| Welcome Program |
|
One of the best ways to become acquainted with Costa Rica is to experience the Welcome to Costa Rica Program. Welcome to Costa Rica! The Welcome Program is a 4 day, 3 night program designed for anyone interested in learning about Costa Rica. It is based in San Jose, and consists of:
The Welcome Program offers you accommodations in the Student Guesthouse, or at a local Bed & Breakfast. The Purpose of the Program We have found that students who have arrived early for the Welcome Program have an easier time adjusting to their host families, and they make better use of their first few days of classes. They also tend to get more out of their entire program as they don't have to waste time figuring out how things work on their own. The same is true for travelers who are not attending one of our Spanish language programs. Our program acts like a buffer for students and travelers, and is intended to make your first few days in Costa Rica relaxing and enjoyable. It is a fun and inexpensive way to get to know the country and its people. Cost The cost of the program with shared lodging at the ISLS Student Guesthouse is $340. If you would prefer to stay in a private room, the program cost is $440. These prices include the Saturday tour of river rafting on the Pacuari River. If you want to do the Calypso Island Tour, please add $25 to the above program price. The Friday tour is included in the price and is the same no matter which you choose. Entertainment The Welcome to Costa Rica Program is very entertaining! We guarantee you will not be disappointed! Saturday River Rafting on the Rio Pacuare Students are picked up at about 6:30 a.m. and transported by minibus to the Rio Pacuare. On the way there is a stop for breakfast at a country restaurant. At the river, students receive a half an hour of training in how to raft, along with safety tips and emergency procedures. Once on the river, students will experience some of the best rafting in Costa Rica over the class three and four rapids. This is the perfect trip for both beginners and seasoned rafters alike. The countryside and deep gorges are awesome. The total time on the river is about five hours with a stop in the middle for a picnic lunch. After the ride is finished, there will be an opportunity for students to purchase photos of the days rafting. Students will return to San Jose around 6 p.m. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GO RAFTING YOU CAN TAKE THE FOLLOWING: Calypso Island Tour For students that do not want to go river rafting, we also have the option of the Calypso Island tour to Isla Tortuga. This one day cruise to the island of Tortuga is one of the most popular tours in Costa Rica. Students will be picked up at 6:00 a.m. and transported in a luxury bus down to the Pacific coast town of Puntarenas where they will board an 80 foot catamaran. The Manta Ray is equipped with a full bar, two Jacuzzis, Calypso band and plenty of room for over 100 passengers. After cruising around a number of different islands in the Gulfo Nicoya for two hours they arrive at Isla Tortuga, which is a National Preservation Area. On the island students will be able to swim, snorkel, kayak, play beach volleyball or just lounge around for five hours. During which time you will have a gourmet lunch along with a delicious ceviche appetizer. At around 3 in the afternoon passage reboard the catamaran and return to Puntarenas and then back by bus to San Jose, arriving around 7 p.m. Dinner will be on your own. Sunday Brunch is served with a wide assortment of native Costa Rican dishes and fruits. Program wrap-up with hints and suggestions to help students maximize their time in the Coastal Spanish language program. Students attending classes at our beach location will be taken to their respective bus stations and sent on their way. |