AAVE: Costa Rica Spanish Intensive Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of AAVE: Costa Rica Spanish Intensive

Since 1976, more than 10,000 students from 48 U.S. states and over 40 countries have enjoyed AAVE trips throughout the world. AAVE programs combine adventure travel with service work, language study, and wilderness skills through carefully-crafted itineraries. All AAVE programs include community service projects which contribute to the environment and communities visited.

The "All About Visiting Earth" community consists of teenagers who choose active participation, individual responsibility, and who respect and care about one another. AAVE trips are led by top-notch trip leaders who teach skills that lead to a lifetime of exploration, friendship, enjoyment, and personal growth. For families looking for a summer that will exceed their expectations for leadership, safety, adventure, fun, and depth of programming, AAVE may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

You waste no time immersing yourselves in authentic Costa Rican life as you meet your first host family and start Spanish classes in Heredia, a lovely suburb of Costa Rica's capital. Daily adventure escapes such as whitewater rafting on the Reventezon River and floating the Sarapiqui River happen daily. Forget your typical Spanish class, daily conversation is enhanced with culture, cooking, dancing and games.

Next you head to the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for more classes, adventures and a new host family! The remote town of Santa Elena is perched high in the clouds amongst one of the most amazing wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Keep your eyes open for hummingbirds, toucans, sloths and monkeys. You enjoy an opportunity to give back with community service.

You wrap up your amazing journey on the pristine beaches of Flamingo with your final week of Spanish classes. There is time to relax on secluded beaches, snorkel clear waters and surf the waves at Tamarindo. You complete your trip with more adventure: mountain biking, visiting an active volcano, mud spas, and sailing. "Pura Vida!"

Staff Overview

AAVE trip leaders are highly motivated role models with extensive experience working with teenagers in adventure environments. All Trip Leaders are certified in the highest levels of first aid, CPR, and lifeguard training. AAVE Trip Leaders are at least 21 years old and are current college students or graduates.

Setting & Accommodations

AAVE’s Costa Rica Spanish Intensive is a physically, mentally and culturally adventurous trip. You stay in simple homes with families, local hostels and native hotels; there is no camping or backpacking.

Safety Standards

AAVE Trip Leaders have a minimum certification of Wilderness First Responder or Advanced Wilderness First Aid. Many are certified Adult Wilderness EMTs and life guards.

AAVE is accredited by the American Camp Association and meets more than 300 safety standards set forth by the organization.