LOCATIONS IN CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA: 
Costa Rica - Ecuador - Peru

Gap Program in Costa Rica!

The Locations — Choose One or Explore All Three!
Experience Costa Rican culture first-hand as you interact with the friendly people of San Joaquín de Flores, a suburb of Heredia conveniently 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 Schools
Located in modern facilities designed specifically for language instruction, each school 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 and Volunteer 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. From San Joaquin de Flores, you can visit a butterfly farm or try whitewater rafting. From Monteverde, you can ride on horseback to see lava shooting from the Arenal Volcano, fly through the forest on a zip line or soak in a natural hot spring. In Flamingo, you can enjoy the coast surfing or snorkeling, or visit the artisan community of Guaitil. If you want to enrich your stay in Costa Rica by supporting local education, social services, or natural conservation program, you will find volunteering opportunities at each location. Protect wildlife in an ecological sanctuary in Monteverde, help local students learn English in Flamingo, or help young girls at Niño con Cariño in Heredia!

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!

Quito
Experience the diverse cultures and ecology of Ecuador! Your program will be based in Quito, the vibrant capital of the country known as “the 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 School
The school 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 at the school 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 at school, 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 school 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 Options: Flavors of the Andes or Spanish for Golfers!
Discover the culinary delights of Quito on the Flavors of the Andes program! Morning Spanish classes are followed each day with lunches at local restaurants, in the company of your Spanish teacher. Learning a language was never more fun! Golf fans can complement their Spanish studies with afternoon golf lessons at one of South America’s loveliest private courses. Call for details!

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 school. Your host family will provide breakfast and dinner each day.

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Gap Program in Peru!

Cusco
Cusco once was the capital of the Inca empire, and it still invites you to explore the remains of this fascinating culture. You will find traditional Incan arts and architecture in the city, and the world famous Machu Picchu ruins nearby. At an altitude of over 10,000 feet, you will feel on top of the world!

The School
The school 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 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 and receive your teacher’s attention. 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.

Special Option: Spanish and Community Service
Enrich your stay in Cusco and give back to the community by participating in a local service project! The school has strong relationships with several organizations, offering you a choice of volunteering experiences. Help care for orphan street children, support Peruvian students in improving their English, or assist in a clinic that offers free treatment to local children. Call for 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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