Culturally Immersive Experience

Imagine a week spent in breathtaking Costa Rica, surrounded by nature, laughter, and the warmth of family bonding. Our Family in the Forest Retreat is not just a getaway; it’s a transformative experience designed to bring your family closer while discovering a new language together!

Step outside your comfort zone and step away from the busyness of life. Your family is in a space of discovery and new connections. A place where children can playfully learn Spanish while connecting with local Costa Rican students, and parents can accelerate their learning through authentic conversations– not just quick exchanges at a restaurant or ticket counter. 

If you’re a parent with bilingual education or travel on your family’s bucket list, an excursion of a lifetime awaits you at the Monteverde Friends School in Costa Rica. Located next to the ecological wonder of the Cloud Forest, this family retreat is both a vacation for parents and children. 

Kids will delight in activities from pizza making to tree climbing, all taught by energetic and helpful Spanish speaking instructors. Parents can press the “that was easy” button — we’ve planned the entire trip, including exciting tours, meaningful service opportunities, meals, and transportation. 

Surround yourself in Costa Rican culture! We can’t wait to share this with you.

Adrienne

Monteverde Friends School &

The Family Language Exchange

Adrienne Babbitt

I first visited Costa Rica 5 years ago, not long after the start of my journey learning Spanish alongside my children. Since then, I have returned several times, reveling in the beauty, adventure, and connections with the incredibly friendly Costa Ricans.

When I began working for the Monteverde Friends School, I was glad to offer my experience and expertise leading family language learning retreats. I wanted more families to experience the wonder of this exquisite area alongside the connection with local Spanish-speaking families. 

I can’t wait to share this life-changing experience with your family. From our own language-immersive family travel to Spain, Mexico, and Costa Rica, I’ve mastered a better way to experience another country– outside of the all-inclusive resorts or tourist traps. We’ll help you immerse yourself in the language and all while having a fun and exciting family vacation. 

Get ready to create lasting family memories and beautiful friendships.

Adrienne

The Friends School is surrounded by mature jungle in a walkable and safe mountain community– the ideal location for your family’s Costa Rican experience. These are some of the reasons families choose to join our retreats: 

1. ‘Real life’ Engaging Language Experiences

Your family will practice Spanish with innovative, interactive methods tailored for all ages. Games, storytelling, role-playing, all help you learn in a fun and effective way. Whether you’re beginners or looking to enhance your skills, we cater to all levels.

2. Awesome Adventures

Not only is this a language immersive experience, it is a full immersion into the natural wonders and exhilarating adventures unique to Costa Rica! Explore the cloud forest with an experienced guide. Zipline through a canopy, and discover diverse wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds. There is so much to explore and see every day.

3. Cultural Immersion

Experience the rich culture of the language you’re learning! Participate in cooking classes, traditional crafts, and local excursions that deepen your understanding and appreciation of the culture. Taste authentic cuisine, join in local events, and meet native speakers who will enrich your journey.

4. Family Bonding Time

Spend quality time with your loved ones in a supportive environment. Our retreat encourages collaboration, communication, and teamwork, helping strengthen family relationships while learning together. Share in the triumphs and challenges of using your second language and making new connection. You’re sure to create unforgettable memories.

You have everything you need– even if you’re a beginner.

Even if the only thing you feel confident saying now is ‘Hola,’ this experience is for you! You’ll get step-by-step help preparing for the program through our Language Immersion Prep Workshop online for FREE 60 days prior to departure. You’ll also receive full support while taking part in activities in both Spanish and English during the trip. We’ll cater to everyone’s level so you have the right amount of challenge in using your second language.

Setting… the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde is a quiet and safe mountaintop community in the rainforest of Costa Rica. At the doorstep of Monteverde is the natural wonder of the Cloud Forest– a place visitors can immerse themselves in the wildlife and biodiversity. Monteverde Friends School is nestled on a beautifully forested property, with nature pouring into the indoor and outdoor learning spaces. The Quaker school emphasizes values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. 

Your journey here will be accompanied by friendly, welcoming connections with local Costa Rican families. Every day you’ll have real-life opportunities to improve your Spanish, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this magical place. You’ll leave with a greater understanding of environmental conservation and a wider world view. 

Accommodations

Families will stay at the Elida Lodge, a beautiful hotel within walking distance of the school and surrounded by trees and lush foliage. A limited number of apartment accommodations will be available as well on a first-come, first serve basis. 

Costa Rican culture is rooted in connection around the table, laughing and enjoying time with friends. Each day delicious meals will be shared at the Friends School campus or activity locations.

Get ready for adventure

Each day your family will receive an itinerary full of the day’s adventures. This includes:

• Treetop tour/optional ziplining included
• Service project for local school.
• Guided hikes in the rainforest
• Monteverde History/Game Night
• And so much more!

Activities may be modified based on weather/availability.

Adventure, Culture, Connection, and Fun!

In addition, you’ll be able to connect with local Costa Rican families and students. Some of them speak English, and others do not. All of them will support you to use the Spanish you know and expand your vocabulary based upon your comfort level and initiative. 

What’s Included

• All lodging in private rooms with private bathrooms. 
• All meals except breakfast and lunch the first day and dinner on the departure day.
• Logistical support by the program coordinator and Rosavalma Expediciones staff 
• All activities and tours as described in the camp’s overview above.
• Language Immersion Prep Workshop offered online 60 Days prior to departure.
• Free Wi-Fi
• All transportation as described in the expedition’s overview in a private van and occasional bus. This includes transportation from Liberia International Airport (approximately 2.5 hours) or San Jose International Airport (approximately 3.5 hours)
• Travel assistance if you would like to add on an optional couple days before or after the retreat to visit La Fortuna (natural hot springs and waterfall) or Manuel Antonio (beach and incredible wildlife). Additional cost. Inquire when reserving your program spot.

What’s not included

• Airfare to and from the USA. 
• Passport/Visa fees

PROGRAM COST:

Family of 2  $3,500

Total Value: $5,200 YOU SAVE $1,700!

Family of 3 $4,700

Total Value: $6,500 YOU SAVE $1,800!

Family of 4 $5,500

Total Value: $7,500 YOU SAVE $2,000!

Family of 5 $6,500

Total Value: $8,900 YOU SAVE $2,400!

Larger families please contact our office for pricing. 

* Price guaranteed when you place a $900 deposit to secure your spot by Nov 25, 2024. Program balance is due in 2 payments. Half March 1, 2025 and half May 1, 2025. For example, for a family of 3 who made the $900 deposit, $1900 would then be due Mar 1st and $1900 would be due May 1st. 

Monteverde and the Friends School

Monteverde was founded as a Quaker community in 1951. The founding families intended Monteverde to be a community that seeks the good in everyone and where people can live in such a way that might naturally lead to a more peaceful world. Central to that vision was creating a school to serve the local community. The school only allows for minimal enrollment of international students, so we are excited to bring this new summer program for more students to experience the Monteverde Friends School.

Terms and Conditions

A non-refundable deposit of 900.00 USD is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due by May 1, 2025, and is 100% non-refundable from the final payment date to the departure date.

Airfare not included.