Spanish Immersion Experience
Monteverde, Costa Rica | Summer
Live with a Costa Rican host family for a true language and cultural immersion experience. Explore Monteverde's lush cloud forest and beautiful jungle, all while practicing your Spanish language skills. Immerse yourself in the language through your classes and learn about Costa Rican culture firsthand from your host family. You'll have opportunities to visit the country's stunning tropical beaches in the Guanacaste region. Excursions will take you into nature where you can explore the country's vibrant ecotourism and natural beauty.
Eligibility
This program is open to all interested students who have completed SPN 1120 with a “C-“ or better at the time of application. Due to the language-intensive nature of this program, all participants must take a Spanish language course while abroad. Participants who will have completed the full sequence of Spanish language courses prior to the program may still participate but must contact IP-AcademicAdvising@fsu.edu before applying to the program to ensure appropriate academic advising & course registration.
Other Considerations & Requirements
Priority is given to students in good conduct standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher; exceptions may be granted upon appeal. You will take an online placement exam before you go abroad through the language school where you will be studying.
Note: Do not purchase airline tickets until advised to do so in the IP portal. You should plan to fly into San José International Airport (SJO) and depart from Guanacaste International Airport (LIR).
Housing
You'll live with a Costa Rican host family while in Monteverde. While staying with your host family, a weekly laundry service is included. In Flamingo Beach (Guanacaste province) you'll stay in shared accommodations.
Note: Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing.
Academics
On this program, you'll take classes from instructors at the Centro Panamericano de Idiomas' (CPI) Monteverde & Flamingo campuses with opportunities to enhance your learning through interactions with your host family.
You will take a placement exam and register for Directed Individual Study (DIS) courses supervised by your FSU program leader. Upon successful completion of your courses abroad, you’ll receive academic credit for the equivalent Spanish language courses at FSU.
Excursions & Activities
You'll receive a program calendar before you leave; here are some examples taken from past programs of potential excursions & activities you may do:
Overnight trips: Arenal Volcano (including La Fortuna & hot springs), Flamingo Beach (week-long stay at the end of the program where you'll take Spanish classes and explore the Guanacaste coast)
Local experiences: Activities in Monteverde's cloud forest (hanging bridges, sloth sanctuary, and sustainable farm visit), cultural experiences (including cooking and dance classes, ziplining, and community engagement)
Included in the Fee
Academic Credit
6-7 credit hours
Housing Abroad
Host family then shared housing for last week
Excursions & Activities
Some Meals
Some breakfasts & lunches, two dinners
International Health Insurance
On-Site Pastoral Support
Admin & Academic Support
And More!
Including scheduled group airport pick-up & drop-off
