AAVE's classic Costa Rica Summer Travel Camp
DAY 1:
You will be met upon arrival at the San Jose airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse regions we explore, we load up our custom vehicles and head off to our bed & breakfast near Heredia. During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins.
DAY 2:
We head into the misty mountains of Monteverde where we meet our "tico," or host, families. The families have been hand-picked based on their accommodations, including indoor plumbing and a private room for each student, as well as a history of gracious, successful hosting. Hosting students is a main source of income for many Costa Rican families, and all host families are warm and welcoming. Most students bring a few pictures from home and a small gift from their hometown for their host family. For six days we share breakfast and lunch with our "tico" families, making the most of this opportunity to immerse ourselves in true Costa Rican culture.
DAYS 3-7:
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) in the cloud forest of Monteverde is home to our classes for four hours each afternoon. Each student is given a Spanish test to determine their placement level. Teachers are professional, fun, and open to teaching based on the strengths and interests of the students. Learning the language is done through games, cooking, and dance. There are homework assignments and participation in all classes is mandatory. Making a firm commitment to speaking the Spanish language ensures a true, cultural experience of a lifetime. Before class each day our group participates in local adventures, including a Sky Trek Canopy Tour, hiking in the Santa Elena Reserve, assisting with tree planting and more!
DAYS 8-9:
There is no better way to explore the incredibly diverse ecosystems of this beautiful country than mountain biking and hiking in Rincon de la Veija National Park. We cruise though a tropical paradise, conquering the heat as howler monkeys screech in the forest canopy towering high above us. Bike to a mud bath/spa in the middle of the jungle and horseback ride to a river tubing adventure. All abilities accommodated.
DAYS 10-13:
Vamos a la playa! Time to catch some waves on a pristine beach. We take surf lessons on the beaches of Flamingo, and take time to soak up some of the warm equatorial sun and cool off swimming in the crystal clear ocean. We get our sea legs ready for a day of sailing! We cruise around some of the islands and make time to snorkel and check out the spectacular marine life. We have a chance to give back to this gorgeous coastal habitat by protecting nesting sea turtles as they come to shore at night to lay their eggs.
DAYS 14-15:
We take in yet another awe inspiring wonder of nature, the active Arenal Volcano. If we are lucky we may see an eruption! One afternoon and one evening is spent exploring the area. We water slide and swim in a local pool with views of red hot lava, we hike to the beautiful Fortuna waterfall, and, if there is time, soak in natural hot springs.
DAYS 16-18:
We travel to meet our second "tico" families in Santa Ana and begin our service project with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation, a non-profit organization which promotes social awareness and assists low-income families in Costa Rica. We work hand in hand with the locals to build a children's playground and assist in mentoring the kids. This is a great opportunity to use our Spanish skills to converse and interact by working, eating, and living with Costa Ricans.
DAYS 19-20:
We crash, plunge and float our way down the famous Pacuare River as the jungle canopy shades us from above. Class III & IV rapids offer wild and exciting plunges and drops suitable for beginners and experts. Afternoons and evenings are spent at the Rios Tropicales Lodge lounging in hammocks or exploring the surrounding jungle. Resting at night in our bungalows we wake rested and ready for another day of heart racing whitewater!
DAY 21:
All adventures must come to an end. We head to the airport, say our goodbyes, and starting wondering where AAVE will take us next year....
Host Family Homestay:
CRC is a physically, mentally and culturally adventurous trip. You stay in simple homes with families, local hostels and native hotels; there is no camping or backpacking.
Many families ask about AAVE's Costa Rica homestay. It is common to be nervous and we understand; however, most campers find their homestay to be a highlight of their AAVE summer. Costa Rica is our most popular destination, we have run trips there for 16 years. The best way to reassure you, is for you to speak directly with AAVE Costa Rica Alumni. E-mail our office to immediately receive references.
Host families are carefully screened and paid to host AAVE students. They are selected, supervised and employed by the Costa Rican school we work with. We place one student with each host family to maximize Spanish speaking opportunities and to experience a more authentic visit. AAVE students spend a moderate amount of time with their host families. Most of the time you are with your group.
On a typical day you stay overnight with your host family, wake up in the morning and join your group for the entire day. At dinner time students will eat authentic food with their family and sometimes, after dinner, join the group for an activity or get together with other AAVE students.
Every host family is visited by a trip leader during your stay. Campers usually love their host families and frequently stay in touch afterwards. All students have their own room to sleep in and access to a regular bathroom. All families have telephones and our leaders carry cell phones. If there is ever a problem we immediately switch host families.
Costa Rica Clasica includes a total of eight nights of homestays out of twenty-one. During the three day service project homestay, each student will be placed with one other camper from our group.
AAVE Language Adventure Formula:
1. Minimum of one year Spanish study required.
2. We create the optimal situation to jump from learning to using!
3. 5 days of formal classroom language instruction (3-4 hours a day).
4. Language tasks are planned for each day: games, cooking, speaking with locals, etc.
5. Language writing in your trip journal every day.
6. All local outfitters speak Spanish exclusively.
7. The home stay is designed for language immersion and fun.
8. Trip Leaders encourage students to speak Spanish as much as possible.
9. Trip Leaders are fluent in Spanish.
10. Every meal, activity and conversation involves Espanol!
Price Includes:
One CPR and First Aid certified AAVE leader and one local Spanish speaking guide; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff and all hotels or hostels.
Price Doesn't Include:
Flights to/from San Jose, Costa Rica; optional gratuities, extra snacks and souvenirs.
This itinerary is a sample outline of the program highlights. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. This diverse itinerary is our framework for a summer of exhilaration and adventure. Get your mind and body set. Activities are planned using years of experience with your highest expectations in mind.
We appreciate the importance of this decision and want you to be as informed as possible! Please phone 800 222 3595 or email us with questions, to receive 2007 references or to make a reservation.
We look forward to having you join us!
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