Description:
Embark on a 3-month journey exploring the language and culture of Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras. Live with native families, trek through the Guatemalan highlands and be introduced to Quiche (the native Mayan language), study Spanish by total immersion, build houses for the underprivileged, study spirituality and meditation through a blending of several traditions, protect endangered Caribbean sea turtles and scuba dive on the world's second largest reef. The semester is designed to allow you to learn Spanish, make a positive contribution through service and learn first-hand about the cultures of these countries. Fall (Sept-Dec) and Spring (Feb - May) every year. Open to ages 17 and up.
Highlights:
This opportunity is part of LEAPNOW's Supported Internship program - Check out our website for more details!
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
For ages 17 and up and for students interested in exploring themselves and their culture through community service, culture exchange, travel, group living and language study. This is not a program designed for students who want to party, though we do have a good time!
Travel Types:
BackPacking Abroad,
Camping,
Caving/Spelunking,
Climbing,
Cooking,
Eco Tours,
Ecology,
Environmental Studies,
Hiking,
Homestay,
Horseback Riding,
Kayaking (Sea),
Native Culture Studies,
Overland Tours,
Photography,
Rafting,
RainForest Tours,
Scuba,
Snorkeling,
Student Tours,
Surfing
and Trekking
Languages:
English
and Spanish
Languages Used As A Medium of Teaching:
English
and Spanish
Subject Areas:
Anthropology,
Biology (General),
Classical Studies,
Communications,
Conflict Studies,
Creative Writing,
Culture,
Ecology,
Education,
Environmental Management,
Environmental Studies,
Forestry,
Geography,
History,
Humanities,
Intensive Language,
Interdisciplinary,
International Relations,
Languages / Linguistics,
Latin American Studies,
Marine Science,
Music,
Philosophy,
Photography,
Social Sciences,
Social Work,
Sociology,
Spanish
and Student Trips (non-credit)
Cost in US$: 1,400
Credit Available: yes
Salary / Pay: --
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
animal welfare,
anthropology,
appropriate technology,
biological research,
building schools,
childcare/children,
community development,
conflict resolution,
consciousness-raising,
conservation,
cooking,
culture,
eco-tourism,
energy,
environment,
food,
gender issues,
housing,
human rights,
indigenous issues,
minority groups,
natural resources,
painting,
parks,
planting,
recreation,
reforestation,
renovation,
repairs,
research,
restoration,
sea turtle protection,
self help,
street kids,
tourism,
trail building,
translation,
tree planting,
water,
wildlife surveying
and writing
Age Range: 17 - 26
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
.
Typical Living Arrangements:
Group living,
Home-stays
and Other
Participants Travel to Costa Rica
Independently
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Scholarships Are Available. - LEAPNow offers need-based scholarships
Application Process Involves:
Typically The Application Process Time Is 1 week
Post Services Include:
Exit Debriefing Abroad
Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
Alumni Network
Job and Internship Network
LEAPNOW: Transforming Education's Mission Statement: Leapnow's primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. We aspire to keep our work on the cutting edge of human evolution. We feel that we can have the most positive impact on the world by working in the area of education- which ideally is all about transforming and expanding the consciousness of our students. Cultural immersion, study and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about one's self and the world.
Year Founded: 1993