Description
Symbiosis’ is a biological relationship in which two species live in close proximity to each other and interact regularly in such a way as to benefit one or both of the organisms. When both partners benefit, this variety of symbiosis is known as mutualism.
The Symbiotic Cultural Exchange Program consists of taking a group of students between the ages of 14 and 18 to Costa Rica to live with a student of his/her age and gender. While in Costa Rica; the student will attend school with his/her Costa Rican host, becoming not only the host’s shadow but also experiencing the opportunity of blending into a group of teenagers from a different culture. The same scenario applies to the Costa Rican students as they get the reciprocal (symbiotic) opportunity to visit the United States of America to live a magnificent experience.
The selection of students and families in Costa Rica is conducted by the local school and approved by the representative of the program in the U.S. In a real concept of mutualism, the student from the United States will become a host as the Costa Rican student also travels to the U.S. to experience the reciprocal concept of the program.
The community in Costa Rica selected to accomplish this project is in a rural area. This place, located away from the metropolis, allows the local coordinator to have easy control over the daily activities during the exchange program. It also makes it easy to monitor the students to see how they are doing. A small town also allows for a high level of communication amongst the hosting families, giving them the opportunity to coordinate several activities together. This gives the participants the possibility to really experience the Costa Rican culture from both a community and family point of view.
The experiences accumulated with past Symbiotic Cultural Exchange Programs has been totally rewarding. The growth and learning experienced by both sides of the equation have been amazing.
Opening the eyes of young people as they travel is part of our goal, but the most important part is the personal accomplishment that each student acquires as the project comes to an end.
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Itinerary
DAY 1 – ARRIVE TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
Travel from the city of origin to San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon your arrival, representatives of the program will greet you and will drive you to San Carlos, Alajuela. You will be received by representatives of the local school and host family. After an official introduction, you will travel to your Costa Rica home.
Dinner provided by your host family.
DAY 2 – SCHOOL DAY
This will be your first day at school. Your assigned local student will be with you during the school day and the entirety of your stay in the host country. Please participate in all of the activities that student is a part of so you will get the most out of the exchange. By doing so, you will gain a better opportunity to practice your Spanish and learn more about the local culture.
Meals provided by your host family.
DAY 3 – ARENAL LAKE & HOT SPRINGS
Enjoy a field trip with all of the Costa Rican host students and MPHS exchange students. You will travel to the Arenal Lake for a boat trip. This trip will give you a chance to learn about the geography, economy and tourism industry of Costa Rica. Close your day by visiting the natural hot springs in the area.
The exchange program provides lunch during the field trip.
Your host family provides breakfast and dinner.
DAY 4 – FAMILY DAY
Enjoy a complete day to spend with your host family. No matter what they do, please participate and fully integrate into their family. Learn about their traditions and customs and ask lots of questions to learn as much as you can. They will be happy to share!
Meals provided by your host family.
DAY 5 – SCHOOL DAY
The time during the exchange passes by really fast, so make sure you make the most out of each day. The culture you will experience while in Costa Rica will be completely different than yours. Try to adjust to it but do not forget to share yours, so everyone learns from each other.
Meals provided by your host family.
DAY 6 – ZIP-LINING & WATERFALL
Begin your morning with an adrenaline rush as you fly like a bird through the trees. The ziplining tour is a perfect combination of adventure, nature, and excitement, just at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. After lunch, hike down to the base of a beautiful waterfall and swim in its refreshing waters. You can choose to swim in the main pool where the fall plunges into the ground, or you can enjoy swimming downriver where the waters are calmer than the fall. The exchange program provides lunch.
Your host family provides breakfast and dinner.
DAY 7 – SCHOOL DAY
Enjoy another day in the local school. The best way to achieve important language and cultural knowledge gains from this exchange is by interacting with all of your teachers and classmates, so make sure Spanish interaction is a top priority and don’t be shy!
Your host family provides meals.
DAY 8 – SCHOOL DAY
Day in the local school. By now you will be more comfortable with your Spanish, so try to participate in your classes throughout the day fully. Answer and ask questions, talk with teachers, and make new friends!
Meals provided by your host family.
DAY 9 – LAST SCHOOL DAY
Sadly, your last day at the school has arrived, and it is time to say goodbye. Day nine will also be your last night with your host family. Remember that while you are in Costa Rica, you become an ambassador for your country and community. What you do and how you behave is what people around you will keep in their memories forever, so be the best ambassador that you can be!
Meals provided by your host family.
DAY 10 – FAMILY DAY
Saturday will be your last day to spend with your host family. Enjoy a variety of activities that your family chooses to share with you on your last day together.
Meals provided by your host family.
DAY 11 – TRAVEL TO TORTUGA ISLAND
Say goodbye to your host families and travel to Tortuga Island. After your island adventure, return to Puntarenas to take a shuttle to your hotel accommodations near the international airport.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
DAY 12 – TRAVEL BACK TO THE USA
Your group will be picked up at your hotel and transferred directly to the international airport. Say goodbye to Costa Rica as you take off and begin your return to the USA. ¡Pura Vida!
Breakfast is included (if departure from the hotel is after 7:00 am).
Includes
Activities:
- Sharing with families
- Being part of the school system
- Zip-ling
- Boat trip in the Arenal Lake
- Hot springs
- Waterfall visit
Meals:
- 11 Breakfasts
- 10 Lunches
- 11 Dinners
Transportation:
- Round-trip airfare between USA and Costa Rica
- Shuttle from airport to community
- Air-conditioned ground transportation while in the country
- Boat transportation in the area of Arenal & Tortuga Island
- Shuttle from hotel to airport
