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Affiliated to:
West Coast University
of Panama.

 Costa Rica is a cultural and natural paradise, but most travelers see only the large, touristy resorts. Our unique program in Costa Rica enables you to combine Spanish language study with volunteer work.
We have many volunteer projects to choose from throughout Costa Rica. Whether you want to help kids through art therapy or assist with conservation at one of the National Parks, you are sure to have an amazing and memorable time in Costa Rica.

Accommodations:
During your Spanish lessons and/or your volunteer project, you will live with a Costa Rican family or in the National Park of your choice.
You will be provided with 2-3 meals a day, laundry service and an invaluable insight into the “real” Costa Rica.

Eligibility and requirements:

• Eligible to receive a tourist visa to Costa Rica
• Flexible in attitude, in good health and have a desire to contribute
• Resilience to work in tropical conditions, and adaptability to relate with a new culture
• Speak at least minimal Spanish
• Compliance with the rules and procedures of the volunteer program as established by the National System of Conservation Areas.
• Two photographs passport-size
• Copy of your passport
• Orientation at ASVO office in San Jose (1 day)
• Filled out application
• Medical insurance

Start dates:
Every Monday of each month

Length of Program:
Minimum: 15 days

Visa Documentation:
Most tourist visas are valid for up to 3 months. We recommend checking with your local Costa Rican Consulate for the most up to date visa information.

1. Volunteer in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area while you study spanish at El Paraiso.
   • Working with Special Needs Children
     This project assists the Fundacion Roberta Felix in developing and staffing resources for disabled children in rural communities of Costa Rica. By joining this pioneering programme as a volunteer, you will have a positive impact on the lives of this project's disabled children, learn or improve your Spanish and explore many of Costa Rica's tourist attractions and National Parks. Activities include; outings for the children, as well as fundraising and awareness events.

   • Working with the Elderly
     Lead residents at an elderly care center in various activities, help them cook, distribute food, teach English, and help them garden.
     Caring for the elderly helps create a compassionate and nurturing atmosphere at homes for the elderly and senior centers. Elderly people are sometimes the most neglected and abandoned group in society. Their access to basic services and income is severely restricted, and they often lack support groups. Community initiatives and organizations provide an opportunity for the elderly to receive one-on-one attention, learn new skills, and receive basic nutrition and healthcare.
   
   

• Registration fees and course materials
• Home stay until Sunday of departure for San Jose, including 2 meals per day
• Cultural activities (one free surf or yoga lesson per stay, dance-once a week, folcloric evening once a month)
• Placement examination prior to start of classes
• Free break time refreshments
• Free use of internet while at El Paraiso
• Free pick up from homestay with our minivan on Monday
• Certificate of attendance
• Basic accommodations and 3 meals a day at the National Parks, for specific details of facilities, please visit each park's website below
• 1 day Volunteer orientation at ASVO office in San Jose
• 2 nights in San Jose prior to attending your volunteer project

1. SIX WEEK PROGRAM:
   
   • 3 weeks of Spanish classes in a group, 4 hours a day,
     20 hours per week, plus 3 weeks volunteer work in a National Park of your choice.
   • PACKAGE PRICE: $ 1,806
   
   
2. SEVEN WEEK PROGRAM:
   
   • 3 weeks of Spanish classes in a group, 4 hours a day,
     20 hours per week, plus 4 weeks volunteer work in a National Park of your choice (or a combination of 2 parks).
   • PACKAGE PRICE: $ 1,932
   
   
3. EIGHT WEEK PROGRAM:
   
   • 4 weeks of Spanish classes in a group, 4 hours a day,
     20 hours per week, plus 4 weeks volunteer work in a National Park of your choice (or a combination of 2 parks).
   • PACKAGE PRICE: $ 2,312
   
   
4. TWELVE WEEK PROGRAM:
   
   • 4 weeks of Spanish classes in a group, 4 hours a day,
     20 hours per week, plus 8 weeks volunteer work in a National Park of your choice (or a combination of 2-4 parks).
   • PACKAGE PRICE: $ 2,816
   
   
5. FOURTEEN WEEK PROGRAM:
   
   • 6 weeks of Spanish classes in a group, 4 hours a day,
     20 hours per week, plus 8 weeks volunteer work in a National Park of your choice (or a combination of 2-4 parks).
   • PACKAGE PRICE: $ 3,616
   
   
6. SIXTEEN WEEK PROGRAM:
   
   • 8 weeks of Spanish classes in a group, 4 hours a day,
     20 hours per week, plus 8 weeks volunteer work in a National Park of your choice (or a combination of 2-4 parks).
   • PACKAGE PRICE: $ 4,416
   •  
   
   Extra Weeks:
   • Additional week of Spanish lessons in a group with homestay - $400 US
   • Additional week of volunteer work - $126 US

     *Prices include a one time fee of $100US to arrange your placement and a one time $30 fee charged by ASVO.

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     El Paraiso Spanish School Km 1, via Manuel Antonio, M.Antonio. Tel: + 506-2777-4681 Fax:+ 506-2777-1048 Mail: P.O. Box 6350-317 Quepos, C.R.

     Canada Contact El Paraiso Spanish School Tel: + 519-747-1627

     escuela@study-spanish-cr.com