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ISLS Teen Spanish and Adventure Camp
For the summer of 2008 the ISLS is offering our most exciting and diverse selection of options and locations yet. We have ISLS owned and operated programs in Playa Dominical, Playa Tamarindo and Turrialba, Costa Rica as well as Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Our signature ISLS Teen Spanish and Surf Camp will continue to be offered in Playa Dominical, Costa Rica and in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Our Teen Spanish Immersion and Volunteer Program in Turrialba, Costa Rica. Our Teen Spanish and Art Camp in Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica and for our younger students the Spanish, Art and Sports Camp also in Playa Tamarindo.
SPANISH PROGRAM
Learning Spanish in a country were it is spoken is the very best way to learn the language. By having to hear and speak the language on a daily basis, students are forced to use the Spanish they are learning in the classroom in everyday situations. The student is immersed in the language and culture; it is on the radio, the television, road signs, in restaurants, on menus, the newspaper, during surf lessons and in the street.
Our classes are small and personal with professional teachers and no more than 7 students in a level. Our material is especially designed for our students to make the language come alive. There are visits outside the classroom with teachers to markets, fruit stands, the beach and into town. Classes are conducted totally in Spanish, causing students to have to think in the language right from the start.
The basis of our Teen Camp is our Spanish language program. In each location we use the highest qualities language institutions. In Playa Dominical we work with AEC, the Adventure Education Center, in Playa Tamarindo we work with CSI, the Costal Spanish Institute and in Puerto Escondido we work with Instituto de Lenguajes Puerto Escondido. All are professional, well run, maintained and accredited institutions.
Students in the program have all different levels of ability in Spanish, from absolute beginner to very advance. On the first day of classes, everyone is given an oral and written evaluation with a professor. From this they are assigned to a teacher and a level. So whether the student has never taken a Spanish class or just needs to practice speaking the language, we have the level for them.
As with all things to do with learning, students get out of it what they put into it. Those that are interested and dedicated will get a great deal from the experience. Our students invariable return with a greater ability in the language. They go back to school and get better grades, they take honors and AP classes and most importantly, they speak better Spanish.
PLAYA DOMINICAL - COSTA RICA
On the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica is one of the country's most beautiful uncut gems, Dominical. From its turquoise green water to its fiery red and gold sunsets, the natural beauty of the area is second to none. In a country full of beautiful vistas and lush tropical landscapes, this area not only holds its own, it shines. Dominical, the quiet little out of the way place that's not so out of the way.
PLAYA TAMARINDO - COSTA RICA
Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica is located on the northwestern Pacific coast. This is the perfect community to combine a Spanish language program with a vacation. This is why we have our Youth Art and Spanish Program and the Children’s Spanish, Art and Sports Camp in this wonderful beach town. There is more than four miles of sun drenched, white sand beach to surf, swim and play in. There are tons of outdoor activities to choose from as well.
TURRIALBA
Our most immersive location is this mountain valley town of 35,000 people. Situated 1½ hours by car from San Jose, Turrialba is a safe and beautiful city with only Spanish speakers in the area. It is also our most culturally authentic Teen Spanish Camp location. The campus is located on a 2000 acre tropical research center in the botanical gardens. This is the best place to learn the language and experience the rich culture of Costa Rica.
PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Puerto Escondido is located on the southern end of the Mexican Riviera and truly is a ‘Hidden Port’. About four hours south by car from Acapulco, not very many tourists make it down to this small fishing pueblo. Those that do are in for a treat. With more than 300 days of sunshine, world class fishing and surfing, abundant natural settings with plentiful wildlife and crystal clear blue waters, it is a wonder more people don’t flock to its seven different beaches.
Teen Surf and Spanish Program (Ages 14- 17)
This is our signature program and is what we believe to be the most unique Teen Summer Spanish Program in Central America. Students from ages 14 to 17 are eligible to participate in this exceptional two week program. With interactive and intensive Spanish classes, surf lessons, and adventure tours, as well as group and cultural activities, students will have a new and exciting experience. Playa Dominical is a small beach community in the middle of the rainforest. There are monkeys in the trees, amazing beaches and coves and fantastic surf. This is the perfect program for high school students looking to have fun and adventure while learning Spanish in a tropical beach environment. Included in this program are: All adventure tours and activities, three half-day surf lessons, use of surfboards, lodging in a three star resort, Welcome to Cost Rica dinner, three meals per day, three hours per day of Spanish instruction, study materials, all in country transportation, health/travel insurance and bilingual guides.
Teen Spanish Immersion and Volunteer Program (Ages 14- 17)
This is a true language and cultural immersion program, and was developed to give high school students an intensive and fun Spanish immersion experience. This is the perfect program for those students who are very serious about learning the Spanish language. Students stay with local families and share two meals each day with them, as well as interact in family life. In the afternoon and evenings there are activities designed to promote the Costa Rican culture. These activities along with volunteer opportunities help the student to speak the language outside of class and host family. On the weekends there are fun and exciting activities that showcase Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Turrialba is a very safe and accessible town 1 ½ hours away from the traffic and congestion of San Jose. Included in this program are: All adventure tours and activities, four hours per day of Spanish instruction a day, airport pick up and drop off, lodging with a local Costa Rican family, three meals per day (two with the family), study materials, all in country transportation, health/travel insurance and bilingual guides.
Teen Spanish and Art Camp (Ages 14 – 18)
For the Teen Art and Spanish Program, Playa Tamarindo combines the beach, coast, mountain and forest. Add in more days of sunshine and it makes a colorful backdrop on which to paint and create your canvases. Students are able to get out of the studio setting and be surrounded by nature. Our instructor, Richard Godfrey combines local artistic traditions with those from around the world to make this the most unique art program in the world. The camp is designed for serious art students who are interested in combining an intensive art experience with learning Spanish and visiting Costa Rica. Included in this program are: All adventure tours and activities, river rafting on class 2 & 3 rapids, zip lining tour, two day/one night visit to Arenal volcano and hot springs, 10 half day art lessons, lodging in a three star resort, Welcome to Cost Rica dinner, three meals per day, three hours per day of Spanish instruction, some art materials, all in country transportation, health/travel insurance and bilingual guides.
Children’s Spanish, Art, Sports and Adventure Camp (Ages 8- 13)
Playa Tamarindo is a great place for families looking for a fun place to for all ages to visit. There is plenty for the parents to do while their children are in the camp. The parents can also attend Spanish language classes for adults if they want to improve their Spanish ability. The program goes from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday for one or more weeks. The weekends are open for families to travel and do their own thing. Every morning and afternoon parents will first drop their children off at the ISLS Spanish Immersion Center and then pick them up. During the day there will always be two hours of fun and interactive Spanish classes. In addition to the Spanish classes and lunch there will also be at least one other group activity per day. These activities include: Three, two hour art lessons with artist Richard Godfrey, one two hour surf lesson, soccer matches with local Costa Rican children, zip lining tour, beach volleyball games, swimming at the beach, visit to a Monkey Park, visit to local aquarium, boat tour of estuary and Goodbye to Costa Rica party.
