Monteverde is the perfect site for students hoping to combine language, culture and nature-oriented activities. The Monteverde zone, comprised of ten towns with 8,000 people, is situated on the Continental Divide in the Tilarán Cordillera at an elevation of 5,600 feet extending towards both coasts. A five hour bus ride from the capital city of San José, Monteverde has come to represent a much wider area around it - at least to the tourist industry, for whom this is one of the better known destinations in the country due to the could forest reserves of Monteverde and Santa Elena. The region is renowned for its commitment to the sustainable development of the community and the conservation of the cloud forest reserves.

A cloud forest is a highland forest characterized by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year; as moisture-filled winds sweep up the high elevations of these reserves, they condense and cool to form clouds, bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. In Monteverde the average daily temperature ranges between 18ºC (65ºF) to 21ºC (70 º F).

The Monteverde Cloud Forest spreads over 10,500 hectares of land. More than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of bi rds, including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants (420 kinds of orchids), and 120 species of amphibians and reptiles live within the boundaries of Monteverde. The Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves of Costa Rica are acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the Tropics.

You can learn Spanish in Costa Rica in three cities:

• Cours d'Espagnol à Flamingo Beach
• Cours d'Espagnol à Heredia
• Cours d'Espagnol à Monteverde

• EcuadorEcuador arguably has the most intensely varied landscape in South America. You get it all here: the collosal Andes, the Amazon, Pacific beaches, and of course the naturalist's paradise of the Galapagos Islands.
• BoliviaBolivia may be one of the poorest countries in South America, but its cultural wealth, the Andean landscapes and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilizations make it a rich and exciting destination for those looking for more than postcards.
• PeruThe landscape of Peru is as epic as its history. The shadows, canyons, and plateaus of the vertiginous Andes hide the remains of one of the world's most extraordinary empires - the Inca - while their eastern slopes are the cradle of the Amazon River itself.
• ChileIn Chile, nature runs the gamut of its most dramatic forms - enormous glaciers, craggy granite spires, and towering volcanic cones dominate the landscape. Torres del Paine National Park is widely held to be the finest park in the Americas.
• ArgentinaA country of wide-open pampas and ancient forests, Argentina is as wild as its capital city, Buenos Aires, is sophisticated.
• CubaCuba is a beautiful country, it also has a population that is very hospitable in spite of the economic difficulties in the last few years. It is a country of music, poetry, dancing, singing and chatting. People have time for each other and for their guests. Cuba is like going back in time to the 50´s: old cars, a relaxed atmosphere, no hurry.
• Costa RicaIn recent years, Costa Rica has nearly become synonymous with the term "ecotourism." Its pristine rainforests are painstakingly protected, and an ever-increasing tide of people comes to witness the astounding abundance of plant and animal species each year.
• Dominican Rep.The white sand beaches, impressive mountain ranges veined with spectacular rivers and waterfalls, and saltwater lakes teeming with exotic wildlife are just part of the Dominican Republic’s appeal. Whether you’re looking to party, relax or explore, the Dominican Republic has a lot to offer.
• GuatemalaA colorful and hospitable country. As the origin of the mysterious Mayas, the country offers some of the continent’s richest folklore. The cultural blend of Spanish and Indigenous people is still seen in daily life. Ancient rituals are intertwined with the modern. You will find an abundance of high quality, low-priced handicrafts.
• MexicoWith both the most populous city in the world, and some of the most beautiful beaches, Mexico is a lively destination. A variety of natural wonders from lush tropical rainforests to mountains and deserts make Mexico a gem for the adventurer, but its real treasure is in the spirit of its people.