Description

The Immersion Programs are designed to give students the maximum exposure to and opportunity in Costa Rica. A 30-day program provides students ample time to see a great deal of the country in seven adventurous destinations; engage in meaningful community service projects; truly connect with the people and language of Costa Rica; and internalize what they are learning.

* San Jose:
Students will briefly experience one of the most cosmopolitan Central American cities as we explore colonial courtyards, busy avenues and quaint neighborhoods. We will take Latin dance lessons and gather for orientation meetings to prepare for our upcoming adventure.

* Pura Suerte:
Nestled high in the tropical mountains overlooking the Pacific Coast, Pura Suerte is an ecological retreat outfitted with impressive bamboo bungalows and a fabulous restaurant that specializes in organic cuisine. Students will learn about sustainable agriculture and rainforest ecology through a variety of adventurous activities. Groups can explore the surrounding jungle, hike along breathtaking passes to secluded waterfalls, learn to cook dishes made from organic ingredients, and relax in hammocks while rain pelts against the jungle canopy.

* Manuel Antonio:
Participants will spend a long weekend in Manuel Antonio, a beautiful white sand beach and national park on the Pacific coast. Famous for its wildlife, Manuel Antonio is home to sloths, monkeys, a stunning variety of birds, and much more. Those who are interested in surfing can take professional lessons and apply their practice to waves renowned for their ease and consistency. At night we will gather around bonfires on the shore and eat fresh seafood caught during the day.

Host Village and Homestay:

The heart and soul of our Costa Rica programs is the time in the host village. For the duration of our time in the community, students will live with homestay families where they will significantly improve their Spanish and experience firsthand an intimate snapshot of Costa Rican family life. While we understand the thought of living with another family can be intimidating, we are convinced through personal experience that homestays are extremely rewarding. Walking Tree has carefully selected each host family to ensure it makes the student's experience comfortable and enriching.

Days in the village are spent working on a variety of community service projects that are decided upon in conjunction with the community to ensure their usefulness. Some projects will necessitate construction while others will be less labor-intensive. The days will begin early and end in the afternoon, broken up by a midday break. They promise to be long and rewarding. Students will eat breakfast and dinner with their families, while lunching with the group and continuing with the service projects.

When not working on the community service projects, our students will have free time to spend with their families, practice Spanish, play soccer, make friends with local youth, and attend community gatherings. At the end of our time in the village, we will have a fiesta de despedida, or going away party, to say goodbye to the community that has been our home.

* Arenal:
We will spend a short time in the small town of La Fortuna in the shade of one of Costa Rica's most impressive landmarks, the Arenal Volcano. The group can hike down to La Catarata de la Fortuna, an impressive waterfall, or plunge into refreshing rivers from suspended tire swings. At night we will bathe in luxurious natural hot springs and, if the weather is clear, watch as lava erupts from Arenal's cone.

* Monteverde:
Costa Rica is famous for its cloud forests, and this is one of its best. Students will take a canopy tour where they are safely harnessed into a series of zip lines and soar over old growth canopy and enjoy the excitement of a "Tarzan Swing." We will also have the option to tour a coffee plantation, take a guided nature walk through the forest to learn more about the unique flora and fauna, practice yoga at a world-class studio, and sample excellent ice cream at the local dairy factory.

White Water Rafting:

According to the Discovery Channel, the Pacuare River is one of the five most beautiful rivers in the world, but we find it hard to imagine that there is anything better. Students will safely navigate class II and III rapids that weave through a breathtaking tropical canyon. Students on our Discovery Programs will participate in a one-day rafting adventure. The Immersion Programs spend two days rafting with an overnight stay at an ecologically sensitive retreat along the banks of the Pacuare River. National Geographic has recently hailed the Pacuare Lodge's first-class fare and lavish accommodations as one of the world's finest retreats.

Highlights

* 90 Hours of Community Service
* 17 Day Homestay
* Spanish Language Immersion
* White Water Rafting

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 5,890

Program Fees Include:

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Tuition includes international airfare from designated departure city, three meals a day, all accommodations, ground transportation, contributions to service projects, group activities, entrance fees, group entertainment cost and rentals.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Walking Tree Travel's Mission Statement

To inspire young adults to become global citizens by taking an active interest in the world around them. We specialize in programs for high school students that focus on linguistic immersion, cultural immersion, international community service, and include a host of other meaningful adventures.

Year Founded

2004