Spanish Immersion · Ages 14–18 · 2027
Spanish Immersion Summer Programs for Teens in Costa Rica and Spain
Rustic Pathways runs two Spanish language immersion programs for high school students ages 14 to 18 in summer 2027, each about two weeks long. In Costa Rica, students take 40 hours of Spanish class and live with a host family in Turrialba. In Spain, they take 42 hours of Spanish instruction in the old town of Sigüenza.
- 2 programs
- 15 days
- 40–42 hours of Spanish
- From $4,495 Program Tuition
From $4,495 Program Tuition2 programs · 15 days
See programs- Ages
- 14 to 18
- 2027 departures
- Jun 14, Jul 6, Jul 22
- Host family
- Costa Rica
- Beginners
- Welcome on both
Are There Spanish Immersion Summer Programs for Teens?
Yes. Rustic Pathways has two for summer 2027, one in Costa Rica and one in Spain, both high school summer programs for ages 14 to 18.
| Program and what students do | Spanish class | Where students live | 2027 dates | Program Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language Immersion in Costa RicaTake Spanish class grouped by level each weekday morning, live with a host family in Turrialba, and raft the Pacuare River. | 40 hours | Host family in Turrialba | Jul 6 to 20 | $4,495 |
| Spain: Spanish Language ImmersionStudy Spanish in Sigüenza’s old town, join workshops and sport with local students, and take day trips to Madrid, Toledo and Segovia. | 42 hours | Hostel in Sigüenza, with the group | Jun 14 to 28 Jul 22 to Aug 5 | $5,995 |
Sorted by Program Tuition. Both programs run 15 days for ages 14 to 18. Dates run from the U.S. departure to the departure from the destination. Program Tuition excludes flights to and from the program and the enrollment fee.
What Is Spanish Immersion and How Does It Work?
A Rustic Pathways Spanish immersion program pairs 40 to 42 hours of Spanish class with daily life in Spanish. In Costa Rica, class runs 3 to 4 hours each weekday morning and students live with a host family. In Spain, class runs 09:00 to 15:00 on six days and the group lives together in Sigüenza.
| Topic | Costa Rica | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish class | 40 hours. 3 to 4 hours each weekday morning. | 42 hours. Grammar and conversation 09:00 to 15:00 on six days, plus lessons on Spanish holidays, literature, cinema and culture. |
| Level | A placement test on Day 2, then classes grouped by level. Complete beginners are fine. | Lessons are tailored to each group’s level. All levels are welcome; a basic understanding helps. |
| Where students live | With a Costa Rican host family in Turrialba for 12 nights, two Rustic Pathways students to a family, with meals at home. The first and last nights are in San José. | With the group in a hostel in the center of Sigüenza for 13 nights, a short walk from the school. Program Leaders sleep there too. |
| Spanish outside class | Dinner at home every evening, and two full days with the host family. | Sport with local students, a Spanish-language activity with residents, and a scavenger hunt asking residents real questions. |
| Beyond the classroom | A waterfall hike, canyoning, a Latin dance class, a coffee farm and a day rafting the Pacuare River. | Day trips to Madrid, Toledo and Segovia, and hikes in Alto Tajo Natural Park and the Río Dulce gorge. |
| At the end | A last class and goodbyes to teachers and host families on Day 14. | A Spanish course diploma on Day 14. It is not a standardized proficiency certification such as DELE. |
Itineraries are subject to change.
How Long Are Spanish Immersion Programs?
Both Rustic Pathways Spanish immersion programs run 15 days, about two weeks.
Costa Rica 15 days, 14 nights
1 night in San José, 12 nights with a host family in Turrialba, 1 night in San José
Spain 15 days, 13 nights
Overnight flight from the U.S., then 13 nights in a hostel in Sigüenza with the group
Both programs run 15 days in 2027. Neither has a one-week or a three-week option.
Where Can Teens Do Spanish Immersion Abroad?
Rustic Pathways runs Spanish immersion in two destinations in 2027. Costa Rica is its Spanish immersion program in Latin America, and Spain is its program in Europe.
Spanish Language Immersion in Costa Rica
Live with a host family in Turrialba for 12 nights and speak Spanish at dinner every night.
Spain: Spanish Language Immersion
Study in Sigüenza, a Castilian town of about 4,000 people, 130 km northeast of Madrid.
What Are the Best Spanish Immersion Programs?
Spanish Language Immersion in Costa Rica is the better choice for a beginner or a teen who wants a host family. Spain: Spanish Language Immersion is the better choice for a teen who already speaks some Spanish and wants six full days of class in a small Castilian town.
Costa Rica fits a teen who…
- Wants to improve their Spanish from any starting level.
- Wants a host family that speaks Spanish at dinner.
- Is happy to spend evenings with the host family.
Spain fits a teen who…
- Already has some Spanish and wants to level up.
- Is happy to stay in one small town for two weeks.
- Is ready for six days of class from 09:00 to 15:00.
Neither program fits a teen who…
- Wants a program shorter than two weeks: both run 15 days.
- Needs a DELE or other proficiency certificate.
- Is mainly looking for community service programs.
- Wants no daily class: see cultural immersion.
What Is Included in Spanish Immersion Programs?
Rustic Pathways Program Tuition includes accommodation, scheduled meals and transportation during the program, scheduled activities, gratuities and donations, Program Leader supervision, and 24/7 emergency support.
Included
- Spanish instruction and class materials: 40 hours in Costa Rica, 42 hours and the course diploma in Spain
- Accommodation for all scheduled program nights, in shared, gender-separated accommodations
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from the first meal after airport pickup through the last meal before airport drop-off
- Airport transfers for arrivals and departures within the session’s published arrival and departure windows
- All scheduled ground transportation during the program
- All scheduled activities, excursions, and entrance fees listed in the program itinerary
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and restaurants. Program Leaders do not accept personal tips.
- Host family and homestay contributions, service and community project contributions, and site, temple, and cultural entry donations. Students never need to bring money to give away.
- 24/7 emergency support line for parents and guardians
Not included
- Flights to and from the program, including the chaperoned group flight where offered and the chaperoned group flight fee
- Enrollment fee, due at booking
- Medical insurance with coverage in the destination country, required for every participant
- Travel insurance, recommended and not required
- Passport, visa, and entry-authorization fees
- Personal purchases, including souvenirs, snacks, and other incidental expenses
The Student Travel enrollment fee starts at $100 and rises closer to departure. See the full guide to Rustic Pathways program costs.
What Students Say About Spanish Immersion
Two students describe what stayed with them after Costa Rica and Spain.
“Experiencing Costa Rica and specifically Turrialba was incredible. Being in a non touristy city was a great look into the real Costa Rican daily life.”
“This experience will always stay with me because it showed me the power of stepping outside my comfort zone and connecting with people from another culture.”
Get a Spanish Immersion Program Recommendation
Tell us a little about your teen and their Spanish, and our admissions team will email you the program that fits, with dates.
Scott IngramDirector of Admissions
Prefer to talk now? Call +1 (440) 975-9691.
Thanks. We have your note.
Our admissions team will reply to . In the meantime, you can browse the programs.
Spanish Immersion Programs FAQ
What is a Spanish immersion program?
A Spanish immersion program combines classroom instruction with daily Spanish conversation in a Spanish-speaking country. Rustic Pathways offers two 15-day programs in Costa Rica and Spain for teens ages 14–18. Students complete 40–42 hours of Spanish classes and practice speaking with host families, local students, or residents.
Does my teen need to speak Spanish already?
No. Rustic Pathways’ Spanish immersion programs accept beginners and experienced Spanish learners. Costa Rica places students in classes by proficiency level after a placement test. Spain welcomes all levels, although basic Spanish knowledge helps.
How many hours of Spanish class are included?
Rustic Pathways’ Spanish immersion programs include 40 hours of classes in Costa Rica and 42 hours in Spain. Costa Rica students attend classes for 3–4 hours each weekday morning. Spain students attend classes from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on six days.
Do students live with a host family?
Students in Rustic Pathways’ Costa Rica Spanish immersion program stay with host families in Turrialba for 12 nights, with two students per household. Each family passes a 26-point homestay assessment. In Spain, students stay together in a hostel in Sigüenza with Rustic Pathways Program Leaders.
How long are the programs, and when do they run in 2027?
Both Rustic Pathways Spanish immersion programs last 15 days. Costa Rica runs July 6–20, 2027. Spain offers two sessions: June 14–28 and July 22–August 5, 2027. Dates cover U.S. departure through departure from the destination country.
How much does a Spanish immersion program cost?
Rustic Pathways’ Spanish immersion programs cost $4,495 in Costa Rica and $5,995 in Spain for 2027 Program Tuition. Flights to and from each destination cost extra. A separate Student Travel enrollment fee starts at $100 and increases closer to departure.
Are flights included?
No. International flights are not included in Rustic Pathways’ Spanish immersion Program Tuition. U.S. students can join chaperoned group flights to San José from Los Angeles, Newark, or Miami, depending on departure date, or to Madrid from Newark. Families can also book flights independently.
Are there immersion programs in other languages?
Yes. Rustic Pathways also offers Korean Language Immersion in Seoul, South Korea. Students can explore additional destinations and options on the language immersion programs for teens page.
Can a high school Spanish club travel together?
Yes. High school Spanish clubs can arrange custom group trips through Rustic Pathways School Group Travel, starting with 10 students. Rustic Pathways provides initial custom-trip options within 48 hours. Its regular Costa Rica and Spain immersion programs enroll individual students.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Rustic Pathways offers financial aid that may help cover Spanish immersion program costs. Students can review 2027 funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application instructions on the financial aid page.
Two Spanish immersion programs for 2027, in Costa Rica and Spain.
Compare Costa Rica and Spain