As the largest minority group in the United States, Hispanics respresent a great opportunity for U.S. credit unions to increase their memberships. Whether you're just beginning to explore the growth potential this market holds or are already serving Hispanic members, WOCCU's Spanish Immersion Program provides the skills you need to attract and better serve the growing Hispanic market in your area. 

San Jose, Costa Rica

When
One week: October 2 to 9, 2010
Two week: October 2 to 16, 2010

Cost
Early bird discount (registration received no later than June 30, 2010)

One week: $1,700
Two weeks: $2,500

Registration  received after June 30, 2010

One week: $1,800
Two weeks: $2,600

Registration Deadline
August 31, 2010

Program Overview
Take advantage of WOCCU's 35+ years of experience training credit union professionals around the world and tailor this total immersion experience to suit your individual needs.

Live in a private room with a pre-screened host family to experience the daily lifestyle and cultural traditions of a Costa Rican family. Begin each day with four hours of Spanish language instruction customized to your ability. Spend the afternoons working with a local credit union, experiencing first-hand member service techniques, products and services and interacting with management, staff and, most importantly, members!

In addition to working side by side with credit union professionals, participate in a marketing workshop, including participation from several Costa Rican credit unions to gain insight on effective strategies for reaching the Hispanic market and creating attractive products and designs.

See participants in action! View the photo gallery of highlights from the 2008 program.

Program Features

• Pre-trip orientation, on-site cultural orientation upon arrival and comprehensive guide for a successful immersion experience.
• Hotel accommodation on the first evening.
• Home stay with a pre-screened host family (required). Breakfast and dinner provided by the host family.
• Practical internship at a Costa Rican credit union branch. Participants may request to have their program tailored to any area of credit union operations including marketing, human resources, products and services, lending and collections, etc.
• Spanish classes at a qualified language school.
• Placement exam to ensure participants are in the level of class most beneficial to them (from beginners to native Spanish-speakers).
• Business/financial terminology will be learned.
• Four hours per day, Monday-Friday.
• One-on-one classes (availability depends on number of participants).
• Includes required textbooks and class fees.
  
• Several cultural activities and introduction to traditions.
• Dedicated WOCCU staff person on the ground to lead the program.
• AIG Evacuation Insurance in case of emergency.
• Participation in WOCCU's Costa Rican Marketing workshop on Friday, October 8th.

Register today!

Registration form and brochure coming soon! Please contact the number below to receive informational materials once they become available.

For more information, contact Joshua Fetting, International Partnerships Program Specialist, at jfetting@woccu.org or 608-395-2060.

NOTE: US citizens traveling to Costa Rica are required to carry a passport.

Price does not include air travel between the United States and Costa Rica or meals consumed outside of the host family residence.