Language & Society

Language learning isn’t only grammar and composition. Expand your Spanish skills a a means to understand culture and to interact with real people in real contexts.

Block 1 (5 Weeks):

Study in San Jose and the Central Valley. Students live in San Jose with Costa Rican families and study Spanish for four hours daily. In mornings sessions, students learn about different topics pertinent to the Central American context such as globalization, health care systems, environmental issues, and history, among others. A constantly evolving reading anthology, expert guest speakers, fieldwork, and local field trips are the tools used in getting at these topical issues. During a 1-week trip, time is spent exploring the current economic and political conditions of Central America and their indigenous communities, as well as the renewable energy efforts happening in Costa Rica. Students prepare for their practicum experience during this first month by choosing the organization in which they will work and by planning their particular practicum in consultation with faculty advisors who are experts in the culture of the Costa Rica and in the students’ areas of interest.

Block 2 (8 Weeks):

In Block II, participants in this program continue to take formal language classes four hours each day. During this time, students will deepen their knowledge through the analysis of different literature and cultural experiences.

At the same time, they will commence with a structured and personalized language-related practicum during the afternoons.

Practicum experiences include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assisting teachers at local public schools.
Assisting at any of a number of NGOs in the San Jose area.
Participating in environmental or community development organizations.
Cooperating with organizations in sports or recreational activities.

Upon completion of the practicum, students spend a week at ICADS completing written work and oral presentations in Spanish, while processing their experiences as a group and together with their faculty advisors (including a reentry workshop).

Credits:

ICADS recommends 15 credits for the Language and Society Program, broken down as:

6 Credits Spanish
3 Credits ECON/SOC 421 Latin American Perspectives on Justice and Sustainable Development
6 Credits Directed Internship

Keep in mind that the final number of credits granted is up to the university. Be sure to check with your university if you have questions about credits.

Fall Semester	April 1
Spring Semester	November 1

Deposit	$500
Final payment	$13,450
TOTAL COST	$13,950

Language & Society

Block 1 (5 Weeks):

Block 2 (8 Weeks):

Application deadlines:

Credits:

Financial Information: