Description

The intensive language program "Spanish for Development Studies" is suitable for international students with a high intermediate or advanced level of proficiency in the Spanish language and whose majors and career interests in the field of international development studies will require them to develop language skills (oral, auditory, reading, writing) that will permit them to perform appropriately in a Spanish-speaking environment and to make the best out of their academic, cultural, personal and later, professional experiences within the Latin American culture. In addition, this program is also an excellent fit for exchange students participating in extended programs in Spanish-speaking countries.

The program consists of two components, linguistic and topical. The objectives are to train students to speak fluently in Spanish, preparing them to read texts of social, political, economic, and cultural relevance effectively, and teaching them to write different types of text cohesively and coherently so that they can communicate effectively in Spanish. The program is complemented with conferences and exercises on the topic of the week, and with a three-hour film forum weekly.

Homestays are one of the most important parts of a student's experience, facilitating immersion in and adaptation to the new culture and language, and helping students to integrate into local society. In order to assure students will have a great experience with their host families, ICDS has a Homestay Coordinator with a great deal of experience in the selection of host families and the placement of students with an appropriate host family, according to what the student has indicated as his/her preferences in the housing application.

ICDS also offers many service-learning, volunteer, internship and research opportunities to give ICDS students the chance to put into practice what they learn in the classroom and to use their Spanish skills, to be involved with leading practitioners in the field, and to contribute to the efforts for sustainable human development in Costa Rica. To learn more about these opportunities, please download the attached PDF!

ICDS student services include on-site orientation, arrival and departure transportation, a counselor on staff, assistance with student visas, healthcare recommendations, and a PO box mailing address. ICDS is a very small organization and is therefore able to provide students with personalized attention for anything that comes up!

Highlights

- Excursion to Punta Leona, on the Pacific Ocean. Students stay at a resort, swim in the ocean, explore Carara National Park, and go on nature walks/hikes.

- Excursion to Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast, to stay at a sustainable eco-tourism lodge, hike through the rain forest, canoe down the Pacuare river, and explore a different part of Costa Rica.

- Day trips to nearby volcanos Poas or Irazu, Doka Estate coffee plantation, and other cultural activities in the San Jose area such as cooking lessons, dance lessons, trips to museums, and walking tours of the city.

- Service-learning, volunteering, research, and internship opportunities during, before, and after this program! To learn more about these opportunities, please download the attached PDF.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Contact us for information

Program Fees Include:

Cost includes on-site orientation, arrival and departure transportation to the airport, visa assistance provided by the ICDS-affiliated lawyer, a Student Welfare Coordinator (who is a licensed counselor) on staff, and a homestay for the duration of the program which provides two meals per day (three on weekends), a private furnished room, laundry service, and a guarantee to be the only non-family member in the house.

Cost also includes academic credits which transfer easily back to the student's home university, a field trip in each class, multiple excursions, and monthly cultural activities.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application