AAVE Trip BLOG » Costa Rica Spanish Intensive
Costa Rica Spanish Intensive Trip
July 7, 2008
Hola Amigos y Familia of Costa Rica Spanish Intensive 1!!
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Costa Rica rain forest hike
What a blast! I am writing with much excitement about our past 4 days!! Our group has started with such luck and positive bonding and I am so excited about the rest of the trip! We are laughing so much every day and it feels so good to be surrounded by such an amazing variety of wonderful, fun, positive, energetic group of individuals! My co-leader Javier says hello to everyone also and wishes to talk to all the parents later to reiterate the same.
We have seen more amazing things than anyone in Costa Rica can believe because we had a clear view of the wonder and beauty of the Poas Volcano Crater (not typical this time of year) and saw many monkeys of different species, caymen, crocodile, anteater, sloth, rare birds, crazy insects this morning on our boat tour through the rainforest. On our trip to Heredia via the public bus we got to a great tour of downtown and the market and we successfully completed a treasure hunt for a memorable, cultural, and fun experience! We have had amazing experiences with our host families now that the first two nervous days are over. Most everyone is already excited to keep in touch with their families after we depart on Sunday! I have never had a group so in to the Costa Rican typical menu!! At lunch today everyone ordered casado (rice, beans, salad, plantains, and cooked vegetables, with your choice of meat) and no one ordered a hamburger with french fries! In general classes are very fun and we converse about our day in Spanish and we are all learning a ton of Espanol! Our attitudes and spirits are high and looking forward to having the summer of our lives!
Thanks everyone who helped support this group coming together to enjoy this amazing trip! We’ll get back to you with more updates and fun pics soon!
Thank you for sharing your kids with us!!!
July 1, 2008
CRSI1
Posted by AAVE Leader in : Costa Rica Spanish Intensive , add a comment
Hola!
What an absolute joy to be in Costa Rica with everyone. We all arrived safely and healthy. It has been a great journey so far what with introducing ourselves to our host families, eating pretty great food, seeing some amazing colors including lush green and bright blue. We can feel our Spanish speaking ability already growing. Can’t wait to share more in the very near future. Check back soon!
Hasta Luego!
April 28, 2008
Costa Rica Summer Camp - Spanish for Teens
Posted by Chris in : Costa Rica Clasica, Costa Rica Spanish Intensive, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
The Costa Rica Spanish Intensive trip through AAVE was the best summer of my life. The entire experience was more than I could have hoped for. The language classes are great, really small, and conversational based. The style of teaching is the best. Rather than boring the students with notes and worksheets, we would all sit at the table with our teacher and just converse in spanish, talking about our nights with our families and learning really how to apply the language that we had learned back at school in the U.S. The families were actually my favorite part of the trip. They were so welcoming and the nicest and most hospitable people you will ever meet. They made it their #1 priority that we were happy and safe and the homestay is where I learned the most Spanish. At first I was nervous but after 1 night, you feel fluent. Sitting around the table in Heredia talking after dinner with my host parents, playing soccer video games with my brothers, or salsa dancing with my sisters, was what I looked forward to the most. My families were so wonderful that I am returning to CR this summer and my Dad and I are going to take classes at the Flamingo Beach school and stay with my third host family. As far as the group goes, I couldn’t have asked for a bunch of better kids and better leaders than Ronald and Nicole. I’ve remained friends with the kids in my group, and over the Holidays one friend from New Jersey and one from California came to spend a week with me in Connecticut. The experience is something that has changed my life forever, and was even the topic of my college essay. AAVE is wonderful and very intimate. Several times on the trip you and your group leaders get the chance to talk to the owner of the company, Abbott, on the phone, and they are always striving to make their campers happy and their trips better. I went to Alaska with AAVE the summer before last, and I recommend AAVE and especially CR whole-heartedly.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Kaitlyn Smith
January 26, 2008
Spanish Language Immersion is First Class!
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Everything was successful! The planning, travel arrangements, Leda’s entire experience in Costa Rica, Nicole & Ronald, the families,community service, beaches, volcanoes, rainforest, fun, fruit, shopping, photographs, and speaking Spanish.
-Parent, Fran Grossman, CSI
I made great friends who I miss so much and I have so many memories of exciting adventures that I never would have if hadn’t gone on the trip. The counselors were great and so comforting to me when I was sick. Anytime we needed help they were there and ready to try to do anything to accommodate you. I loved the trip and I miss it so much!!
-Camper, Leda Grossman, CSI
Taylor had a trip of a lifetime! I think the trip was successful in providing the kids with a great experience of getting to know the country, it’s people and the language in a safe, fun and organized way.
-Parent, Chessa Montgomery, CSI
I loved the way that our group leaders managed to make time for all the activities, introduced to all the cultural experiences, taught us plenty of information and interesting facts about the country and the wildlife, and that they made sure we were safe. The things we managed to do in such a short period was amazing!
-Camper, Taylor Montgomery, CSI
Kaitlyn had, once again, a great summer, thanks to AAVE. Her spanish ability has sky-rocketed, she loved the country, adventures, culture, and the organization was fantastic!
-Parent, Karen Smith, CSI
It was amazing..the best summer of my life! I loved the fact that we stayed with families by ourselves. At first I was a little nervous but it turned out to be the best experience of my life! I loved every second of it and the country was beautiful. Once again, a great summer full of adventure, lifelong friends, and unmeasurable growth, thanks AAVE!
-Camper, Kaitlyn Smith, CSI
Absolutely fantastic! The combination of traditional classroom learning, hands on experiences such as salsa dancing, host family stays and practicing Spanish with group members gave Hannah greater confidence in her Spanish speaking and writing skills. The adventures, of course, were unparalled. We were unable to ascertain her favorite because all were shared at the family dinner table or viewing photos with equal enthusiasm, whether detailing white water rafting, zip lining, surfing or touring a coffee plantation. The upbeat and just plain fun personalities of Annemarie & Angelo enhanced every aspect of this trip–both very knowledgable as well. The trip was well organized from the packing list to the itinerary, yet there was a degree of flexibily maximizing opportunities as they presented themselves. The variety of cultural experiences, habitats, and community serives additionally provided a great way for Hannah to really get to know the people and the country of Costa Rica. We would have enjoyed a phone call so we could participate more fully in the excitment, but the e-mails both from Hannah and the trip leaders were great. We have nothing but accolades for this program and would heartily recommend it to other teens. Hannah continues to stay in touch with the great friends she met.
-Parent, Marsha Freedman, CSI
He had the best experience ever! Originally he didn’t want to go and made me feel guilty for sending him away but as soon as he arrived from the trip, he was nonstop talking about it. He wants to go on two trips next year and his Spanish has improve so much….thank you for all your support and we’ll see you next year!
-Parent,Tina Choi, CSI
I believe this was one of the best summers of Erin’s life. It was truly a life changing experience and opened her eyes to all the possibilities life has to offer. It has whet her appetite to travel, to experience and respect other cultures and to appreciate what she has in our own wonderful country. Her Spanish has improved tremendously as well as her self-confidence in speaking another language. She can’t wait to do another trip next year. It is just hard to decide which one. As for the company itself, I can’t say enough about the professionalism I experienced. From the first phone inquiry to her return home, I could not have asked for anything more. Please, please use us as a reference. We LOVE telling other people about her trip.
-Parent, Paulette Walker, CSI
I honestly think that everything about my trip was successful! I had an amazing summer, thanks AAVE! I really liked the layout of the trip, the great people on it, the amazing counselors, and the awesome activities. I tell everyone I see about my trip and I beg them to go on an AAVE trip. So if that doesn’t say enough, just know that I had the best summer of my life!
-Camper, Erin Walker, CSI
I can only say good things about this trip. The leaders were extraordinary, food delicious and the trips were unforgettable. I learned so much Spanish I didn’t want to revert back to English after the trip. What else can I say? IT WAS AWESOME!!
-Camper, Lukas Schulte, CSI
August 24, 2007
Costa Rica Was the BEST!
Posted by AAVE Parent in : Costa Rica Clasica, Costa Rica Spanish Intensive, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Hi AAVE!!
Kaitlin just raved about the trip to Costa Rica and loved you the BEST as well as Angelo. Annemarie sure made a difference in her life. What an Adventure!! And it surely did leave footprints on her heart. Tell me, if we were to select next summer another opportunity for KK what would you suggest? I know she would love to visit Europe, however, she wants to use her language too!! Anything in South America or closer? Or is Spain a great way to go? She will be contacting you and as you can see she is wise beyond her years with great leadership skills and very responsible. I wanted her to have fun and just be a teenager. She just told me she cried the 1st two nights home. Re-entry is sometimes difficult after a mountain top experience! Thanks for all who contributed to this experience and your leadership was appreciated..sincerely,
Lise C.
August 20, 2007
CSI2-A Costa Rican Summer
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August 9, 2007
CSI#2A: Hola!
Posted by Jenny at AAVE in : Costa Rica Spanish Intensive, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Hola CSI Parents & Families,
Things here in Costa Rica are fabulous! The group has been basking in the sun (along with plenty of sunscreen, of course). We had our best evening meeting yet last night with a fire on the beach, s´mores, and star gazing with the entire group. All of the campers loved the surprise and enjoyed it thouroughly. Today we had some well-deserved down time playing in the surf of Flamingo Beach. Tomorrow we jump on our mountain bikes for a magnificent coastal ride, and then we finish the trip with an amazing sailboat ride and some snorkeling off the coast of Flamingo. Everyone is happy, healthy and wonderful! We can’t wait to return home, but we sure are going to miss Costa Rica.
Pura Vida,
Annemarie & the Costa Rica Spanish Intensive group
August 4, 2007
CSI#2A: La Fortuna Waterfall
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La Fortuna Waterfall!!!
Costa Rica Spanish Intensive #2A - The Perfect Group!
Posted by Jenny at AAVE in : Costa Rica Spanish Intensive, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Hi Abbott and families,
Life here in Costa Rica brings me pure smiles. I love my group, we are all getting along very well.
The kids loved the canopy tour. Lauren quoted, ¨This was my favorite day of the entire trip.¨ She did awesome and Sarah did the Tarzan swing even though she was scared. She overcame her fear of heights.
Kaitlin quoted that she is ¨truly having the time of her life¨ and today in Sammy´s mid-trip evaluation he said, ¨this camp is the best camp that I have ever gone to.¨´
Yesterday we did an amazing hike in the cloud forest of Monteverde. The kids thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt like being in a movie with all the vegetation and wildlife. We finished the day off by taking the kids to a disco for the culture and because they have been awesome. They truly deserved the treat. We danced all night long together.
Today we did our service project on a local coffee plantation. Everyone helped plant coffee trees and cleared out the vegetation around the older coffee plants so that the trees would have room to grow. All of the money on this coffee plantation goes towards scholarships for the local children to attend school. The kids loved the project and worked extremely hard today. We will finish the day off by having a fiesta for our host families. It will be a pizza party with a piñata and an organized game of futbol. Yeah!!
Tomorrow we head to Ricon de la Vieja to enjoy the natural mud spas and an amazing local hotel.
Pura Vida,
Annemarie
Thanks for the perfect group!
July 6, 2007
Costa Rica Intensive = Pura Vida!
Posted by nicoleg in : Costa Rica Spanish Intensive, General AAVE Trip BLOG , 1 comment so far
Hola!
This is Nicole writing, trip leader for CSI1. I have to begin this blog by writing about how amazing this trip has been so far. Because of the mature, layed-back, postitive, friendly, and respectful attitude of all the group members, our trip has been extremely fun and smooth. Even though we had one camper without a bag for a day because it got stuck in Atlanta and some students were stuck in Dallas for 8 plus hours on their way out, we all made it and are enjoying the experience of the journey! Our teens rock and our Spanish class first week rolls! Ronald is our guide and he is unbelievably fun, knowledgable and great! We already don´t want to have to say goodbye to him on the 21st!
Dia 1: Pura Vida!
Experiencing Costa Rica for the first time is like an icecream cone or watermelon slice on a hot day! We are here, we are engulfing ourselves in the culture, we are nervous about our placement exams (which were really painless and easy) and about meeting our tico host family! In the morning we wake from a much needed sleep depending on how ontime or delayed our flights were, have some breakfast of cereal, bread, bananas, and jugo, and play some name games before our meeting about AAVE expectations and ways to have a successful trip! Students got to spend class time with their first professor(a) and our confidence in our Spanish speaking skills began to rise. We later met to reveiw the following day because our families picked us all up after class. We said adios to our group before we headed to our host families for dinner.Â
Dia 2: Pirates on a scavenger hunt in Heredia!
Heredia is a town outside of San Jose where we spend our first week. As a group we took public transportation into town to first visit the market and taste some of the locally grown fruits and vegetables of Costa Rica and then to the plaza to split into 3 groups and conquer our scavenger hunts. We finished our Heredia experience at a cafe for lunch where a famous futbol (soccer) player of Costa Rica agreed to take a picture with our group! Classes were longer this day and we are continuing to learn more. The experiences we get with our host families teaches us a lot about conversational Spanish! Leda was our first LOD, Leader of the Day, and she rocked! I got to visit Sam´s family and his tico mama reminds me of my grandmother-friendly, smiley and sweet! He was doing his homework with his tico sisters as she watched him in awe, que preciosias! Everyone says they are eating fantastic meals and we are getting use to using the word for full (lleno(a)) because our families want to make sure we are very well fed!
Dia 3: Cocodrilos, Monos y Aves oh my!
Our group rode a bus for 2 hours through the second largest national forest in CR and made bracelets and played Uno until we got through the twisty rainforest roads to Sarapiqui! We rode a boat and were quiet and lucky enough to see howler monkeys, many birds, a crocodile, 2 sloths, and poisonous red dart frogs! It´s amazing that the rivers are the main form of transportation for many families here! Class was longer today because we got up around 5:30, but we had our 4th of July celebration to look forward to! Our pinata got demolished by Leda, Ariel, Margot, Natalie, Kaitlyn (who was our fearless LOD this day), and many other students! The school we attend is called CPI and it is gorgeous! We watch gorgeous sunsets from the lawn as we leave for our host families each night! Our host families continue to learn more about us vica versa! I got to visit Carolina´s family, who has an amazing cabin sort of house very close to mine and Natalie’s, who is also my sister for this week because we share host families. Both families are very layed back. We have a 6 month old child in our family and Carolina´s tico mother is from CPI.
 Dia 4: La Promesa (the promise)
Our bus left at 7:35ish this morning for a community of women and children called La Promesa where we spent the morning doing a service project. Kaitlyn said this is her favorite day so far, she is sitting next to me because I am visiting her host family tonight. We were first introduced to the community with a very very special presentation portraying what these families went through. They were all kicked out of their homes within the last 9 years and Gale, a lady from the US has helped build homes and create a community of love and growth for these outstanding and postitive women. We all laughed hard at the presentation because some ladies dressed up as policia and did a great skit for us. We were honored by this and by the typical Costa Rican dances they also performed for us. We had a little dance party and food after this and took many precious pictures. We got to teach English to students from 2 to 70 years old! It was an amazing experience! Classes were a blast today for most students. Dancing and singing and conversing about life and the experiences of La Promesa were topics for class today. I got to also visit Leda and laugh with her family who are more than welcoming and fantastic and had chocolate. When I was with Autumn and her family we got to laugh again about funny toungue twisters and mystery meat! Erin led a great meeting where we attempted the human knot.
It has been such a blast and I can´t wait to get some sleep to have energy for another day with this group! We are taking so many pictures it is a bit ridiculoco and awesome and everyone can´t wait to show them off! We are headed to Volcano Paos tomorrow morning.Â
Enjoy yourselves while we enjoy our experiences here in Pura Vida! We´ll write more soon, but if you don´t hear from us remember that is a good thing! Thanks to all the families! Hasta mas tarde!
Nicole, Ronald and the most amazing CSI trip ever!