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FAMILY Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica & Ecuador | All Ages Welcome

The CGI Framework: Two Decades of Multi-Generational Spanish Immersion

Info Meeting: Thursday Feb. 26th, 2026 – Register below!
(5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central & 8pm Eastern)

This presentation is a general overview of our Adult, Family, Medical and Spanish immersion programs in Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Costa Rica Family Spanish Immersion Trip
Download Program Brochure

Learn more about the 4 primary aspects of our Spanish Immersion Trips: Adventures, Community Service, Host Families, Spanish Classes

CHOOSE YOUR family SPANISH IMMERSION LOCATION

Costa Rica

Costa Rica Spanish Immersion - Common Ground International

Costa Rica Family Spanish Immersion

Our family Spanish immersion in the Central Valley of Costa Rica puts your family in an small non-touristy city where you can live life like a local!

Santo Domingo de Heredia is located in a historical coffee plantation area of the central valley.

This location is great for:

  • Families who love to explore
  • Families who want to incorporate volunteer projects in their immersion
  • Museums and cultural activities
  • Optional chocolate, coffee, and animal rescue ranch tours
  • Exploring farmers markets and central markets
  • Moms traveling with kids who want some support on their trip (during our regularly scheduled programs)

Location

Based in Santo Domingo de Heredia

2026/2027 Start Dates

  • Summer ’26: July 11 or July 18, 2026
  • Winter ’27: Feb 6, 2027

Summer registration deadline: April 1st, or when full

24/7 Support

24/7 leadership, coordination & support by engaging program leaders

Price

View trip cost and inclusions

Possible to combine with Ecuador programs

Learn more
Register now

Ecuador

Ecuador Spanish Immersion Trip for families

Ecuador Family Spanish Immersion

Our family Spanish immersion in the colonial city of Cuenca gives your family exposure to cobblestone streets, historical churches, Incan ruins and a plethora of cultural activities.

Cuenca is a city located in the south central region of Ecuador. “Cuenca” means bowl, the city got its name as it’s in a valley surrounded by mountains.

This location is great for:

  • Families who love to explore
  • Families who want to incorporate volunteer projects in their immersion
  • Museums and cultural activities
  • Embedding your family in a non-touristy area
  • Hiking in the nearby mountains
  • Cuenca is a long bus ride from Quito (8hrs), or a shorter bus ride from Guayaquil. It’s a quick flight from Quito (45 min.)

Location

Based in Cuenca, Ecuador

2026 Dates

  • Summer ’26: June 20 or June 27, 2026

Registration deadline: April 1st, or when full

24/7 Support

24/7 leadership, coordination & support by engaging program leaders

Price

View trip cost and inclusions

Possible to combine with Costa Rica programs

Learn more
Register now

Family Spanish Immersion Combo Program

Learn more

3-6 Week family spanish IMMERSION combo PROGRAMS IN ECUADOR & COSTA RICA

Combine both countries

2026 on-program Dates

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3-Week Programs

2 wks EC:
6/27/26 – 07/11/26

1 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 7/18/26

4-Week Programs

3 wks EC:
6/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
6/27/26 – 07/11/26

1 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 7/18/26
2 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 07/25/26

5-Week Programs

3 wks EC:
6/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
06/27/26 – 07/11/26

2 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 07/25/26
3 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/01/26

6-Week Programs

3 wks EC:
06/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
06/27/26 – 07/11/26

3 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/01/26
4 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/08/26

3-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

2 wks EC:
6/27/26 – 07/11/26

1 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 7/18/26

4-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3 wks EC:
6/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
6/27/26 – 07/11/26

1 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 7/18/26
2 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 07/25/26

5-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3 wks EC:
6/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
06/27/26 – 07/11/26

2 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 07/25/26
3 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/01/26

6-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3 wks EC:
06/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
06/27/26 – 07/11/26

3 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/01/26
4 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/08/26

*Check out the Costa Rica or Ecuador programs

Register now
View pricing
Register now

Highlights

  • Live with a family in Ecuador & Costa Rica
  • 3, 4, 5 & 6 week programs
  • Spanish classes- massively improve your fluency!
  • Volunteer work in each country
  • Dancing & cooking classes
  • Benefit from personalized instruction in small groups
  • Optional excursions to: Hot springs, zip-line, hanging bridges, waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes & more!

Location

Cuenca, Ecuador & Santo Domingo, Costa Rica

2026 Start Dates

  • 06/20/2026
  • 06/27/2026

Summer registration deadline: April 1st, or when full

24/7 Support

24/7 leadership, coordination & support by engaging program leaders

Price

View trip cost and inclusions

Learn more

3-6 Week family spanish IMMERSION combo PROGRAMS IN ECUADOR & COSTA RICA

2026 on-program Dates

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3-Week Programs

2 wks EC:
6/27/26 – 07/11/26

1 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 7/18/26

4-Week Programs

3 wks EC:
6/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
6/27/26 – 07/11/26

1 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 7/18/26
2 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 07/25/26

5-Week Programs

3 wks EC:
6/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
06/27/26 – 07/11/26

2 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 07/25/26
3 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/01/26

6-Week Programs

3 wks EC:
06/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
06/27/26 – 07/11/26

3 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/01/26
4 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/08/26

3-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

2 wks EC:
6/27/26 – 07/11/26

1 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 7/18/26

4-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3 wks EC:
6/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
6/27/26 – 07/11/26

1 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 7/18/26
2 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 07/25/26

5-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3 wks EC:
6/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
06/27/26 – 07/11/26

2 wk CR:
07/11/26 – 07/25/26
3 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/01/26

6-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3 wks EC:
06/20/26 – 07/11/26
2 wks EC:
06/27/26 – 07/11/26

3 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/01/26
4 wks CR:
07/11/26 – 08/08/26

*Check out the Costa Rica or Ecuador programs

Register now
View pricing
Register now
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Deadline to register: April 1st
Register now
A CGI IMMERSION SIGNATURE

The Traveling Classroom: Spanish Without Walls

Some of your best Spanish won’t happen at a desk. During the Traveling Classroom portion of your immersion, the lessons come with you — onto the trail, into the boat, around the dinner table. Local experts guide every experience in Spanish, and your CGI teachers are right beside you, turning every hike, tasting and wildlife encounter into living language practice. Spanish lessons woven into everything, from vineyard visits to mountain hikes.

What is the Traveling Classroom?

Expeditionary learning, the CGI way
After your weeks of Spanish classes and host family living, you’ve built skills. The Traveling Classroom is where you put them to work — all day, every day, in the real world. It’s a simple idea borrowed from expeditionary learning: you remember what you live. Instead of studying vocabulary lists, you learn the word for glacier standing in front of one. Instead of dialogue drills, you ask a local guide why the macaws pair for life — and understand the answer.
Every excursion runs in Spanish with local experts, and CGI Spanish teachers travel embedded in the group, coaching, clarifying and keeping the conversation going from breakfast to sunset. No desks. No tests. Just you, a remarkable place, and the language that brings it to life.

Local experts, in Spanish

Every hike, boat ride and tour is led by local guides in their own language. They’re not just guiding — they’re your conversation partners.

Teachers on the trail

CGI instructors join every activity to scaffold the conversation: feeding you the word you’re missing, recasting what you heard, debriefing over dinner.

Vocabulary in context

Flora, fauna, geology, food, history: you learn words attached to sights, smells and experiences. That’s why they stick.

100% practice

This is full-immersion mode. Meals, transfers, campfires and trails all happen in Spanish — at your level, with support.
Check out our specific adventures!
TC – Osa Peninsula CR
TC – Amazon EC

The Evolution of Family-Centric Language Acquisition

Founded in 2003 by Rory and Leslie Foster, our “Family-First” immersion methodology was developed through twenty years of experience. We know that a 7-year-old learns differently than a 17-year-old (or a 40-year-old!), which is why our programs are designed to meet every family member exactly where they are.

Developmental Stages of Immersion: The CGI Matrix

Our programs are age-adaptive. Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, we’ve engineered a safe, engaging, and age-appropriate way to dive into the Spanish language:
Developmental StageImmersion FocusOur Top Priority
Early Childhood (Infants/Toddlers)Phonetic ExposureSafe and healthy environments with flexible daily pacing.
Primary Years (Elementary)Learning Spanish through playInteractive learning via kinesthetic and experiential activities.
Middle & High SchoolConversational FluencyBuilding communicative proficiency and confidence through structured learning and service projects.
Young AdultsProfessional CompetencyAchieving Spanish fluency through structured activities and independent cultural exploration.

Why the CGI Family Immersion Model is Unique

Most Spanish immersion programs are designed for solo travelers. The CGI model is a specialized hybrid of a Latin American Cultural Adventure and a Structured Language Vacation.

Safety-First Logistics

We’ve spent 20 years building a travel infrastructure you can trust. From our host families to our transport, every detail is “family-approved” and safety-vetted.

Bilingual Family Dynamics

We focus not just on individual learning, but on creating a household environment where families can practice Spanish together, fostering long-term bilingualism.

Integrated Cultural Exposure

Our programs weave language instruction into the vacation experience, ensuring that “study” and “travel” are not separate, but a single cohesive adventure.
Family Spanish Immersion Program Origins
This program was perfect for us because it allowed the girls to take lessons, for me to take lessons and for Andy to take lessons that were geared towards his interest in medicine. We’ve loved being here. 
Smock Family

Ohio

Two Ways to Travel and Immerse Yourselves as a Family: On Program and Off Program

Join us during our specific dates in February, June and July OR customize your dates!
Family Spanish Immersion Trips to Costa Rica and Ecuador

On program Family spanish immersion

  • February, June, July
  • Perfect when just 1 parent is traveling with children. We provide infrastructure and day to day support.
  • Various volunteer opportunities throughout the trip.
  • Other families with children present so that your children can make friends and have classmates.
  • Planned and effortless 1/2 day tours, weekend excursions, etc.

Off program family spanish immersion

  • Customized travel dates: You choose the dates, we put the itinerary together for you.
  • Daily Common Ground support via whatsapp, email, etc.
  • Limited volunteer opportunities.
  • Extremely immersive. Likely no other (or very few) English speakers around while you’re traveling.
  • Customized weekend trips, activities and half day tours.
Fill out this form and let us know which dates you prefer and other considerations
Fill out form

Parent–Teen Spanish Immersion Option

Level up your Spanish — and your relationship!

Our two options for Parent–Teen Spanish Immersion trips make learning Spanish together meaningful, adventurous, and unforgettable while you give your teen as much independence as they want.

This isn’t just about Spanish, it’s about connecting with your teen through a once-in-a-lifetime journey together.
Option 1

Parent on Adult Program + Teen on High School Program

Perfect for families who want shared home life + independence with day to day activities
  • Shared or separate host families
  • See each other around language school but take different Spanish classes
  • Work on different volunteer projects
  • Travel on different weekend excursions
A great combination of independence and connection with lot to talk about at dinner.
Option 2

Family Immersion Program (Together)

Share more day to day aspects of the journey together following the general outline of the adult immersion itinerary
  • Stay in the same host family
  • Parent & teen follow the same itinerary day to day
  • Take different classes at language school
  • Collaborate on the same volunteer projects
  • Travel together on the same weekend excursions
Grow together, explore together, remember it forever.

Share a Transformative Experience with Your Teen

Traveling and learning Spanish side-by-side with your teen is a powerful way to connect through unique shared experiences. Whether you follow your own track while your teen joins the High School Immersion program, or you participate together in our Family Spanish Immersion trip, this experience balances growth, challenge, and meaningful time together.

In most cases, you will always have separate Spanish classes, which gives both of you the freedom to learn at your own level. Evenings at home, shared meals with your host family, and nightly stories bring you back together, deepening your bond.

A Journey You’ll Never Forget

Want to grow as a family while exploring a new culture?
The Family Immersion Program is your perfect match.
You’ll have different levels of Spanish class, but you’ll share everything that matters most:

* A warm host family
* Volunteering side-by-side
* Weekend adventures together

Prefer a little more independence?
Parents can opt into the Adult track while teens join the High School Immersion—giving everyone time to explore their own interests while staying connected at home.

Schedule a call
Schedule a call
Your best family memories may happen far from home.

👉 Ask us which format fits your family best

“If your youth (or you for your youth) is looking for an adventure, wants to challenge her or himself with learning Spanish in an absolutely stunning location surrounded by deeply caring people, look no further. This program sets itself apart from other high school travel abroad programs because of the Foster family and the people who work hand in hand with them are truly a cut above; they don’t simply plan the programs, they live them with us with smiles, humor and SPANISH. I participated on a parallel program at the same time my daughter was on her program, so I witnessed the quality of everything from sun-up to sundown. I am an experienced traveler and have lead student programs abroad many times in my 30 year teaching career, so I very familiar with what travel programs entail. As parents considering international summer study programs, you can rest-assured that your student will have an experience of a lifetime and be very well taken care of. If you choose to opt for the family adventure, look no further either! I am eternally grateful for the Fosters, Lisa and the guides and teachers on site they work with. I personally cannot wait to regale my students with my Ecuadoran adventures!” – Suzanne Greenwalt
Watch the most recent Adult & Family Spanish Immersion Info Meeting:
Watch the info meeting to learn more!
How does Common Ground’s Spanish Immersion for Families Program work?

Flexibility: Customized to fit your family needs. Choose the location you prefer, your timeline, and desired activities.

Live like a local: safe and full integrated into the language and culture as a family. Not your style- we have house, apartment and hotel recommendations too!

Family Spanish immersion classes: rarely is the whole family at the same Spanish level, we have classes for adults, kids, beginners or advanced. 10 to 20 hrs. per week, you choose!

Engage in the community: with our unique, family friendly volunteer activities. (Not available in all locations)

Spanish classes and volunteer work take place Monday to Friday, the weekends are yours to travel or spend with your host family. We have great suggestions for weekend adventures!

What does it take to reserve my family immersion trip so we can begin planning our Spanish immersion?

It takes a non-refundable deposit to reserve your trip. The minimum deposit is $500 per person so that we can begin planning your Family Spanish Immersion Adventure.

Save your spot!

This program fills on a first come, first served basis. Reserve a spot on the trip – no obligation – no credit card, just 30 days to help you coordinate your schedule!

What are the related costs and inclusions for the Family Spanish Immersion Program with Common Ground?

We work hard to keep the program affordable for families because we’d love to share Latin American culture and all it has to offer with you! We break down our costs to per person, per week, and our various locations have varying costs.

Family Spanish Immersion pricing
Family Immersion Registration
These weekly per person costs include:
  • A week of homestay with a local host family
  • Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner) with your host family
  • Spanish instruction by native, certified Spanish instructors (hours defined by the option you choose – 10 or 20 hours per week)
  • Travel medical insurance
These costs do not include:
  • Volunteer projects
  • Optional excursions or overnight, weekend excursions for your family
  • Transportation

Depending on your destination and the activities you’d like to do, you may want to consider renting a car. Volunteer projects, day & overnight trips vary greatly in cost depending on location, length, and guide needs. We’ll work with you on a clear proposal for your Family Spanish Immersion program and work within your budget.

We came to Common Ground in order to educate our family and our kids on how to speak Spanish and get a glimpse into a culture.
McDevitt Family

Colorado

How do we get more information?

It’s easy to get more information and make sure you’ve got all the details squared away for your Family Spanish Immersion trip. Fill out the following form to let us know what you’re looking for so we can help you find your best options!

Family Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica
The ratings and reviews for these Family Spanish Immersion Trips speak for themselves
Family Immersion Trip Payment
Rating 
5.00 out of 5 based on 26 customer ratings
All of our programs include basic travel medical insurance with trip interruption, delays, lost bags, etc. Here is the standard description of coverage for your included travel insurance plan.
If you have any uncertainties about your upcoming adventure, it might be a good idea to consider additional travel insurance coverage. If you’re looking for a Cancel for Any Reason policy, we suggest you shop for it here:
Adult Spanish Immersion travel insurance

Diversity and Inclusivity on Spanish Immersion

Our mission of Impacting Communities Through Language extends to ALL travelers and learners regardless of age, gender identity, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

Diversity and inclusivity on Spanish Immersion
Learn more
We chose the Common Ground program because they were so responsive and made us feel very at ease with the program. We wanted an experience that was total immersion. 
Hoarty Family

Omaha, Nebraska

Earn College Credit while you travel!

Get up to 5 undergraduate university credits for all of the fun and challenging immersion work you’ll do abroad.

Our trips are accredited for 200-level (2nd year) college credits as follows:

  • 3 College Spanish credits for 2-week programs
  • 4 College Spanish credits for 3-week programs
  • 5 College Spanish credits for 4 week programs

Additional fees apply. Email Leslie for more information

College credit for Spanish Immersion Trip

Spanish Immersion Program FAQs

12 thoughts on “Family Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica & Ecuador | All Ages Welcome”

  1. Samantha Palos

    Are there medical spanish classes available on an immersion program? My daughter will be 5 when we go. Are there simultaneous classes for 5 year olds?

    Reply
  2. Ellen Chen

    I’m looking for a 2 week program for me and my daughter (age 12) to learn Spanish (at different levels). We’d like to learn more about the classes, esp for 12 year olds, about homestay options, and also about possible volunteer work. Fun outings also of interest!

    Thank you,
    Ellen Chen

    Reply
  3. Matt

    Hello! I just sent an email using the contact me link (I think), but wasn’t sure if it went through. My family (self, spouse, 6 year old) are interested in several weeks abroad this summer. Would love to share more about our specific goals and learn more about your programs.

    Reply
  4. Tanya

    Definitely interested in a family immersion vacation with room for volunteering or excursions if possible in April of 2023. Looking forward to receiving as much information/ possibilities to see if this can happen. Thanks so much! Tanya

    Reply
  7. Sandra Ortsman

    Hi, my family is looking to travel to Latin America the last two weeks of July to do a language school for dad and two kids. Mom is fluent and would love a school by the beach to hang out and maybe take some surfing lessons when family is in school.

    Reply

  9. Pingback: Have Kid, Will Travel: Our Costa Rica Itinerary – That Mango Dream

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