Would you like your teen to have an authentic cultural and language-immersive experience in a Spanish-speaking country, even if they aren’t fluent in the language? What if you could help them have a summer of personal growth while on an adventure of a lifetime?

Students aged 15-17 in the Monteverde Friends School Adventure in the Cloud Forest will: 

• Learn while on an exciting, safe excursion in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.

• Discover Costa Rican culture through shared meals and activities with local teens.

• Stretch their comfort zones tree climbing, ziplining, and trekking through the rainforest. 

• Give back to the community with meaningful service projects. 

MFS Adventure in the Cloud Forest is not just a tour.

Students make real connections in a culturally immersive experience with peers and native Costa Ricans, all while enjoying the best that Costa Rica has to offer! From the forest to the beach, you’ll discover the full flavor of this Pura Vida country.

We can’t wait to share this adventure with you. 

Sandra Rodriguez, Rosavalma Expediciones and Monteverde Friends School

You have everything you need

Even if the only thing you feel confident saying in Spanish 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 get step-by-step help preparing for the program and full support while participating in activities in both Spanish and English during the trip. 

Students will gain confidence, build foundational communication skills across cultures, and excite their inner desire to reach new goals. They won’t just imagine themselves using a second language–they will get a real immersive experience doing it! They won’t just learn about ecology–they will surround themselves with it!

Open up doors for your child’s future with this life-changing experience.

Sandra Rodriguez

Sandra Rodriguez has been planning programs and traveling with young students to Costa Rica and other parts of the world for over 20 years. As a native Costa Rican, she is a treasure trove of local information and cultural experience.

She founded the Costa Rican Exchange Program at Greene Street Friends School as a way for my students to grow through experience and hands-on learning. She lives in Monteverde with her family, and her children attend Monteverde Friends School. She’s also been a Spanish teacher for over 28 years. I have a passion for working with young people, traveling and exploring the world. 

“I am ready to share my language, passion and culture with all of you! ¡Vengan y experimenten nuestro bello bosque nuboso,  idioma y cultura!”

Sandra 

Rosavalma Expediciones Educativas

Setting… the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde is a quiet and safe mountaintop community in the rainforest of Costa Rica. At its doorstep is the natural wonder of the Cloud Forest, a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the wildlife and biodiversity. Monteverde Friends School is nestled on a beautifully forested property, with nature surrounding the indoor and outdoor learning spaces. The Quaker school emphasizes the 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

Students will stay with local host families for four days of the program to experience life as a Costa Rican teen. They’ll spend the balance of their time in Monteverde at the Elida Lodge, a beautiful hotel within walking distance of the school and surrounded by trees and lush foliage. Students will also spend one night at a hotel near the beach in Samara, enjoying snorkeling, kayaking, and chilling in the sand. 

Costa Rican culture is rooted in connection around the table, laughing, and enjoying time with friends. Students will have delicious meals shared with their host family each day, at the hotel, the Friends School campus, or activity locations.

Get ready for adventure

Each day, students will receive an itinerary with the full day’s adventure. This includes:

• Kayaking and Snorkeling
• Service project at a  local site or school
• And so much more!

Activities may be modified based on weather/ availability.

• Aguas termales (hot springs visit) 
• Slackline class and balance training
• Cooking Classes
• Bat Cave tour
• Gelato breaks
• Guided hikes in rainforest
• Art classes
• Aguas termales (hot springs visit) 
• Slackline class and balance training
• Cooking Classes
• Bat Cave tour
• Gelato breaks
• Guided hikes in rainforest
• Art classes
• Kayaking and Snorkeling
• Service project at a  local site or school
• And so much more! 
  Activities may be modified based on weather/ availability.

Click here to watch a recording of the Info Session about the teen program.

Program Cost:

Option 1: Travel with a chaperone

Early Bird Discount $3,600 (SAVE $300!) 

Includes airfare from Baltimore to Liberia and van to Monteverde.

Option 2: Travel on your own

Early Bird Discount $2,600 (SAVE $300!) 

Book your own airfare to and from your airport of choice. Private transportation from the airport to Monteverde is not included in this option, but we can arrange it for you.

Program Cost is ALL-INCLUSIVE:

• All lodging is in double- and triple-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms, except the first 4 days of the expedition in which they will stay with host families. 
• All transfers via private van
• All meals except lunch and dinner on day 11 
• Logistical support by the program coordinator and Rosavalma Expediciones staff supporting the entire trip 
• All activities and tours as described in the camp’s overview above
• All transportation as described in the expedition’s overview, in a private bus and boat

Does not include:

• Passport fees
• Travel Insurance (we encourage purchase of travel and medical insurance within 2 weeks of making your first deposit).

The program is designed for students aged 15-17 who are responsible, creative, and flexible. They must demonstrate curiosity, an openness to challenge, and the skills to adapt to new environments and be comfortable in new situations. The participants are expected to model and maintain good behavior and citizenship. 

* 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 someone traveling with a chaperone who made the $900 deposit by the early bird deadline, $1350 would then be due Mar 1st and $1350 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 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 so that more students can 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.