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Costa Rica Teenager Study Abroad
Coronado Independent Teen
Known as the Switzerland of Central America, Costa Rica has an abundance of natural beauty and is populated by a friendly, well-educated people. Costa Rica has obtained the highest standard of living in Central America by embracing democracy and disbanding its army. This small country is a paradise for nature lovers with national parks, jungles, volcanoes, beaches, and more water per square mile than any other country in the world, excluding New Zealand. However, the small pre-Columbian indigenous population was wiped out by diseases brought to the new world by the conquistadors.
Coronado (pop. 60,000) is a sunny suburb of San Jose, located about 6 miles from the hustle and bustle of the city. This little town resembles the foggy cities described in fairy tales and is known for “Las Nubes” (the clouds). It has a beautiful forest, mountains and dairy farms. Be sure to try the tasty Coronado cheese while in Coronado. The beautiful Braulio Carrillo National Park is also easy to get to.
School Facilities: Our school is located on the site of an old farm, surrounded by tropical gardens. The building has 9 classrooms, reception area, multimedia lab with computers and Internet access, a resource library for students and a cafeteria. The school is located only about 10 blocks from the main bus terminal in town. Students stay in a homestay with 2 meals/day included.
Activities/Excursions: Some organized activities are included. Weekend excursions are available at an additional cost.
Lodging & Meals: Homestay with 2 meals/day
Supervision: Please note although this program will accept teenagers from 14-18 this is an UNSUPERVISED PROGRAM. This program is for mature, independent teens who understand along with their parents/guardians that little supervision will be provided and that all teens will be treated like mature, independent adults by school staff and host families.
In our opinion, Coronado is an ideal location to offer an independent teen program. First, it is a small town with a very typical Tico atmosphere, including a center square featuring a cathedral, civic buildings and several important shops. The town is home to only one language school and is almost completely surrounded by a national park. This gives the feeling of being “sealed off” from the hustle and bustle of San Jose, even though it is close enough to see the city lights at night. This also ensures a high level of immersion in the language and culture. All of the locals know who the students are and keep an eye out for them. They enjoy helping others learn Spanish and can often be seen chatting with students in the large central park. Students who enjoy nature will love the proximity of the trails, farms and forests of the national park. Coronado is small enough for all homestays to be a short walk or bike-ride from the school. It is a very safe and secure location in which teens can study and experience all that Costa Rica has to offer.
To/From School: The first day of classes a member of the host family will accompany participants to the school. After first day, participants travel unaccompanied either via walk or public transportation.
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Program (included in tuition):
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- 4 hrs/day classes (20 hrs/wk)
- Group classes (max 6)
- Private room with host family
- Breakfast and Dinner daily
- Laundry Service
- Airport pick-up in San Jose
- Some organized activities
- Travel Assistance Program
- Emergency message service
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Possible Options (extra cost):
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- One-on-one classes
- Weekend Excursions
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Prices/Dates (for 2008):
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1
Week |
2
Weeks |
3
Weeks |
4
Weeks |
Add'l
Weeks |
Add'l 2
Weeks |
Start Dates |
| Independent Teen |
460
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840
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1225
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1605
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385
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n/a
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6/28, 7/12, 8/2
Program ends: 8/30
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Airport Pickup: $32 from San Jose
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Program Notes:
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- Extra homestay nights: $25/night
- Private classes: $24/hour
- Closed dates - 2009: 7/25, 8/2, 8/15
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