Costa Rica Spanish Immersion
Postponed until 2010
Costa Rica: Seaside Spanish Immersion
An adventure in culture, language and natural wonders
with Concordia Language Villages Dean, Kirsten "Cristina" Addison
Get away this winter to explore Spanish and the gorgeous beaches of Costa Rica! Home base is just steps from the ocean and excursions lead you in to the rainforest canopies. Beginners are welcome, although this program is ideal for those who have been previously introduced to Spanish.
ITINERARY (Subject to Change)
Day 1 • Travel to Tamarindo
The group will meet and depart on the first leg of the journey from Minneapolis to Costa Rica.
17:00 - 18:15 Registration, unpacking
18:30 Cena (dinner)
19:30 Programa de noche (Evening Program)
20:30 Merienda (snack)
¡Hasta mañana!
Days 2 - 4 • Tamarindo
8:00 - 8:45 Desayuno (breakfast)
9:00 - 10:30 Círculo Lingüístico 1 (class)
10:30 - 11:00 Merienda (snack)
11:00 - 12:30 Círculo Lingüístico 2 (class)
12:30 - 16:30 Tiempo personal (personal time)
16:30 - 18:00 Círculo Lingüístico 3 (class)
18:00 - 18:45 Cena (dinner)
18:45 - 19:00 Pausa (break)
19:00 - 20:30 Programa de noche o conversación
20:30 ¡Hasta mañana!
Day 5 • Arenal
7:00 - 23:00 Volcán Arenal Day Trip
Day 6 • Tamarindo
8:00 - 8:45 Desayuno (breakfast)
9:00 - 10:30 Círculo Lingüístico 1 (class)
10:30 - 11:00 Merienda (snack)
11:00 - 12:30 Círculo Lingüístico 2 (class)
12:30 - 16:30 Sunset ocean cruise with meal and snorkeling
16:30 - 18:00 Círculo Lingüístico 3 (class)
18:00 - 18:45 Cena (dinner)
18:45 - 19:00 Pausa (break)
19:00 - 20:30 Programa de noche o conversación
20:30 ¡Hasta mañana!
Day 7 • Travel
ACTIVITIES
The hotel can arrange the following day trips:
- Turtle Watching. These beaches are the protected nesting areas for the giant leatherback turtle.
- Sportfishing for sailfish, blue, black-striped marlin, tuna, etc.
- Sailing Cruise on a 52' sketch - Fridays only.
- Golf at nearby Garra de Leon.
Individuals can arrange:
- Snorkeling and Scuba at nearby outfitters
- Surfing at nearby outfitters
ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS
Hotel. We will be staying at Hotel Pasatiempo in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. www.hotelpasatiempo.com. It is a clean, quaint hotel in the center of Tamarindo and about 5 minute walk from the beach. There is a restaurant and bar at the hotel as well as a nice pool within the hotel's walls. The hotel is very clean and service is excellent. Each room has its own little patio and hammock or hammock chair for lounging. All rooms have A/C, wireless internet, television, phone, private bath, safe, and ceiling fan.
Menu. For breakfast and evening dinner, the hotel chef will be creating a menu of traditional Costa Rican fare just for our group. Generally, most hotels and restaurants cater to tourists and try to give them international cuisine and not the great local eats. So, at least twice a day you will experience real Costa Rican food. Vegetarian options are available. Lunch is set aside for you to explore local eateries.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Accessibility at National Parks
Only Poas Volcano National Park is wheelchair accessible. All other national parks are not.
Currency
The national currency is the colon and dollars are easily exchanged at all banks, other foreign currency can be exchanged through private agencies. All mayor credit cards as well as travelers checks are widely accepted.
Exchange rates as of Oct. 21, 2008: 552 colons = 1 U.S. Dollar
Electricity
The standard in Costa Rica is the same as in the United States: 110 volts AC (60 cycles). However, three-pronged outlets can be scarce, so it's helpful to bring along an adapter.
Business Hours
Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., although many have begun to offer extended hours. Offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (many close for 1 hour at lunch). Stores are generally open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (many close for 1 hour at lunch).
Communications
Post Office: There are postal and telegraph offices in cities and villages throughout the country.
Telephones: The country code for Costa Rica is 506, and there is no area code inside the country.
Time
Costa Rica is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-6 GMT), which is equivalent to Central Time (same as Minneapolis) in North America. There is no daylight saving time.
Language
Costa Rica's official language is Spanish.
Passport: Entry/Exit Requirements
With a valid passport and round trip or continuing ticket, citizens of the United States of America and Canada can travel to Costa Rica for a 90-day stay without a consular visa. Make sure your passport will not expire within six months of your entry into Costa Rica.
Departure tax is $26, can be paid in US Dollars, colones or with a credit cards at the airport. Departure tax will be the responsibility of each participant.
Insurance
Emergency Medical Evacuation insurance is included. Travel insurance/medical coverage is the responsibility of the participant.
Air travel
The cost of the trip includes roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis, Minn., to Liberia, Costa Rica. We will travel to Daniel Oduber Quiros International Aiport of Liberia, Costa Rica. The airport code is "LIR". The airport tax is $26 on leaving. This may change. Be prepared to pay this before you leave. The hotel provides a shuttle to and from the airport.
Tips
Tips will be included in the cost of this trip.
Vaccinations
As of this time, Costa Rica does not require visitors from the United States of America or Canada to have any particular vaccinations, although you should make sure that all your normal vaccinations are up to date. With the following exception:
Starting on July 30, 2007, the Costa Rican authorities will demand that all travelers coming from the following countries (Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador as well as the Republic of Guyana) have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
What to wear
Clothes should include informal outfits, including T-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes and lightweight pants (in case of rain). The wardrobe should include both pieces for the beach (bathing suits, shorts), as well as pieces for cooler weather, such as a light sweater or jackets. Finally, travelers should bring at least one semi-formal outfit, since Costa Ricans like to dress up for certain social events, ranging from a night at the disco or dinner out. The best tip for choosing your clothes is to keep in mind the variety of microclimates as well as the diversity of activities that the traveler might participate in.
Other essential objects that a traveler to Costa Rica must include in his/her luggage are: sunscreen (in C.R. it's extremely expensive), sunglasses, sunhat, insect repellent (for trip to the volcano expeditions), a camera and film (if not using a digital camera). Picture processing and film are expensive.
SEMINAR CONDITIONS
YOUR DISCOVERY SEMINAR INCLUDES:
• Roundtrip transportation from Minneapolis to Costa Rica
• Land transportation
• Double occupancy accommodations in superior tourist class hotel
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• All taxes and tips except as indicated below
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
A deposit of $250 per person is due with reservation. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Invoice will be sent out prior to final payment. Early registration is encouraged.
YOUR DISCOVERY SEMINAR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Items of a personal nature such as passport fees. Passport must be valid for six months beyond return date.
• Optional insurance for health, baggage, and cancellation. (This insurance is available and recommended.)
REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations must be in writing. Cancellations postmarked at least 60 days before departure will be refunded all payments less the $250 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations postmarked less than 60 days before departure will be returned all payments less the $250 non-refundable deposit and any non-recoverable charges for travel reservations made.
Michele Burns
cgs@cord.edu
(800) 222-4750 ext. 803