Whitnall teachers seek approval to plan Costa Rica language‑immersion trip for 2027
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Summary
Spanish teachers proposed a nine‑day Costa Rica language‑immersion trip for summer 2027, estimating program costs near $3,000 plus flights ($900–$1,200), with fundraising, scholarships through the vendor, and a 6:1 student‑to‑chaperone ratio.
Spanish teachers Katie Baysa and Amanda Weir asked the board for initial approval to continue planning a 2027 Costa Rica language‑immersion trip. The presenters said the trip purpose is language immersion combined with cultural competence and independent travel skills; they led a trip this past June with 17 students and proposed using the same program vendor for 2027.
Cost and logistics: program costs are estimated around $3,000, with flights estimated separately in the range of $900–$1,200; the trip operator will finalize flight costs about 11 months before travel. Teachers said they will pursue fundraising and that Experitas (the vendor) provides scholarships and financial aid — staff noted two past students used aid and that Experitas offers assistance for qualifying families.
Student criteria and chaperones: the trip targets students entering grades 11 and 12 and recently graduated seniors; this year the teachers would also invite current Spanish‑1 students who will be juniors at the time of travel. Minimum safe staffing is six students per chaperone; teachers said they took three chaperones on a group of 17 and would add chaperones or partner groups if needed.
Next steps: the board gave preliminary consideration and asked staff to return with a formal request for approval and any required risk/parental‑consent documentation before vendor arrangements or solicitations begin.