Gap Programs in Central and South America

Gap Program in Costa Rica!

 located near the capital city of San José. Choose this location if you enjoy the atmosphere of a smaller community and the convenience of close access to the culture and life of a big city.  If you have always wanted to disappear into the clouds, we recommend that you study Spanish at the school in Monteverde, famous for the cloud forest reserves. The Monteverde zone is well known for its commitment to the sustainable development of the community and conservation efforts.  If you choose the school in Flamingo, you can do your homework on a sunny beach, just five minutes from campus! The province of Guanacaste is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches and Flamingo beach is considered the best in the area. 

The Language Institute
Located in modern facilities designed specifically for language instruction, each campus has comfortable classrooms as well as comprehensive orientations, a bilingual staff and email access. Teachers are university-educated native speakers and use a communicative approach, designed to develop fluency in Spanish in the shortest possible time. Because the maximum class size in each school is just four students, you will have many opportunities to interact with classmates and receive personalized attention from your teacher.

Cultural Activities
You are invited to join in a variety of lectures and activities each week that focus on the culture and history of Costa Rica. Classes in Latin dance and Costa Rican cooking are included in the tuition fees. Additionally, each location offers unique excursions and activities to explore the surrounding area and the local culture. 

Volunteering Opportunities
If you want to enrich your stay in Costa Rica by supporting local education, social services, or natural conservation program, we can arrange a volunteer placement for you. You can get involved for just a few weeks or for several months. Students planning to volunteer for 3 months or longer should contact us about special projects in the community of Orosi, located in the heart of the country. 

Special Option: Spanish and Diving!
This 2-week course lets you discover the magic beauty of the underwater world of Costa Rica’s “Golden Coast” while improving your Spanish conversation skills. You will take home a diver’s certification, specialized vocabulary, and a wealth of ocean memories. Available as an addition to any program in Flamingo, call for details.

Accommodations
Deepen your understanding of the Spanish language and the Costa Rican culture by living with a welcoming local host family. Homestay accommodations include airport pick-up, a private room, laundry service, and breakfast and dinner each day.

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Gap Program in Ecuador!

 city of sun and sky”. Though the population is slightly over one million, Quito retains its small city atmosphere and offers a rich range of cultural activities. It is a fascinating blend of modern and traditional culture, with strong Spanish, indigenous, U.S.-American and European influences.

The Language Institute
The institute is located in a lovely residential area of Quito known as “La Carolina”, just one block from the stop for the Ecovia (ecological buses). The building is surrounded by gardens and includes a video room, cafeteria, dancing area and racquetball court.

The Classes
You can begin your studies any Monday of the year and stay for as many weeks as you like. Semester programs that include Hispanic Studies are also available! After completing a placement test on your first morning on campus, you will be placed in a class with students at your level. The curriculum includes conversation, written assignments, interactive activities and grammar lessons. Classes meet for 20 hours per week in small groups of no more than four students. 

Cultural Activities
The institute offers weekly dancing lessons, cooking classes, lectures and city tours. Optional day activities include trips to National Parks, Indian markets and the Cloud Forest Reserve. 

Special Option: Spanish and Community Service
Enrich your stay in Quito and give back to the community by participating in a local service project! The language institute has strong relationships with several organizations, offering you a choice of volunteering experiences. Support Ecuadorian students in improving their English, assist in a clinic that offers free treatment to local children, or help out at a biological station on the Galapagos Islands! Call for details and more options.

Accommodations
Deepen your understanding of the Spanish language and the culture of Ecuador by living with a local host family. Families are carefully selected and all homes are within easy walking or public transportation distance of the institute. Your host family provide breakfast and a light dinner each day. 

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Gap Program in Peru!

The Language Institute
The institute occupies a beautiful colonial home from the 19th century on one of Cusco’s many small plazas, right behind the “Temple of the Sun” and only a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s central meeting area. It offers an indoor patio, a video room, an auditorium, and wireless internet access for the students. The institute recently evolved into an accredited university, offering courses in Environmental Studies, Liberal Arts, Indigenous Culture, Entrepreneurial Development, Medical Vocabulary, and more. Ask about earning college credit for your undergraduate or graduate degree! 

The Classes
You can begin your studies at the school any Monday of the year and stay for as many weeks as you like. After an initial placement test, you will study Spanish at your level for four hours per day. Each class will consist of no more than four students to ensure that you will have plenty of opportunities to participate. Classes with a focus on Hispanic history and culture are also available!

Cultural Activities
The school organizes two to three afternoon activities and excursions per week, such as city tours, dance classes, lectures, trips to historical sites, and cooking classes. Budget a little extra to take advantage of these opportunities to further explore the area and the culture.

Special Option: Spanish and Medical Services!
If you are a medical student or a health care professional, this program is a great opportunity for you! You will learn about Peru’s medical system, gain insights into cultural practices and traditions, acquire specific medical vocabulary, and meet people who share your goal of promoting health and quality of life. Volunteer opportunities for students without a background in the medical field are also available. Call for specific dates and details!

Accommodations
Deepen your understanding of the Spanish language and the Peruvian culture by living with a local host family. Families are carefully selected and all homes are within easy walking or public transportation distance of the school. Your host family will provide breakfast, lunch and a light dinner each day.

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