Student Group Travel and Cultural Spanish Excursions By Dave Knapp At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

For educators, nothing is more meaningful in student group travel than seeing a student connect with a new culture through a cultural immersion program. Rich destinations such as San Antonio, Costa Rica or the Yucatan Peninsula provide opportunities for student groups to experience the wonders of these countries while learning about their language and the local customs.

San Antonio, Texas is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the United States, where student groups can explore the relationships between Mexico and the U.S. and become immersed in the local social, cultural, and linguistic adventures.

Imagine the fun and connections made as students participate in a dance lesson at the Instituto de Mexico, where they also have the opportunity to examine works by local artists. Later, they can experience the famous San Antonio River Walk with a cruise and Mexican dinner. The Paseo Del Rio, in the heart of the downtown, is the pride of the city. River cruisers travel the RiverWalk's three miles past unique shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. A visit to San Antonio also includes a visit with University of Mexico students who are trying to perfect their English skills. More Spanish adventures are available with visits to attractions such as the Spanish Governor's Palace in the Alamo, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the studio of an internationally renowned blind artist.

In addition, student visitors come away with a greater understanding of Texas history and folk culture, gain new appreciation for Texas architecture with visits to various missions (including the Alamo), and create their own Mexican artwork.

An immersion trip to Costa Rica provides student with an opportunity to practice their Spanish skills and interact with Costa Ricans. Students will gain confidence as they meet residents of communities and small towns who are eager to welcome and communicate with them in their native tongue.

Student groups can also become acquainted with the geographic diversity and beauty of Costa Rica with a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, hot thermal springs, and the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Visitors cross the Selvatura hanging bridges and take a canopy tour on the zip-line above the treetops where wildlife and natural habitats abound. The adventure also includes travel to Manuel Antonio National Park, with its unusual combination of white sand beach and evergreen forest. En route, visitors observe country life with a visit to a traditional Costa Rican farm. And imagine the surprise one experiences as they view one of the largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica at the Tarcoles River.

In addition to interfacing with cultural Costa Rica, travel groups learn about the region's wide variety of flora and fauna, visit with local artists, and enjoy popular activities such as rafting, horseback riding, and beach activities.

Student tours find new inspiration for learning with a culturally-rich trip to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. They not only work on their Spanish conversation skills, but also explore the wild beauty of Mexico's natural environment.

Visitors become acquainted with two marvelous Cenotes located in a small village. The Cenotes, or sinkholes, are where underground rivers have broken through the limestone crust of the earth. A ride on horse-drawn trucks brings students into the jungle to visit and swim in the beautiful, clear Cenotes.

Conversational Spanish is also a highlight of the program, when students meet with a local Spanish teacher and then enjoy a walking tour of Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan. In the evening, the traditional dance of the Yucatan, the Jarana, is an exciting spectacle.

No visit to Yucatan is complete without a tour of the Mayan archaeological site of Uxmal, where the 115-foot-high Pyramid of the Magician and the impressive Governor's House are wonders to behold.

Student tours also embrace the Spanish culture in Yucatan by learning handicrafts and culinary skills of the country, learning Latino dance steps with a Salsa dance specialist, and snorkeling in the freshwater lagoons of Xel-Ha.

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