The Summer Teen Program offers six levels of Spanish (from Complete Beginner to Advanced). Spanish lessons are 20 hours per week (55 minutes per class hour), and take place in small groups with a maximum of six students per class. Students receive verbal and written assessments on the first day of class, which determine the exact group students will be placed in.

Lunch is served at the school Monday through Friday, consisting of typical entrees, salad, vegetables, tropical fruits and juices. Coffee, tea and bottled water are provided to students on request.

Features Included in the Summer Teen Program

• Twenty Spanish lessons per week in small groups with no more than 6 individuals per class.
• Accommodation with a host family in a single or shared room, 2 meals daily Monday through Friday and 3 meals daily Saturday and Sunday.
• Laundry service once per week.
• Catered lunch at the school Monday through Friday
• Extensive verbal and written placement assessments.
• Assignment in one of six levels of Spanish.
• School and city orientation on the first Monday of classes.
• Textbooks and classroom materials.
• Daily afternoon cultural activities Monday through Friday DURING TEEN PROGRAM ONLY (see “Activities” for details).
• One to two evening activities per week DURING TEEN PROGRAM ONLY (see “Activities” for details).
• For two and three week programs: Otavalo City Tour & Indigenous Market. Includes hotel accommodation in shared room, all meals and transportation(see “2 Day Weekend Trips” for details).
• For four week programs: Otavalo City Tour & Indigenous Market, trip to the Cloud Forest, and trip to Cotopaxi Volcano. Includes accommodation in shared room, all meals and transportation (see "2 Day Weekend Trips" for details).
• Arrival and departure transfers from/to the Quito airport.
• NRCSA travel insurance during study dates.

Not Included

• Departure fee payable at the Quito airport: approximately $25 US.
• Pocket money ($20 - $40 US/week).
• Excursions ($40 - $150 US/program). Excursions are not included for students participating in the Group and Volunteer portion of the program (only applicable to Teen and Volunteer Program).

Activities Some of the planned activities in Quito include:

• A Quito city tour
• Touring museums and cultural centres
• Chaperoned Parties
• Movies Nights
• Dance Lessons

2 Day Weekend Trips

• The 2 day weekend trip to the city of Otavalo and its famous indigenous market is included for all program participants. Students are housed in a hotel with all meals and transportation included. This trip will take place on June 26-27 & July 24-25.
  
  
• The 2 day weekend trip to Cotopaxi National Park includes the opportunity to partially climb the Cotopaxi Volcano and go horseback riding on the slopes of Cotopaxi. Those not interested in horseback riding can participate in mountain biking or a guided hike to the Rumiñahui volcano. Students are housed in a hotel with all meals and transportation included. This trip will take place on July 3-4 & July 31-Aug 1.
  
  
• During the 2 day weekend trip to the Cloud Forest Reserve, guided morning and afternoon nature hikes are offered. During this trip, students receive accommodation in a cabin style lodge located in the reserve. The reserve offers a medical clinic, entertainment areas double rooms. All meals and transportation are included. This trip will take place on July 10-11 & Aug 7-8.

Unescorted Galapagos Island Tour Packages

• We work with several tour operators that offer discounts to their students for Galapagos Island Tour Packages. These are unescorted, unsupervised trips of 4, 5 and 8 days, however, the operators do have experience working with young people. For more information on these tour packages, please contact NRCSA.

Participation in volunteer projects within the community of Quito are available to students who have at least an Intermediate level of Spanish, and are 16 years of age or older

Students who wish to participate in volunteer work must do the following:

1. Submit the NRCSA Registration Form for the Summer Teen plus Volunteer Program.
   
   
2. Students must include an introductory letter explaining the type of volunteer work they are interested in and some details about themselves (i.e. how many years of Spanish they have taken, what year of high school they are in, what interests and/or hobbies they have, ifthey have had any experience in volunteering before, etc.).

Volunteer work opportunities available include:

•  Child and Infant General Care
•  Environmental Protection and Work with Indigenous Peoples
•  Work in Shelters and Homes for Street Children and Children of Prisoners
•  Work in Orphanages
•  Work with Physically and Mentally Disabled Children

Students age 14 years and older are welcome to attend the teen programs regardless of educational background, occupation or nationality. No previous knowledge of Spanish is required except where otherwise indicated.

Participants are not required any special immunizations, however, they should consult with a physician to assess whether or not updated booster shots are needed for the more common and preventable illnesses (i.e. Measles, Mumps, etc.). If booster shots are needed, it is recommended that they be given a minimum of one month prior to the student's departure date. If students want to take malaria pills, these must to be taken 2 months prior departure. No student will be allowed to take those medications once they have arrived in Quito.