Spanish Language School in Alajuela, Costa Rica
FAQs
- Where is the school located?
It is located in the town of La Guacima, 10 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, and about 20 minutes from Alajuela city and the capital city of San Jose. The town of La Guacima is small, peaceful and quiet, and offers its visitors the perfect opportunity for relaxation and total Spanish immersion!
- How long are your programs and when can I start?
The Spanish courses are designed to be flexible; we offer courses of study for only one week to as many weeks or months you may require. We are completely willing to adjust schedules according to your needs! Classes run Monday through Friday, and new courses begin every week. Group classes start on Mondays, and individual instruction can begin either on Mondays, or on any other day throughout the week.
- What Spanish programs does the school offer?
Spanish instruction is provided in a group setting, or one-on-one under private tutoring. Group classes are imparted under the Regular program for 4 hours per day, or the Intensive program for 5.5 hours per day. Individual lessons may start from one hour per day and on, and you can combine a Regular group course with individual instruction to enhance your learning.
If you are traveling with your family, courses of Spanish for Teens and Spanish for Kids are available, and Babysitting service is available for children from 0 to 3 years of age. For professionals, we offer the specialty courses Spanish for Teachers and Medical Spanish.
- What is the average age range of students who usually attend the courses?
Students of all ages are welcome to attend! The age range of students is 20 to 75 throughout the year, though younger students most commonly attend in the summer time (June-July).
- What are the class schedules?
Morning classes take place from 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. (4 hours) or from 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and from 2 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. (6 hours). Afternoon lessons are also available starting at 1 P.M.
- How many levels of Spanish do you offer, and how large are your classes?
Spanish classes are available for all learners, from absolute basic to proficient. A level assessment is administered prior to begin classes on the first day to make sure you are placed in a level suitable to your skills, and with other learners of your same ability (if taking group courses).
Classes quickly advance due to the fact that they are entirely in Spanish, and each week a specific grammatical sequence is presented. Our instructors are skilled at blending conversation with grammar to meet every student’s individual needs. We try to make learning grammar fun! Each week students change professors in order to be exposed to different expressions, vocabulary, accents, and teaching styles.
Groups are never larger than 4 students, as classes are intentionally kept small to enable us to give more attention to your needs and to create a better dynamic in the classroom.
Individual lessons are one-on-one, but for students attending with a friend, relative or significant other and who share the same Spanish skills; we can also arrange private classes for two or more persons with the same tutor upon request!
- What are your options for accommodation and what does each option include?
For accommodation you can choose from staying with a Costa Rican family as part of the Homestay program, or staying on campus in a single room or private apartment.
The homestay program includes your individual bedroom, three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), cleaning service, and laundry service twice per week. Host families are all very sociable and outgoing, and all host homes are located within walking distance from school.
Single rooms are hotel-like rooms equipped with a private bathroom, single or double bed, cable T.V., and air conditioning, and include your daily breakfast. This is ideal for one or two persons traveling together, and who prefer having more individual lodgings.
Private apartments have one or two bedrooms, and can accommodate up to 4 persons. These are elegantly furnished and equipped with a kitchen for you to do your own cooking (meals not included), and include air conditioning, cable T.V., and a private bathroom.
Additionally, on campus accommodation includes access to our facilities, like the Olympic size swimming pool, cafeteria, internet access at the school computers and wireless connection, currency exchange service, and tourist information and agency.
- How long is accommodation arranged for?
Accommodation is arranged for 8 days and 7 nights, starting one day before your program begins and concluding on the second day upon completion of your course (i.e. Sunday through Sunday). You can also request to have additional accommodation nights arranged, should you wish to arrive earlier or depart later.
- Is Alajuela a safe place?
Being a small town, Alajuela is a very safe location. In general, Costa Rica is a serene country that is committed to upholding its history of peace and diplomacy. The nation also depends greatly on tourism and you will be treated with great respect and kindness.
However, as when visiting any other place in the world, travelers should always use common sense and their best judgment, when visiting small areas or larger cities alike.
- What do the programs include?
Round trip transportation to and from the airport
Books and other materials
Snacks and beverages (coffee, tea, and water) during breaks
Use of the facilities (swimming pool, sport fields, etc.)
Latino dancing classes
Costa Rican cooking classes
Alajuela City tour
Participation certificate
USA: 1-866-306 5040
England: 0-800-404 9844
Australia: 1-800-0611 0136
Canada: 1-877-442 0845
New Zealand: 0-800-449-282
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST
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