Costa Rica

Spanish Language Immersion

Q: Is Spanish Language Immersion Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program? Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required. What will students do each day? Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice. What is the refund policy? View terms & conditions

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included: All lodging All meals In-country transport All activities and excursions 24/7 staff support Not included: International airfare Travel insurance Personal spending money

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What Does a 16-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

Depart for Costa Rica!

Meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader at the hub airport, where they will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to Costa Rica. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic travelers before boarding your flight. Arrive at San Jose International Airport (SJO) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Settle into your hotel for the first night in San Jose, relaxing after your long flight. You'll share rooms with your fellow Rustic travelers with private bathrooms.

Meet Your Host Family

Journey to Turrialba, a peaceful mountain town with all the quaintness of home yet all the flair of true Tico culture. Upon arriving in Turri (as it is called by the locals), meet the director of the Spanish school and complete placement tests to determine your level of Spanish. After, have lunch and take a walking tour around Turrialba before meeting your new host family. This will be your home for the next two weeks! You and at least one other student for your program will be living, eating, and relaxing with this friendly and carefully selected Tico family. The evening will be spent getting to know your family and practicing conversational Spanish skills.

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Classes and Activities

Begin the regular morning schedule of breakfast with your host family followed by 3 to 4 hours of Spanish classes and a fun activity with your group. You might have class from 8:00 to 12:30 and then reunite with your group over lunch at a local restaurant before setting off for an afternoon activity which will be selected by the Rustic Pathways guides depending on weather and group interest. Activities may include canyoning, hiking to a beautiful nearby waterfall, taking a tour of a coffee plantation, playing soccer with locals, learning some salsa moves, scaling an indoor climbing wall, and mountain biking. Around 6 p.m., head home for dinner and quality time with your host family.

Relax with Your Host Family

Spend a day of quality time with your host family. Join them on a trip into town, to the local pool, or to watch a local soccer match. Enjoy this great opportunity to integrate yourself into Costa Rican culture and family life.

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Continue Classes

After a day out of the classroom, return to the Spanish school and continue your regular morning schedule of breakfast at home, then class for the next week. Participate in more afternoon activities with your group and Rustic Pathways staff. In the evenings, enjoy dinner and another relaxing evening with your host family.

Raft the Pacuare River

Take a break from class and join the group on an exciting rafting adventure. Spend the day cruising down the white-water rapids of the world-famous Pacuare River. Take in the green scenery, the wonderful canyons, and Costa Rica’s plethora of wildlife. Then have a delicious lunch with your rafting guides as you share stories from your adventure.

Spend Time in Turrialba

Spend your last Sunday in Turrialba enjoying quality time with your host family. They may take you to visit a family member, out to their favorite restaurant, or for a nice stroll in town.

Continue Lessons

After breakfast with your family return to the Spanish school for your normal schedule of classes followed by an afternoon excursion. This evening, enjoy another fun group activity with your peers and reminisce about your two weeks in Turrialba.

Back to San José

Participate in one last morning of class. After lunch, say goodbye to their new family, friends, and teachers and head back to the hostel in San José. Have dinner at the hotel, and prepare for a day of travel. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home. Spend your final night in a hotel with shared rooms with private bathrooms.

Adios, Costa Rica!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your flight home or to your next Rustic program as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. If you’re staying in Costa Rica, your Program Leaders will take you to your next accommodation to meet your new group. If you're continuing on to another Rustic Pathways destination, you’ll board a connecting flight to that country.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Costa Rica

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Spanish Language Immersion Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.

What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included:

All lodging
All meals
In-country transport
All activities and excursions
24/7 staff support

Not included:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Costa Rica Americas 2026

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