Foreign Language - Study Abroad

Study Spanish in San Jose, Costa Rica!

As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own.
(Margaret Mead)

Spanish 212 and 214 provide students the opportunity to study Spanish for a period of 2 or 4 weeks at Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA) in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Classroom Instruction

With a maximum of 6 participants per group, you will rapidly develop your oral and writing skills through total immersion in a multicultural environment. To maximize learning, instructors incorporate a wide variety of teaching techniques including films, audio-visual aids, role-play, music, games, etc.

All classes (beginning to advanced) are taught in Spanish by native Spanish speakers. Entrance levels are determined by a placement test given upon arrival. You will be in class M-F from 9:00-12:00, take an hour break for lunch and then return for another hour of instruction from 1:00-2:00.

Cultural Activities

CRLA offers students a daily program of cultural activities to discover the city and its history. The varied program helps students to fit into their new lifestyle in addition to the language classes they receive. The vast majority of activities are free.

 

Additional Tours

The school also arranges weekend tours to various sites throughout the country. These tours are designed to enrich the student's understanding of Costa Rican history and culture and are an excellent way to become acquainted with the splendors of the Region.

 

Accommodations

Living arrangements are an important factor of the cultural immersion process. Students will reside in a private bedroom in a carefully chosen Costa Rican home. Living with a family provides students with the opportunity to practice the language while learning about Costa Rican family life. The families will provide breakfast and dinner for the duration of the program.

Important Dates

• Important Dates and Travel Information
• Students must register by emailing Chad Montuori at chad.montuori@mcckc.edu
• Students will depart Kansas City on Sunday, August 4, 2019 and return on Sunday, August 18, 2019.
• A initial $1200 deposit will then by placed on your student account and must be paid at any MCC business office by Monday, March 4, 2019. Students canceling after this date will not be refunded their deposit, but will receive their airline tickets.
• MCC tuition for the SPAN 212 class and the remaining balance of $600 will be due on Monday, May 6, 2019.
• There will be a mandatory orientation session in June prior to departure.
• You must have a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, please begin the process immediately as it can take up to eight weeks.
• Cost is based on current airfare prices and exchange rates, and is subject
• to change.
• Total cost for two week program: $1,800

This includes:

• Round trip airfare from Kansas City to San Jose, Costa Rica
• Airport pick up and drop off in San Jose, Costa Rica
• Spanish classes at CRLA 20 hours/week
• Additional afternoon cultural classes (Latin dance, Costa Rican Cooking, Conversation Sessions)\
• Accommodations with local family (private room in homestay)
• Two daily meals (breakfast and dinner) at the homestay
• Laundry service at the homestay
• Orientation meeting at CRLA
• CRLA support and emergency response 24/7

This rate does NOT include:

• Passport/visa fees
• Lunches or snacks
• Miscellaneous expenses
• MCC tuition for SPAN 212.

Scholarships and Grants

Foreign Language Grant Guidelines (pdf)
MCC-Maple Woods Foreign Language Grant Application (pdf)
Exploraciones Spanish Immersion Scholarship (pdf)
MCC Grants and Scholarships list

For more information contact:
Chad Montuori at 816.604.3394 or email chad.montuori@mcckc.edu