A Language and Cultural Immersion Program for Social Workers

Program Objective

To give social workers the opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills, enhance their cultural competency, and learn about the social work profession in Costa Rica. The California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-CA) assisted in planning this two-week program.

To give social workers the opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills, enhance their cultural competency, and learn about the social work profession in Costa Rica. The California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-CA) assisted in planning this two-week program.

Program Goals

• To improve attendees’ language skills (levels may range from low beginning through high advanced).
• To enhance attendees’ cultural competency by offering lectures regarding the Latin culture.
• To give attendees the opportunity to live with host families and to enhance cultural understanding.
• To provide attendees with information about the social work profession in Central America.
• To give attendees the opportunity to experience social work by scheduling visits with local agencies.

Program Format

This program is scheduled for a two-week period with specific days and times for curriculum related activities. This two-week program will provide a total of 40 hours of language classes and 16 hours of cultural classes and activities. Each class has a maximum of four students and the emphasis is on conversational skills.

Day	Activity
First Saturday:	Students arrive.
First Sunday afternoon:	Placement test.
Monday – Friday:	Langauage classes, 20 hours per week.
Tuesdays & Thursdays:	Cultural classes and activities 8 hours per week.
Final Friday Evening:	Closing celebration.
Final Saturday	Departure day.

Program Curriculum

Lecture Topics

Guest Speakers

Speakers will include local social work professionals and educators.

Planned Visits

Visits will be made to agencies located within an hour drive from the school.

Program Dates and Fees

Date	Arrival Day	Departure Day	Program Fees
			Program + Host Family
December 2025	Saturday, December 6th	Saturday, December 20th	$1,650.00
June 2026	Saturday, June 6th	Saturday June 20th	$1,650.00
July 2026	Saturday, July 11th	Saturday July 25th	$1,650.00
December 2026	Saturday, December 5th	Saturday, December 19th	$1,650.00

Program fee includes the following:

Shuttle from and to the Airport	San Jose International Airport (SJO)
Accommodations	Two meals daily (breakfast and dinner) and laundry service.
Classes	Cooking and dance classes
Study materials	Language workbook and other cultural materials
Internet Access	Wi-Fi available.
Tour of the city	Learn about local attractions and points of interest

Not included in this fee

The cost of airfare and any tour or excursion such as jungle tour, etc.
ACCE Contact Information: Email Address: info@acce.co.cr