Carroll Community College students and the community are invited to participate in a Costa Rica Language Immersion Travel Study from January 1 through January 21, 2011. Carroll and Universal de Idiomas (ILISA) in San Pefro, Costa Rica are offering an exciting option for learning Spanish. Students will spend three weeks in Costa Rica studying Spanish at this premier language school. Included in the program are planned excursions to Punta Leona Pacific Ocean Beach Resort, Poas Volcano, Orosi Valley, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs.

During weekdays, students will receive language instruction, conversation practice, and cultural exposure. Classes are arranged in small groups depending on fluency levels and will accommodate a range of abilities, from beginner to intermediate to advanced speakers. Evenings and weekends provide opportunities to absorb the language and culture. A classic immersion program, the travel study allows students to study and live with host families.

"I am thrilled to support a travel study program to Costa Rica to give students the opportunity to become immersed in another country," said College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo. "I am sure students will return with a new perspective on another culture and a broader understanding of the world. In addition, they will be more proficient in a foreign language."

College Director of World Languages Nate Schell adds that "studying abroad is the best way for students to become open to other thought processes and philosophies. My expectation is that students will return to Carroll Community College with great enthusiasm about learning a language, with more confidence about speaking the language and with more connection to the Latin world. It is important

in many professions to be able to communicate with speakers of other languages."

Schell adds that the school where students will study has a long history of working with universities from North America, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Costa Rica is a relatively small country situated

in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama. "There is a great deal of untouched land and green spaces. Ecotourism is booming there. The climate is tropical and consists of rainy and non-rainy seasons. During our trip, I expect the weather may be dry with temperatures in the 80's," said Schell.

The Costa Rica Language Immersion Travel Study will cost $2,700 per student and includes round-trip airfare, tuition, room and board and most other expenses. Participating students must be at least 18 years old. For more information, contact Schell at 410-386-8323 or e-mail nschell@carrollcc.edu.

College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo and
Nate Schell visiting Universal de Idiomas.

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