Social Activities in San Jose

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All students are encouraged to make the most of their time in Coronado by participating in the social excursions and activities offered by the college, including Latin dance sessions (to improve your salsa, cumbia and merengue) and a weekly cookery class or food tasting class.

In addition there are orientation tours of the city for newly arrived students, visits to the nearby coffee plantation and processing plant, the University of Costa Rica, jade or gold museum and the central market in San José.

For sports fans there is a private multi sports centre that offers swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, football etc (you get a one off free session and can then apply for monthly membership, if inspired).

A weekly schedule is posted in the college each Friday afternoon. The college also provides a Travel Desk to help students arrange tours, holidays and excursions throughout their stay.

Social events such as a Spanish video night at school, talks and college parties enable the students to meet informally and learn more about the city and culture.

Visiting the capital: Set inland, in a valley some 3,770 feet above sea level it is surrounded by wonderful mountain peaks, San José is just 10 km (allow 40 minutes) from Coronado. There are sky scrappers and fast food restaurants alongside excellent museums, colourful markets and an exuberant night life. There are tree-shaded parks throughout the city, museums with fabulous art treasures to discover and a slow pace of life, not usually associated with city life. San José historic sites and museums include the “Museo de Jade”, home to the world’s largest collection of American jade produced in pre-Columbian times. There is also a thriving range of theatres and cinemas in the city.

For shopping in San José, try the “Plaza de la Democracia” for crafts and Guatemalan textiles or the pedestrianised area for quality items or hunt for bargains in the “Mercado Central” in Avenida Central from Monday to Saturday.

There are a wealth of fabulous places in Costa Rica to explore including idyllic beaches, tropical jungles, National Parks and Coffee Plantations.

Nowhere in Costa Rica is more than 4 hours travelling away, which means students have plenty of opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the country. If you want to explore volcanoes try “Rincon de la Vieja” famed for its mud pools, sulphur springs, volcanic cones and craters and hot springs.

In the north west the “Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal”, the volcano is active and can provide spectacular flows of lava and rocks flying through the air. The “Parque Nacional Santa Rosa” is home to a tropical dry forest and is a breeding site for endangered sea turtles. Turtles can also be seen at “Parque Nacional Tortuguero”. For the really energetic (or do we mean mad!) the “Monteverde Reserve” allows you to walk on a series of suspension bridges across the jungle canopy or you can view the tree tops from a more relaxed ski-lift option or go hiking or horse riding on the forest floor.

If you prefer a more serene environment why not explore the Pacific coast where remote coves and wonderful beaches have a virgin rain forest backdrop. For water babies there are opportunities for surfing, windsurfing, snorkelling, diving, deep-sea fishing and white-water rafting.

For those who want to explore Coronado’s night life we recommend the bars, Las Huacas and Lone Star. For those who go into San José there are plenty of places around the nearby UCR (University) which will appeal to younger students, including the live Jazz Club or try out the Centro Comercial El Pueblo which has a number of discos, bars and restaurants including the “Tobogan” a huge Latin dance club.

If you want something a little more cultured there are plenty of theatres, cinemas and musical concert centres to choose from in the capital. If in doubt ask the staff at the college or purchase a copy of “La Nacion” or the “Tico Times” for listings.

A sample of a Week’s cultural programme:
Monday: Guided tour through Coronado
Tuesday: Latin American dance classes or Cookery programme
Wednesday: Free afternoon
Thursday: Half-day excursion to a Coffee Farm, a Volcano or the Braulio Carrillo Rain Forest etc
Friday/Sunday: A weekend, 2 night trip to La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio or Puerto Viejo. Minimum 8 students required.

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Social Activities in San Jose