The Academy now provides Study Abroad opportunities in Costa Rica and China. Students can earn foreign language credits by participating and meeting our World Language Department’s criteria while studying abroad.
* * *
Discover Costa Rica, Discover Yourself
Come to the laid-back Central American country of Costa Rica to immerse yourself in its rich culture and language. The program combines traditional study with the experiential learning of living with a Costa Rican family. Confronted with a new set of challenges and questions, you are likely to see yourself and the world in a whole new light by the end of the two weeks. Not only is this growth personally gratifying, but it is also provides the kind of insight and adaptability that colleges and employers are increasingly seeking in our globalized world.
Language learning- The heart of the program is intensive language and culture study at the CPI Language School. Students will be grouped by level into classes of no more than 5 students, which are taught by experienced local instructors. Each class includes cultural, grammatical, and conversational components and is individually tailored to the needs of the students. Learners gain confidence and progress in this type of immersive environment at astounding rates. Those who demonstrate a sufficient improvement through placement testing at the end of the course may be able to advance through the WA Spanish curriculum more rapidly.
Home Stays- Participants complement their formal language studies with an authentic inside view of the culture by living and eating with veteran host families located within minutes of the school. Students will have many opportunities to practice “real world” Spanish in the home.
Community Service- Several times a week the group will complete volunteer work. Each student in the program will earn 16 hours of community service hours towards their graduation requirement at WA.
Activities- In addition to our language classes, our days will be filled with a revolving assortment of cultural and adventure activities such as cooking, dance, and surf lessons, hikes, cultural events, movies, and a zip-line adventure. The weekend will include a trip to visit an active volcano with a relaxing dip in a spa-like hot springs resort.
