Expanish Junior Summer Camp Costa Rica

Summer Camp: Spanish & Sustainability (12–17) – La Fortuna

A boutique immersion camp combining Spanish lessons with hands-on sustainability workshops and rainforest excursions. 

This junior summer camp in La Fortuna takes place in July, with weekly start dates and full-board eco-lodging.

With dynamic Spanish classes, sustainability-focused workshops, and exciting evening activities, teenage students can enjoy the perfect balance of education, adventure, and environmental awareness. Campers leave with stronger language skills, a deeper understanding of ecological values, new friendships from around the world, and unforgettable memories of their Pura Vida summer.

SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOPS

Each week, students participate in 3 hands-on sustainability workshops, designed to connect them with Costa Rica’s ecological values while learning through real experiences. These workshops repeat weekly, but each week features new tasks, themes, and practical activities, so campers always discover something different.

Eco-Farming & Farm-to-Table Cooking
A unique opportunity for students to learn how an agroecological farm is managed while connecting with Costa Rica’s deep respect for the environment. Campers explore sustainable agriculture from soil to plate, and prepare their own dish using ingredients they harvest themselves.

Eco-Education & Community Connection
Students visit a local primary school known for its ecological practices and community engagement. Campers not only observe but also collaborate with Costa Rican students on simple school projects.

Sustainability Leadership & Eco-Certification
Campers visit the local development association to discover how the community earns the prestigious Bandera Azul Ecológica, Costa Rica’s national sustainability award.

  • School size: Small
  • Class size for Junior programs:
  • Age Group: Juniors (12+)
  • Class size for Juniors: 8
  • Levels: All levels welcome, including those with no prior knowledge
  • Accommodations: Own Hotel/Guesthouse

Highlights

  • Three sustainability workshops per week covering sustainable farming and cooking, eco-education and community initiatives at a local primary school, and the community’s path to Costa Rica’s Blue Flag award.
  • Campers stay at Hotel Faro Arenal, a family-run eco-property made up of charming cabins for four students surrounded by tropical gardens and mountain views.
  • Cultural activities: 3–5 fun weekly activities such as Latin dance, games, hot springs, and social events that bring Costa Rican culture to life.
  • Excursions including: Rafting, Bajos del Toro Waterfalls, Río Celeste, and other eco-focused experiences.
  • Weekend Transitions (Sunday-to-Sunday Programme) to San José.

Programmes Offered

Spanish courses offer an engaging, student-focused learning experience set in the heart of nature. Classes take place at the hotel in La Fortuna and include games, interaction, and real-world practice. With certified native teachers and a playful, hands-on approach, students learn in a supportive and motivating environment where they feel confident and inspired.

Classes are designed to nurture the development of the four essential language skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing.

15 lessons/week taught entirely in Spanish
● Maximum 15 students/class
● Classes are held on the hotel premises
● All Spanish levels welcome (A1 to C2)
● All class material is included

Contact

Contact School

Campers stay at Hotel Faro Arenal, a family-run eco-property made up of charming cabins for four students surrounded by tropical gardens and mountain views.

  • Shared cabins immersed in nature with A/C
  • Full board – all meals provided
  • On-site swimming pool
  • The property grows part of its own produce
  • Peaceful, safe setting ideal for younger students

  • Own Hotel/Guesthouse

Expanish’s boutique Spanish immersion summer camp welcomes international students to La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations, known for its lush rainforest, rich biodiversity, and strong national commitment to sustainability. This peaceful, nature-filled town at the base of the Arenal Volcano offers a unique environment where students can explore, learn, and thrive.

Exams

More Features

Cultural and Social Activities:

Cultural & night activities

  • 3–5 activities per week
  • Activities last 2–4 hours
  • Includes Latin dance classes (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia), board games, souvenir shopping, hot springs evenings, talent shows, and more.
  • Dynamic spaces for bonding, practicing Spanish, and enjoying Costa Rica’s fun, friendly culture.

Excursions

  • 1 full-day excursion per week (for all students)
  • 1 half-day excursion per week (for students continuing into the following week)
  • Adventures in nature and outdoor exploration
  • Examples include: Rafting, Bajos del Toro Waterfalls, Río Celeste and other eco-focused outdoor trips
  • Packed lunch & transfers included during full-day outings

Weekend Transitions (Sunday-to-Sunday Programme)

  • Departing students (Saturdays): morning fun activity + transfer to San José for an overnight stay before Sunday flights.
  • Continuing students: full-day Saturday excursions with the group (e.g., rafting, waterfall hikes) and half-day Sunday excursions with the group (e.g., Arenal lake kayaking, or biking around lake Arenal)

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