Faculty Led and Customized Programs

The Instituto San Joaquin de Flores provided outstanding expertise and support for the study abroad course I led for University of Illinois students. In the months prior to arrival, Ana worked tirelessly with me to fine-tune the itinerary to my curriculum. The Instituto also placed students with family hosts in San Joaquin, providing invaluable exposure to the daily life of Costa Rican families. In addition to more structured learning, students experienced Costa Rica’s wondrous environment, peoples, and culture. As the group leader, the Instituto provided me with outstanding wrap-around support, including providing dedicated transportation and arranging all lodging and most meals for the students and myself. At least one Instituto faculty member accompanied us to all of our activities, providing insights, information, and practical help  to ensure that everything went as planned. As a result, I was able to focus on instruction, learn a great deal myself, and be ensured that my students were informed, safe, and accounted for 24-7. Elizabeth Powers. Associate Professor. Faculty Director of Undergrad Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

“Meredith College has worked with the Instituto San Joaquin de Flores for over ten years and I cannot imagine a better partner for our Language and Culture program in Costa Rica. As my program’s director, I appreciate the Instituto’s willingness to allow me to develop my itinerary to fit my students, but also their flexiblity when opportunities arise that might benefit us.  They tailor the level of support based on our needs from year to year, which is extremely valuable for those programs in which faculty rotate each summer. My students adore the staff who help them with host family concerns, independent travel suggestions, and even chat with them over café in order to give them as much practice as possible with Spanish. The Spanish professors that work with the Instituto  develop classes that allow students to engage in the community and encourage students to have challenging  conversations with their host families in order to learn about the intricacies of Costa Rican culture. My program would not be as successful if it were not for the expert support and guidance of the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores”.

~ Callie DeBellis, Assistant Professor of Spanish & Director of Meredith’s Language and Culture Program in Costa Rica since 2009.