Spanish Immersion Program for Social Workers

Overview

Each class has a maximum of four students and we emphasize conversational skills. This two-week program provides a total of 16 hours of cultural classes and activities and 40 hours of language classes. This program is scheduled with specific times for activities and over a two-week period with designated course days.

First Saturday : Student arrival
First Sunday Afternoon : Placement Exam
Monday – Friday : 20 hours per week language classes
Tuesdays & Thursdays : 8 hours per week cultural activities and classes
Final Friday Evening : Closing event
Final Saturday: Depart

Program Curriculum
(1) Social Work in Latin America
(2) Social Work in Costa Rica: What, who, how, and where
(3) Costa Rica: An overview of the country and culture

Lecturers
Lecturers and presenters include educators and local social workers.

Excursions
Excursions go to local agencies that are within a one hour drive.

2015 Program Dates:

June 2015:
Arrive: Sunday, June 21st Depart: Saturday, July 4th

July 2015:
Arrive: Saturday, July 11th Depart: Saturday, July 25th

December 2015:
Arrive: Saturday, December 05th Depart: Saturday, December 19th

Objectives

This is a means for social workers to increase their Spanish abilities while enhancing cultural knowledge and learning about social work fields in Costa Rica. The planning of this two-week program was conducted with the assistance of the California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-CA).

Goals

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

Spanish