run by women entrepreneurs, and the tour teaches us the challenges of producing quality coffee (one of the most important products in Costa Rica) while simultaneously protecting the environment.

During these activities, you’ll have the opportunity to practice Spanish with your Rustic Pathways program leaders and local community members. After your adventures, jump into Spanish language lessons from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

Say goodbye to Turri, and head to the Pacuare river for a white water rafting experience on your last day in Costa Rica. Get your adrenaline pumping on thrilling class III and IV rapids. Watch the flora and fauna in the surrounding rainforest that’s known for its wildlife. Afterwards, dry off and travel to San Jose for dinner.

At the program’s end, students reflect on their experiences and talk about how to apply their new knowledge in their own worlds. They also participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture their memories and learning moments before heading home.

Overnight: Hotel in San Jose

Say goodbye to your newfound friends as you head to the airport with your program leaders. We hope the people you’ve met and lessons you’ve learned will continue to serve you at home while practicing your new Spanish skills in your own community.

Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service.