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Description of the Program
Dates
Eligibility Requirements
Academics
Cost
Cancellations and Refunds
Excursions
Photos
How to Get Started
Get More Information


Description of the Program     top of page
Our six-week summer program allows students to participate in a study abroad experience without missing high school in their home country.  This program provides an intensive and focused language experience.  Students also have the opportunity to visit points of interest in Costa Rica and participate in community service activities.

Dates     
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June 17- July 1, 2007

Eligibility Requirements     
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The Summer Program is open to high school students who
         are 15-18 years old
·        have a GPA of 2.0 or above
·        have completed at least their freshman year
·        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     
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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.

You need to check with your U.S. school to make sure that they will accept the credits you earn with the Global Language Adventures program. The amount of credit varies depending on the policies of the "recipient" U.S. school, and it is based on the number of hours of instruction.  Global Language Adventures will send a transcript to the high school of your choice.  Students usually earn up to one year of high school Spanish credit upon completion of the six-week Summer Program.

Cost     
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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 Summer Program is $1,875.  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
·        Laundry service once a week during the program

The above charges do not cover international airfare, 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. The final balance is due by June 1. 

Do you know any 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     
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If a student withdraws from the Summer Program for any reason after being accepted, but on or before the final payment due date, all but $100 is refundable.  If a student withdraws after the final payment due date, but prior to the actual starting date of the program, GLA will refund all but $300.  If a student withdraws after the start of the GLA program, no refund will be given.

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.

Excursions     top of page
Several excursions are included in the cost of the Summer 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.

Photos     
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GLA Photos

How to Get Started      top of page

Admission to GLA

Get More Information     top of page

Contacting GLA