Frequently Asked Questions

Why Destino Abroad?
Why study Spanish?
What's different about learning Spanish with Destino Abroad?
How much Spanich can I really learn in one or two weeks?
What community service projects does Destino Abroad offer?
How is community service work accredited?
How many service hours can I earn?
What if I've never done this kind of thing before?
Can I come with a friend?
Will there be any free time?
Can I enroll for more than one session?
Can I use my cell phone abroad?
Will my child be supervised closely?
Will my child be cared for?
What documents do I need for international travel?
What vaccinations does my child need?
What is and isn't included in the tuition?

Why Destino Abroad? [Top]

There are hundreds of educational travel programs you can choose for your child. What makes Destino Abroad so special is that we offer a true immersion experience that, unlike many other programs, is fully escorted. We know many parents feel nervous about sending their teenagers to faraway places. That’s why we’ve developed a program that allows students to benefit from educational travel while providing parents with an attentive, informative and personal staff with whom to speak. We encourage parents and families to call us with any questions or concerns before, during and after your child’s trip. By keeping in close contact with parents, we can maintain the high level of personalized service we strive to provide.

Why Study Spanish? [Top]

With about 400 million speakers worldwide, Spanish is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world. It is spoken by almost half the population of the Western Hemisphere and according to some accounts it has more native speakers than English does. Within the United States, opportunities are increasing for those who are fluent in Spanish and English making the ability to speak both languages an invaluable quality. Additionally, as our world becomes smaller, the need to know a second language becomes increasingly important.

Learning a second language such as Spanish offers a plethora of additional advantages. Knowing Spanish opens us up to whole new group of people. It allows us to learn about a new culture. It offers us unique travel and work opportunities. Knowing a foreign language also keeps us actively learning which some will argue helps keep our brains young. It helps improve our English vocabulary and makes it easier for us to learn other languages, especially Romance languages. Moreover, speaking Spanish is fun. And that is our goal at Destino Abroad: to make learning Spanish enjoyable.

 

WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT LEARNING SPANISH WITH DESTINO Abroad? [Top]

The goal of our program is to get students speaking Spanish as quickly as possible.  Our focus is cultural immersion.  Through interaction with native speakers, community service projects, and formal language classes, Destino Abroad students are provided the ideal environment for learning a foreign language.

How Much Spanish Can I Really Learn in One or Two Weeks? [Top]

Learning a foreign language doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that takes consistent practice. And, because everyone acquires language at a different rate, it’s impossible to predict how much an individual will learn over a given period time. Of course, the more you put into learning a second language, the more you get out. That’s why Destino Abroad strives to provide a comprehensive language learning program that is exciting, provoking and encouraging. Our goal is to get students excited about learning Spanish and successfully start them on the journey to becoming fluent.

What community service projects does Destino Abroad offer? [Top]

Service projects vary depending on the needs of the community.  Our students’ life experiences, skills and goals are also considered when developing our service projects. Past community service projects have included teaching bilingual lessons to elementary school students, working with a marine life rescue organization, and developing a library system for a local school.

How is community service work accredited? [Top]

Destino Abroad provides each student with a detailed letter that documents the service work completed. We are happy to fill out any required paperwork your school provides as well.

How many service hours can I earn? [Top]

Students generally perform 10 to 20 hours of community service per week.

What if I've never done this kind of thing before? [Top]

No problem.  For many, this is a first time traveling abroad.  For others, it is the first time speaking a word of Spanish.  Your time with Destino Abroad will be full of new discoveries and adventures.  All we ask is that you come with an open mind and a positive attitude.

Can I come with a friend? [Top]

Yes, but you certainly don’t need to know anyone before your trip to have a good time.  It’s normal to feel nervous about not knowing anyone.  But soon, you will be laughing, enjoying adventures, and making new and lasting friendships.

Will there be any free time? [Top]

Although our days are nearly packed full with a variety of activities, you will have time to yourself.  There is plenty of time to swim, hang out with friends, practice your Spanish or write in your journal.

Can I enroll for more than one session? [Top]

Absolutely.  There is no limit to the number of sessions in which you may participate.  Enrolling in multiple sessions allows you to build on your skills week after week.  Contact our office to learn about special promotions for enrollment in multiple sessions.

Can I use my cell phone abroad? [Top]

Many US cell phone companies have service in Costa Rica and Ecuador. Ask your service provider about international coverage.   

WILL MY CHILD BE SUPERVISED CLOSELY? [Top]

Yes. Every organized activity is supervised by a Destino Abroad staff member. Naturally, there will be times when your student cannot be in the presence of one of our staff members. During these times, students must remain with a host family member. Curfew is very strictly enforced. Students are expected to remain in their homes between lights out and breakfast. If you are concerned that your child needs overnight surveillance or that he or she is likely to act irresponsibly, this is not the program for him or her.

WILL MY CHILD BE CARED FOR? [Top]

Absolutely. Your child’s happiness, safety and wellbeing are of utmost importance to us.  It’s natural to feel homesick, nervous or out of place.  Destino Abroad’s caring and responsive staff keeps a watchful eye on each child to make sure he or she feels welcome, comfortable and safe

 

What documents do I need for international travel? [Top]

For Costa Rica, you will need a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after your date of arrival. For Ecuador, you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival. Parents should keep a photocopy of their child’s passport at home. Each student should carry a photocopy of his or her passport in addition to the original. Travel insurance is required. For your convenience, Destino Abroad supplies you with contact information of a reliable travel insurance company. Feel free to use either this company or another company of your choice. Students should also carry a copy of their travel insurance policy or policy number with them.

What vaccinations does my child need? [Top]

Please ask your doctor if he or she recommends any specific vaccinations and/or medications before traveling abroad. You can also visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov to learn about travel related health information.

What is and isn't included in the tuition? [Top]

Destino Abroad tuition includes all in-country transportation, accommodations, meals, Spanish language instruction, outdoor adventure activities, community service projects, cultural excursions, day trips and departure tax.  Tuition does not include international airfare, travel insurance, phone calls, optional meals or snacks, personal spending money, laundry or medical expenses.