Sámara
is a small beach town on the Northern Pacific
Coast, and part of the vibrant province of Guanacaste,
from where much of Costa Rica’s folkloric
and cultural heritage is derived. Nearby Nicoya,
the region’s capital, is the site of one
of Costa Rica’s oldest colonial churches,
dating back to 1644. It is also home to the indigenous
Chorotega population, famous for their ceramic
artwork, whose once-powerful chieftains and their
families gave their names to most of the towns
in the area. Sámara, for example, is named
for a legendary Chorotega princess. Also in the
Sámara area are a wealth of National Parks
and protected areas, such as Ostional Turtle Refuge,
the Barra Honda Caves and Palo Verde National
Park, a bird-watchers paradise. Folkloric dance,
music and local “fiestas” abound,
as do opportunities for outdoor activities and
ecological exploration.
The beach itself is situated on a stunning horseshoe-shaped
bay protected by a coral reef, which makes for
calm waters, safe swimming and easy surfing and
boogie boarding at high tide. The white sand beach
is over 5kms long and lined with palm trees, offering
a perfect spot for jogging, walking, biking and
horse riding.
The beautiful Sámara campus is located
in brand new, beachfront facilities. Classes are
held in modern, air-conditioned rooms, all with
a view of the ocean: each is equipped with standard
audio equipment, whiteboard, and a large communal
study space, encouraging didactic activities and
easy class participation. Occasionally, teachers
take students outside the facilities to hold a
conversation hour in our rancho, the tropical
gardens, or on the beach under the shade of a
palm tree. Ecological trips, community interviews
and other activities help students practice Spanish
"en vivo" with local Costa Ricans. Facilities
also include a large open-air rancho used for
dance classes and special cultural activities;
a kitchen for cooking classes, several lounge,
garden and study areas, hammocks, and the reception
and tour services desk. Nearby restaurants and
open air café-bars provide ample places
to relax and chat with friends, drink coffee or
try the delicious local fresh fruit shakes.
About
the School Program
The school program uses a combination
of immersion teaching methods centered around
the Communicative Approach with a solid grammar
component. Instead of a traditional grammar program,
classes are designed to provide a fully balanced
intensive immersion experience for students. This
means that they incorporate all aspects of language
acquisition: conversation, grammar, reading, writing,
general comprehension and idiomatic expressions.
The teacher’s role is seen as one of facilitator,
where the students have input into their own learning,
thereby making it more meaningful to their own
experience. In addition to formal textbooks, they
use a wide variety of current materials: newspapers,
literature, audiocassettes/CD’s, videos,
advertisements, music, short stories and more.
Classes also incorporate field trips and out-of-class
learning. Thus classes remain interesting as well
as educational!
Cost per week per
student:Contact Coodinators
All meals as well as classes/homestay, airport transport and activities are included.
Examples of First Week's Schedule of Classes
(Note: Classes may shift to afternoon
on high season and details are subject to change)
Sunday July 15:
Arrival to Sámara
Dinner with host families
Monday, July 16:
7:30am entrance exams
8:00am- 12:00 pm- Spanish classes
12:00pm Teen Orientation, ice-breaker activities and lunch
1:30pm beach time
3:30pm Latin Dance Classes
4:30pm Arts and Crafts class
6:00 Dinner
Tuesday, July 17
9:00am Dance Class
11am Costa Rican Traditional Food Cooking Class for lunch
1:15- 5:15pm Spanish Classes
6:00pm Dinner
7:30pm Bonfire and music on the beach
Wednesday, July 18
8:00am- 12:00 pm- Spanish classes
12:00 Lunch
1:30 Surf Lessons
4:00pm Volleyball and or soccer on the beach
6:00pm Dinner
8.00pm: Movie and popcorn at school
Thursday, July 19
8:00am Kayaking & snorkeling
1:15- 5:15 Spanish Classes
7:30pm Graduation activity (dinner and dancing included)
Friday, July 20
8:00- 12:00 pm Spanish Classes
12.00pm Lunch
1:00pm Surf and beach fun time
6:00pm Dinner
7.30pm: Mini-golf in Carrillo
Saturday, July 21
7:00 am Rafting Tour: Class III rapids on the Cañas River (includes transportation, lunch, and snack)
6.00 pm Dinner
8pm: Dancing at Vela Latina
Sunday, July 22
7:00am Departure for Barra Honda Cavern and jungle boat trip on the Tempisque River (includes transport, guide, lunch, equipment, and boat trip)
6:00 pm Dinner
Program is ongoing in one week blocks, starting every Monday, 20 hours per week.
Students must participate in minimum one week of the program
Teens from 13 to 17 will be accepted.
Activities and excursions are included in the program and are non-refundable. Activities/excursions are provided and chaperoned by Costa Rica teen Spanish immersion summer staff.
Parents and teens must sign a behavior contract before beginning the course.
Facilities, full-time, on-site, program coordinator and chaperones will be provided by the school. Chaperones who wish to participate may receive free activities, when accompanying teen groups.
The Teen Coordinator will be available 24 hours per day and may be reached by parents and students via cell phone, in case of emergency. This person will maintain close contact with student´s host families in order to keep informed on the student’s whereabouts at all times.
Local Host families will be involved in the care of the teens and will help enforce the curfew.
The program is ran on-site, as our infrastructure at both campuses will enable us to keep an eye on the teens, as well as keep them busy with activities
This program is all-inclusive for teens and includes the following: Intensive Spanish classes, cultural activities, guided excursions, free internet access, airport transport, and homestay (includes 2 meals/day and laundry service).
Students will be provided with the textbook for the classes as well as a Teen Spanish Immersion Summer School shirt, distinguishing them from other adult students.
Applicants must apply online at http://www.spanishforsuccess.com/Registration.htm and specify enrollment for the Youth/Teen Spanish Immersion Program and what city. Students may stay together in the homestay with another teen from the program or may choose to stay alone. Please specify all dietary needs, allergies and preferences when registering.
