Orientation
You will need to arrive at the school for 8am on the first day in time for your oral evaluation. Following this you will have a programme orientation, where you will be given information about the language course, dance classes, San Jose and Costa Rica as a whole. This is the best time to ask any burning questions you might have. You will also be given a student card that will have a telephone number and the address of your host family on it. Later that afternoon, there will be a salsa class and a chance to use the facilities at the school.
Accommodation and Meals
During your time in San Jose you will be staying with a host family in your own private bedroom. This provides the perfect opportunity to try out your newfound Spanish skills, especially at meal times, and to get a close up look at Costa Rican daily life. If you are travelling with a friend, we will do our best to accommodate you within the same home stay. Your family will provide you with breakfast and dinner everyday.
We have a careful selection process when it comes to host families. Houses are checked by a co-ordinator to make sure they are secure, clean and comfortable, and that the family themselves are friendly and hospitable, to give you the best stay possible.
Free Time
If you have sufficient energy left after all your dancing and Spanish, there are plenty of activities to fill your free time. Friday is your day off while the weekends and the evenings after your dance academy lessons are yours to use as you wish. The volunteer centre has Internet and telephone facilities that you are welcome to use and also provides free coffee and juice. The travel information and reservation desks, meanwhile, can help you plan any excursions or arrange onward travel. San Jose has an excellent central location, making it an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the country, the parks, the beaches and the active volcanoes. The city itself has a host of attractions for you to enjoy and great bars and discos to practise your dance moves!
Project Support
Throughout your stay you will receive the support and guidance of a coordinator and their team. They will be able to deal with your questions and offer any advice you may need.
In addition, you will be able to contact our UK staff 24 hours a day should you need to, via our emergency contact number.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
Project Requirements
A basic knowledge of spoken Spanish