Academic Treks: Immersion Costa Rica and Nicaragua Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Academic Treks: Immersion Costa Rica and Nicaragua

Backed by sixteen years of experience in running educational programs for thousands of teenagers, Academic Treks combines the finest elements of experiential learning, traditional classroom learning, and service learning with wilderness adventure, international travel, and cultural exchange to create extraordinary college-accredited expeditions. Each course includes an important community service component, and the themes of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth are interwoven in each AT experience.

Academic Treks students are fully immersed in an educational experience in a real world setting, gaining a global perspective and hands-on understanding of the topics studied. They also get a head start on college by earning college and/or community service credit and by building a host of skills they will use both in school and beyond. For students looking for an educational and exciting summer experience, Academic Treks may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

This language immersion adventure spans two beautiful and culturally rich Central American countries from the highlands of Costa Rica to the spectacular volcanic islands of Nicaragua. Learn Spanish as you explore magnificent river valleys, a grand colonial city, lush tropical rainforests and a verdant island in the middle of Central America’s largest freshwater lake. Attend Spanish school in Costa Rica, studying with local teachers in small groups of two to four students. Live with gracious Costa Rican families who welcome you into their community and daily routines. Raft a thrilling river and zip line through the jungle canopy surrounded by howler monkeys. Work with a Nicaraguan orphanage on service projects that will change the way you view the world. This academic trek highlights the diversity of these two countries and opens your eyes to the colorful cultures of each.

Staff Overview

Academic Treks leaders bring a wealth of experience to every program. They share a love for working with young people, as well as a passion for experiential learning and teaching. The average age of AT staff members is typically around 26.

The Academic Treks course design requires the use of several instructors for each program. Two AT staff members lead the trip, providing focus and continuity to the program. In-country outfitters are used to provide the local knowledge and expertise for expedition phases. These additional teachers and outfitters provide a perspective, depth of knowledge and access to resources that could not be obtained otherwise. Formal instruction is given by professional educators with experience teaching young adults through experiential and project-based learning.

Setting & Accommodations

Students sleep in a variety of places including a hostel, in homes during home stays, and in tents under the stars when they’re camping.

Safety Standards

Academic Treks Course Lead Instructors complete intensive staff training before the program, which includes a focus on risk management, in-country logistics, emergency protocols, leadership training, and teaching students how to integrate experiences learned on program into their everyday lives when they return home. At least one of the course leaders is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with a minimum of 80 hours of emergency medical training.

Academic Treks: Immersion Costa Rica and Nicaragua Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition	Get Info
Trip One	6/20/13-7/11/13	16-18	$4,580
Trip Two	7/14/13-8/4/13	15-17	$4,580

Trip Overview

Program Overview

Theme: Language Immersion
This Trip has Multiple Themes:
- Study Abroad
- Community Service
Trip Gender: Co-ed
Group Size : 12
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 6:1
Religious Affiliation: None