Description of the Program     top of page
Our semester program provides students with an opportunity for true immersion in a foreign culture. The longer duration of the program means a longer lasting impact on student learning. Students can choose between attending Fall or Spring Semester.  Each semester is approximately 4 ½ months.

Dates     top of page
Fall Semester                August 3 – December 8 (Optional Excursion to the Panama Canal available December 11-15)

Spring Semester           January 22-June 4 (Optional Excursion to the Panama Canal during Spring Break)

Eligibility Requirements     top of page

The Semester Program is open to high school juniors who

• are at least 16 years old
• have completed all required freshman and sophomore classes
• have a GPA of 2.5 or above
• Show sufficient maturity to adapt to new environments
  
  

Selection of students is based on seriousness of purpose, academic achievement, and individual stability and maturity.  The prospective GLA student should apply and complete all necessary arrangements as early as possible.

GLA admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students in the exchange program.  GLA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission, and other GLA-administered programs.

Academics     top of page
Students take a language placement test upon their arrival in Costa Rica .  Based on the results, they are placed in classes that coincide with their language ability.  There is no required proficiency level — we accommodate all levels, from beginners to advanced.  Students attend all language classes in Central American Adventist University ’s Center for Language Learning.  The University has dedicated this center to the teaching of language and culture to foreign students, and to their integration into Costa Rican society.  Small groups are the norm and all of the professors are native Spanish speakers.  They use the communicative method of teaching which combines all aspects and skills of language such as grammar, conversation, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, listening and writing.  The method is interactive in a way that makes language learning interesting, meaningful, and fun.  Teaching materials have been especially designed and developed for each ability level.

In addition to language classes, all students attend three classes taught in English by the On-Site Director, Janet Blackwood.  These are:

·          Bible III – Fall semester this Bible-based class investigates World Religions, comparing and contrasting Seventh-day Adventist Christianity.  Spring semester we look at righteousness by faith and focus on the book of Romans.  The prophecies of Daniel and Revelation are also explored.

·          English III – Focuses on improving reading, interpretive and thinking skills.  Students analyze selections studied, and demonstrate their understanding through discussions, activities, assignments, and essays.  Fall semester the class examines American Literature from colonial times to the present.  Spring semester involves the study of American poetry.

·          U.S. History – Allows students to gain a better understanding of their American heritage and what it means to be an American.  Emphasis will be given to specific eras/events in the nation’s history.  Students whose home country is not the U.S. will be offered an alternative class. 

At this time, Global Language Adventures is not able to offer for credit classes in Science or Math.  It is possible to take these courses by correspondence while in Costa Rica and U.S students wishing to do so should contact a U.S. university to make those arrangements.  Students from other home countries should check with their local high school for suggestions on correspondence courses.

Students in the Semester Program will also attend a limited number of classes (such as P.E. and Biology) with Costa Rican high school students.  While credit cannot be earned for these classes, it gives program participants another opportunity to be immersed in Spanish and to practice the language skills they are learning.

Students participating in the Global Language Adventures program are asked to meet with an advisor (registrar or guidance counselor) at their home school to develop a plan for completion of all high school requirements which includes the credits they will earn through participation in the Global Language Adventures program.  It is essential that students have this plan in place before leaving for Costa Rica .  Students usually earn up to two years of high school Spanish credit upon completion of the Semester Program and half a year of credit for English, Bible, and U.S. History. 

Interim grade reports are mailed at the end of each nine-week grading period, and final grade reports are mailed at the end of the semester.  Global Language Adventures will send a transcript to the high school of your choice upon completion of the school term.

Cost     top of page
It is the purpose of the Global Language Adventures (GLA) Board of Directors to keep the program cost as low as is consistent with good business management.  Due to the instability of international currency exchange rates, the GLA Board reserves the right to revise the published rates without notice.

GLA operates on a flat-rate plan.  The cost of the Semester Program is $3,495.  This covers:
·        Tuition, transcript, and academic credit
·        Individual tutoring
·        Room and board (residence housing; all meals included)
·        Airport Transfers
·        All pre-planned group excursions and activities, including tickets, passes, meals, transportation and lodging
·        Accident and medical insurance for the full period of the program
·        Course materials and books
·        On-site staff
·        Student Handbook and other materials
·        Transcript and School-Credits counseling
·        Orientation

The above charges do not cover international airfare, school uniforms, passport fees, airport entry and exit tax, or personal expenses, such as shopping, eating out by choice, internet and phone calls, taking taxis, or certain optional activities going beyond the planned program.

There will be additional charges or expenses for:
1.       room and board in the event of early arrival or late departure (if more than two days)
2.      personal trips
3.      dental work, eye examinations, glasses and prescriptions unless they are due to an accident or hospitalization.

The $300 application deposit is due with your application. For a student who is not accepted, the application deposit is refundable except for a $100 processing fee. Global Language Adventures must collect program fees in a timely way in order to operate.  The following payment plan options are available:

1. Single Payment Plan:  One payment of $3,195 is due by July 15 for Fall Semester or January 15 for Spring Semester.  The $300 application deposit must be submitted with the application.  Additional charges are payable as incurred. 
   
   

2. Quarter Payment Plan:  Two equal payments of $1,597.50.  Fall Semester payments are due by July 15 and October 15.  Spring Semester payments are due by January 15 and April 15.  The $300 application deposit must be submitted with the application.  Additional charges are payable as incurred.
   

3. Monthly Payment Plan:  Amounts and the dates they are due are indicated below.  The $300 application deposit must be submitted with the application.  Additional charges are payable as incurred.
   

Failure to make payment will result in a contact from the GLA Director.  Global Language Adventures reserves the right to charge interest at the rate of 1% per month on past due accounts.  If an account becomes 60 days past due the Director will ask for an agreed upon payment to be received within ten days, or services will be suspended and the student will be sent home.  This could result in the loss of all academic credits. 

Do you know friends you think would like to attend too?  Receive a $100 tuition credit for each new student you refer to us who enrolls in a GLA program.  Limit on tuition credit is $200.

Cancellation and Refunds     top of page
If a student withdraws for any reason prior to departure, a refund will be calculated by the following schedule:

More than 60 days before the program start date, all but $100 is refundable. 

30-60 days before the program start date, all but $200 is refundable. 

Less than 30 days before the program start date, all but $300 is refundable.

Students who choose to leave the program after arrival in Costa Rica will forfeit all funds paid. 

Withdrawal from a program is effective on the date that written notification is received by Global Language Adventures.

The cancellation and refund policy is in effect from the initial receipt of a student's application and deposit, even before he or she is formally accepted and enrolled.

If a student is asked to leave the program for a violation of program rules, he or she is not eligible for any refunds and parents are responsible for the cost of a dismissed students' travel home.

Global Language Adventures reserves the right to alter program dates, travel itineraries and other program details without prior notice, as required by the interest of the program.

Typical Day     top of page
In brief, every week day morning you will take classes between approximately 7 a.m. and 12 noon .  You will also have classes from approximately 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.   In the afternoons and evenings you will have free time. During this time participants may do homework, use e-mail at school, have time to explore Alajuela, go to the mall, participate in sports like basketball or soccer or spend time with their friends.  Weekend activities include participation in worship services on Friday night and during Sabbath, and free time, community service activities, or excursions on Sundays. 

Excursions     top of page

Some excursions are included in the cost of the Semester Program.  No refund will be given if for any reason a student does not participate in these excursions.  Excursions are designed to enhance the language learning program and give students insight into Central American culture and geography.  Trips may include visits to hot springs , volcanoes, a rainforest, the beach, butterfly farm, and museums. 

Students will be given the option to participate in several extra excursions/activities.  Because they are optional, the cost for these extra excursions/activities is not included in the regular program cost.  The student will need to pay for these out of his/her own personal spending money if he/she chooses to participate.  Costs range anywhere from a few dollars up to $30 for local activities and as much as $300 for the week-long trip to the Panama Canal . Once you are accepted as a GLA student, you will be sent information about the optional activities and the approximate costs to participate.  

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How to Get Started      top of page

Admission to GLA

Get More Information     top of page

Contacting GLA