Description:
ICADS Intensive Spanish Language Program-Costa Rica. Winner of the Iberoamerican Award for Excellence in Education, 2005, The Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS) offers 4 week progressive programs in Intensive Spanish Language-4 1/2 hours/day, five days/week in small classes (max. 4). Activities and optional afternoon internships and community service activities emphasize environmental issues, women's issues, education, healthcare and other social justice areas. Supportive, informal learning environment with trained teachers - not people who are simply native speakers. Home stays and fieldtrips. Great alternative for the socially conscious.
Highlights:
Heavy social justice focus, but also lots of fun. There are concerts, Latin dance classes, great excursions. No added charges for activities, excursions or internship placements.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
All accepted for Spanish classes but in order to volunteer, students must have some Spanish speaking ability. They must be able to understand directions and communicate in a basic way. Students must be enrolled in ICADS Spanish Program to be eligible for placements and must commit a minimum of three afternoons per week for four weeks. Should have a special interest in grassroots organizations or working with economically oppressed or marginal populations (refugees, orphans, etc). ICADS also offers group community service projects weekly, bed building brigades for children in local slums.
Language:
Spanish
Language Used As A Medium of Teaching:
Spanish
Subject Areas:
Intensive Language
and Spanish
Cost in US$: $1,800.
Cost Includes: Tuition includes home stay, two meals daily, laundry services, all classes, materials. Free internet services, free lectures, activities and excursions, group community service activities, and volunteer placements. Never any add-on costs.
Credit Available: yes
Experience Required: yes
No experience necessary for classes but students must pass a basic Spanish test in order to volunteer in an individual site
Typical Volunteer Projects:
academic reinforcement,
adult education,
AIDS,
animal welfare,
childcare/children,
community centers,
community development,
community health,
community organizing,
consciousness-raising,
conservation,
education,
English teaching,
environment,
health care,
peace,
primary education,
public education,
recreation,
sea turtle protection,
teaching,
tree planting,
veterinary,
volunteering,
wildlife surveying
and women
Typical Volunteer: Students who wish to learn Spanish and at the same time contribute to community service projects locally.
Age Range: 18-80 years
This Program is open to
American,
Australian,
Canadian,
European
and Worldwide
Participants.
.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Costa Rica
Independently
Or
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Application Process Involves:
Typically The Application Process Time Is 2 weeks
ICADS - The Institute for Central American Development Studies's Mission Statement: The Institute's Goals are three-fold:
First, to educate first world citizens about Central America by teaching spanish and by offering academic programs that utilize a theoretically critical perspective as well as hands-on experience to help students gain insight into current social and economic realities and their effects on women, the poor, and the environment.
Our secod goal is to provide as much support as possible to individuals, organizations, and communities in the countries where we work (Costa Rica and Nicaragua); especially individuals and community groups that have demonstrated a commitment to learning and/or a dedication to social justice work.
Thirdly, ICADS tries to make regular donations to various local community and international organizations working on agendas consistent with the goals and philosophy of ICADS. These organizations include but are not limited to anti-hunger groups, environmental organizations, and human and animal rights groups.
Year Founded: 1986