Course Description: High School Semester or Trimester Abroad at Heredia, Costa Rica

High School Trimester/Semester Abroad — Heredia, Costa Rica

Give your teen a meaningful study-abroad semester in a safe, walkable city just outside San José. Students begin with 2–3 weeks of intensive Spanish & cultural orientation (Latin dance, cooking, yoga, conversation club, culture tours), then integrate into a local private high school in Heredia within walking distance of both the host family and campus support office. The model builds fluency, confidence, independence, and a deep understanding of Costa Rican life—while keeping students on track academically.

How it works

1. Application, interview & language assessment (online) to tailor support. 💻

2. Acceptance & deposit → welcome packet and program agreement. ✅

3. Homestay & school placement matched to interests, level, and goals. 🏠

4. Pre-departure orientation (guide + virtual session for logistics/safety). ✈️

5. Arrival in Costa Rica: airport pick-up by host family; on-site orientation. 📍

6. Spanish immersion (2–3 weeks): classes + daily cultural activities. 🗣️

7. High school integration: full schedule with local peers; ongoing check-ins and staff support. 🎒

Location

Heredia, Costa Rica — friendly, small-town feel; short walking distances to the high school, homestays, and support office; easy access to cafés and green spaces for after-school meetups. 🌿

Dates & study options

• Spring Semester: arrive mid-January for Spanish; high school Feb → late June. 📅

• Fall Semester: arrive late June for Spanish; high school mid-July → mid-December.

• Spring Trimester: (minimum B1 Spanish) one week of intensive Spanish in April + 12 weeks at the local high school.

  (Full academic year also available; arrive ~3 weeks before school start for Spanish.)

Accommodation & meals

Screened local homestay with a private bedroom and laundry. Meals: breakfast & dinner daily, plus weekend lunches. Curfew and supervision are expected; staff stay in close contact with families and the school. 🍽️

Included

• Intensive Spanish classes (2–3 weeks) with cultural orientation.

• Registration & tuition fees at a local private high school in Heredia.

• Multilingual on-site support staff, academic/advising help, and regular check-ins. 🤝

• Supervision by staff and homestays (curfew).

• Supplementary high-school insurance (semester/year placements).

• School uniforms (where required).

Not included

• Airfare ✈️, personal spending money.

• Weekend/day trips (optional).

• Some school books & lab fees (obligatory).

• School insurance for trimester students (semester/year typically included—confirm at booking).

Why families choose this program

• Structured, supported pathway from language immersion → high school integration.

• Walkable, safe setting with caring homestays and close staff oversight.

• Balanced growth: Spanish fluency, cultural awareness, independence, and strong academics—plus new friends from Costa Rica and abroad. 🌎