Spanish Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica

I was in Quepos for 6 weeks did Spanish classes, surf classes and two volunteer projects (working with kids and teaching english). I made a lot of new friends, got more independent and experienced an amazing country like a local.

Everything is part of the experience. Learning how to go with the flow is an essential part of staying here. I’ve made so many new friends, locally and from around the world. The workers are fantastic and super accommodating, as long as you’re reachable and communicating. I’ve enjoyed working with kids and every new day brings about something new to learn. I love my Spanish classes and we’ve been correcting things I learned in school and building off of it. I’m really excited for the rest of my time here. ¡Pura vida!

I stayed in Costa Rica for 4 months and for my Gap Year with Maximo and it was the best choice I could’ve made. I did the customized path with Spanish Immersion and Volunteering with Children. They were extremely accommodating to my needs and made sure I had the best experience. From the close proximity to many beaches to my classes to my host family. This program was everything I could’ve dreamed of and more. So much so that I already planned my next journey back for the New Year!

I loved being in Costa Rica, it honestly was the best experience I met so many people from all over and we made so many fun memories. I would definitely come back to Costa Rica I loved my host family they were truly amazing and so kind I will definitely recommend doing this.

My time in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel was definitely one that I will cherish and hold near and dear to my heart for forever. There were so many amazing people to meet and so many amazing experiences to be had. My host mom, Marisol was an amazing host and made us all feel very comfortable and happy, all while keeping a fun and lighthearted atmosphere in the house. The campus in Quepos, Costa Rica is very comfortable and well made and I enjoyed spending time there as well!

I had a very nice time here in Costa Rica, my family was very nice and ever was welcoming to me. Both of my projects were fun and I have learned a lot since being here! I am exciting for my trips to Guatemala and Peru

I had the best time volunteering at Maximo Nivel, I like that they put a very thoughtful approach to my trip! I felt safe throughout my entire stay, I really appreciate the careful thought that the staff put in not only for my experience but everything else involved.

It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience. Something I do notice where I’ve perhaps helped younger people is it’s all new to them whereas I’ve seen it all before. That experience does count for quite a bit, so that has been validating.

Learned so much. Beautiful country. Great people willing to help. The staff was so helpful and my host mom was so wonderful. I met so many awesome people and everyone I worked with was super helpful. I absolutely love my host mom and I just feel really lucky to have had this experience.

The Centre where I’m volunteering in Cambodia is an amazing place for any traveller — young or old. The local staff are very welcoming and are always ready to help with any situation or need that comes your way. The program offers cultural immersion and an enjoyable volunteering experience that I would recommend anyone to try.

2 years ago I did a the Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica trip with pacific discovery and it was amazing. The organisation itself is really good and made the group feel like a family. All the activities were not only absolutely fantastic but also inspiring.

Máximo Nivel is a program that offers fantastic Spanish courses and flexibility to travel around Costa Rica. The Spanish instruction was fantastic and it was the perfect place to improve my fluency! Highly recommend

Guatemala and Costa Rica give you a different perspective of the world. The richness of the culture and history really makes a mark on you. The different organizations we got to work with gave us so much information on nature, community, responsibility, and more. I recommend carpe diem for all of its opportunities.

This was an amazing program for me as someone who wants to start traveling internationally but wasn’t really sure how. The pre planned itinerary really let me experience this fully but the student directed travel week also let me put what I had learned into practice. I really experienced so much in this program from a multi day trek to chilling leisurely by the beach. We went scuba diving at the beautiful Drake Bay, had 4 weeks of Spanish classes in two different locations at beautiful outdoor schools, participated in homestays, as well as did volunteer work such as natural building and helping out permaculture farms. Loved this program and would highly recommend for people looking for a diverse and supportive gap year!

I am really grateful to have been on this trip. This has impacted my life on so many ways and it has given me a perspective on the world that I didn’t have before going. The activities were unbelievable and if you want to grow a different perspective on the world you should go on this trip.

My semester with Carpe Diem was the best 3 months I could have asked for. I learned so many important life lessons, discovered so many new parts of the world, met so many incredible people, learned a ton about myself and my goals, and I had so much fun. We lived with homestay families, took Spanish classes, participated in community service/volunteer projects, went hiking, and explored many cities and countries. I loved the food, the people, the beauty and nature. We dug holes in a backyard to help a family get an irrigation system going for their toilet system and crops in Nicaragua; we worked on a permaculture farm and learned how to make chocolate; we hiked up volcanoes in Guatemala; we went on a yoga retreat; we patrolled the beaches at night and helped sea turtles camouflage their nests in Costa Rica; and we got SCUBA certified in Honduras. Carpe Diem runs really good programs, they are so fun, smooth, varied, full of learning, and introduce students to many important topics and life experiences. 10/10 recommend!

I was able to meet friends from all over the U.S. and a few from the Netherlands. We all shared love for trying new things and got to help each other to get out of our comfort zones a little. It wasn't always easy, everyone comes from different backgrounds and experiences and things didn't always go as you expected. We all grew so much during those 3months and our instructors Tari and Jack were inspiring. This experience made me start to work my way into the outdoor education field after seeing the impact it had on me. Now im starting to work with kids and taking them on hikes and getting to share fun stories of the things i experienced with Pacific Discovery and how it's made me even more curious and determined to find my next travel opportunity.

My experience with Carpe Diem was incredibly unique. It was so exciting to find a program that suit my interests of environmental conservation/Science and lead me to become fluent in Spanish. My leaders were super fun and great at their jobs. I met 2 my best-friends and enjoyed my time mindfully traveling through Guatemala and Costa Rica. Then for my Latitudes semester I went to Peru and that experience changed everything for me. I grew so much in 5 months, thrived with that level of responsibility and surfed everyday. Carpe's team is very competent and involved. overall I wouldn't trade anything for the unforgettable experience I had. It has lead me to be so much more passionate in my studies at University.

Carpe Diem education was absolutely the right chose in completing a gap year. Not only did we have amazing adventures, but intriguing and eye-opening immersive cultural experiences. I was able to explore and learn about a new part of the world I had never dreamed of visiting, and subsequently develop a profound love for the culture and its people. It was constantly exciting, never staying in a place for more than two weeks. We hiked an active volcano, saved turtles, built a school, reforested a forest, took Spanish classes, got scuba certified, learned about sustainable agricultural techniques, surfed, engaged in cultural exchanges and so much more! It’s safe to say I finished the program feeling much more confident in both my ability to succeed individually, and as a whole. I developed many skills that can be applied towards my future in any form. I don’t regret this program one bit, and encourage everyone who can have such an experience to do so!

This program made me grow a lot mentally and was a journey of self discovery as well as an outer journey of learning about new interesting cultures and ways of life. I would definitely recommend if you want to make friends and gain an eye opening view of the world.