Cultural Embrace's teen summer program in Costa Rica is designed to prepare participants to develop the necessary skills to operate comfortably in Spanish and in an international setting. This summer camp offers a unique combination of educational experiences and fun activities that helps a student develop as a person. It is an experience the student, age 13-17, will never forget. 

The program takes place from June 1 to August 16, 2008 in classrooms of a private high school in Heredia, Costa Rica. Students will be placed to live with a carefully selected local Costa Rican host family. This exposes students to Latin American customs, social life, family values, religion, and food as museums and other cultural places that give an overall demostration of Costa Rican culture. By interacting with people with various backgrounds in different situations,students will have an excellent apportunity to develop social and leadership skill and values they can carry throughout their lives.

Our local partners have developed a program that incorporates the study of Spanish language, environment, ecology, history, politics, economics, cultural, and social aspects of beautiful Costa Rica. Students will study Spanish for 15 hours per week with no more than ten other participants in a group. Participants will be grouped within the same age and language skill level. Safety and good health are our main priority, and adult supervision is included throughout the whole program. The week activities include academic and recreational sessions, as well as a service learning component to the program, in which participants will volunteer for at-need community projects.

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

A practical experience learning Spanish through native and professional Costa Rican teachers 
A fun way to experience the Costa Rican culture and traditions with friendly and qualified adult supervision and staff
An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
An opportunity to participate in and learn Costa Rican cultural activities (e.g.: language, cooking, crafts)
Discover Costa Rica with memorable travel experiences and ways to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe 
A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills 

Cultural Embrace Offers:

• 15 Hours of Spanish language lessons per week
  Daily class schedule typically includes: 3 hours of Spanish classes with no more than 10 student per group.
• Room & Board
  Participants will stay with carefully selected host families. Rooms will be shared with another student that match with your same age, gender, and interests. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners will be provided by the family. On weekend excursions, students will be sharing hotel rooms with same-gender/age participants. Special dietary/allergy needs will be met upon request.
• Classroom Materials
  Study materials for class are provided (textbook/workbook and photocopies of exercises).  
• Social Activities and Excursions
  Social activities and excursions are available.  
• Travel Insurance:  Comprehensive Medical Coverage 
  Our program includes a comprehensive international traveler's medical coverage. 
• Arrival Assistance 
  An airport pick-up and drop-off are included with your program.   
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of traveling abroad.
• 24-Hours Full-time Representation & Supervision
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and Costa Rica prior to, during, and after your placement.
• Certificate & Academic Report
  Upon completion of the course, you will receive an accredited certificate and academic report if requested.

COSTA RICA: Heredia

Costa Rica is a peaceful country in Central America that does not have an army. In a country with a population of four million people, Costa Rica's literacy rate is 97%. The country has an incredible variety of climates, vegetation, wildlife, and topography. Visitors can enjoy many activities such as hiking in rain forests and mountains, going to the Caribbean or the Pacific beaches, visiting active volcanoes, bathing in the hot springs, white water rafting, cruising to islands, caopying, diving and much more.

Heredia sits just a short distance from the capital, San Jose.  It is one of the most beautiful provinces in Costa Rica, known for its verdant coffee plantation covered hills and volcanic national parks. This mountainous region also has dense tropical forests, stunning waterfalls and roaring rivers that make it the ideal destination.

The program takes place from June 3 to August 19, 2007 in beautiful Heredia, Costa Rica. Students aged 13 to 17 years old will have an unforgettable summer, as they are exposed to new friends, community, environment, language, activities and sites. 

Students will live with carefully screened host families. They are typically placed with another participant of same gender, age and interest. The host family will prepare breakfasts, lunches, and dinner while the participants are in Heredia. On weekend field trips, the group will eat in local cafes/resturants. There will be adult chaperones at all times during the program.
  
A Typical Week of Activities in Costa Rica:                                                                              
Monday - Friday 
 Mornings: Volunteer projects, city tours, art, dance, & cooking classes
 Afternoons; Spanish language classes
 Evenings: Social & recreational activities
Saturday - Sunday
 Field trips to local sites & attractions

Summer Dates: June 1 - August 16 Sunday arrival dates

Duration	Price (in US$)
1 week	$985
2 weeks	$1675
3 weeks	$2405
4 weeks	$2975
Add'l week	$755

*Prices subject to change based on currency exchange rates
**Can$, Aus$, Br£, Euros€ can be accepted with an additional service charge for currency conversion
***Fee includes: 15 hours Spanish lessons, home stay, all meals, airport pick up and drop off, activities and tours, traveler's insurance

1. Obtain the Cultural Classes Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Cultural Classes Forms (PDF).

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be mailed to you within 7-10 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free) to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days. 

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Cultural Classes Program Application
• Signed Cultural Classes Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee) 

Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-12 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received less than 8 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free).