Spanish Language School in San Jose, Costa Rica
FAQs
- Where is the school located?
It is located in Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose. The area of the city where the school is located is Guadalupe, in residential area Miraflores. The school is conveniently located 6 blocks away from the University of Costa Rica, and about 8 blocks from the mall San Pedro. Downtown Costa Rica is only about 10 minutes away by bus.
- How long are your programs and when can I start?
All our programs are very flexible, and may begin any Monday of the month under group instruction and any day of the week under private tutoring. You may book from as little as one week, and up to as many weeks or months as you desire!
Spanish classes typically run Monday through Friday, though we have an alternative option for students who wish to make the most from their time in Costa Rica where the classes only run Monday through Thursday, giving them the opportunity to enjoy a longer weekend for tours and excursions!
Spanish programs for specialty purposes (Medical, Legal, Business, etc.) run Monday through Friday only.
- What Spanish programs does the school offer?
Spanish courses are offered in small groups under the Regular program for 4 hours per day, and the Intensive program for 6 hours per day. Spanish under group instruction cover general Spanish practice, combining conversation with grammar practice. To ensure that students are exposed to different expressions, vocabulary, accents, and teaching styles, there may be a different teacher every week.
Individual tutoring is arranged from as little as one hour per day and on, and can be combined with any group program of your preference to enhance your learning! Under private instruction students may also choose Spanish programs for specific purposes, such as Spanish for Teachers, Business Spanish, Medical Spanish (approved by the Texas UTMB), and Spanish for Missionaries or Religious Organizations; which can be arranged for 4 and 6 hours per day combining general Spanish practice and specific terminology.
For mature students, we offer Spanish for Mature Adults specifically geared for students of 50 years of age and up, taking into consideration their learning needs. This is an excellent program which runs only Monday through Thursday for 3 hours per day in a group setting with other students of similar Spanish ability, including weekend tours and weekly cultural activities.
- What is the average age range of students who usually attend the courses?
Students of all ages are welcome to attend, though the estimated age range throughout the year is 25 to 75. From college aged students, to busy working persons, to senior students, Spanish programs are available for everyone!
- What are the class schedules?
Morning classes are most common, starting at 8 A.M. and concluding at 12 P.M. (4 hours), or from 8 A.M. to 12 P.M. and from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. (6 hours). Afternoon classes can also be arranged upon availability, and private lessons can be booked at any time during the day. Classes for mature adults take place from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M.
- How many levels of Spanish do you offer, and how large are your classes?
Throughout the year our school offers classes suitable for learners of all levels. Students are administered a placement test prior to begin their classes, and each is incorporated in a group class (if requested) according to his/her knowledge of Spanish.
We teach in small groups of no more than 6 students (average of 2 or 3 students per class), assuring the personalized attention to each students' needs; while private classes are one-on-one.
- What are your options for accommodation and what does each option include?
For accommodation, the options available are the Homestay program with a traditional Costa Rican family, shared apartments with other students, or private apartments for more private and exclusive lodging.
In the homestay program, all families are carefully screened and accustomed to hosting foreign students, and live within the area of the school so that students may either walk to class each day or take the bus. The host families are patient and extend themselves to help our students to learn Spanish! The program includes your private bedroom or shared if you will be attending along a companion, two meals per day (breakfast and dinner), cleaning, and laundry service once per week. Host families are accustomed to accommodating vegetarian guests, or guests with specific dietary restrictions, so this should not be a major concern when choosing your preferred lodging.
The shared apartments are furnished, and include your individual bedroom or shared if you will be traveling with a companion, shared living room with cable T.V., WiFi, an equipped kitchen for you to do your own cooking (meals not included), washing machine for you to do your own laundry, and parking. Shared apartments are very close to the school, only two blocks away!
Private apartments are also furnished, and include a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom, safety box, and access to a laundry room for you to do your own laundry. Also included are your daily breakfast, WiFi, and parking, and computers are available for you to use at the complex lobby. Private apartments are located at a distance of 15 minutes away from school by foot, and apartments are available from small studios, to two bedroom master suites.
If none of these options suits your needs, we can also provide you a list of hotels around the school area for you to choose.
- How long is accommodation arranged for?
All accommodation options are booked for 7 days and 6 nights, starting one day before your classes commence and ending one day upon completion of your program (i.e. Sunday through Saturday). Additional accommodation nights can be booked for an additional fee upon request, in case you want to arrive earlier or depart later.
- Is San Jose a safe place?
San Jose is a safe city where people are friendly and warm, but being a major city in a developing country, it can also be as unsafe as any other city in the world. In order to avoid running into unpleasant situations visitors must always follow safety precautions, like leaving important belongings in a safe place at their place of lodging, or never flashing large amounts of money in public. Expensive or flashy jewelry are a no-no in Costa Rica, so dress casual and forget about being ostentatious, for pick pocketing is common in certain areas.
Be aware that as a foreigner you are seen to possess great wealth, whether or not this is true; so use common sense and enjoy your stay!
- What do the programs include? All Spanish Programs Include:
Placement evaluation and welcome orientation session
Spanish classes as booked, Monday through Friday or Monday through Thursday
Arranging of weekday and weekend tours and excursions
Spanish course material
Internet access at the school computers and connection Wi-Fi
Lending of books at the school’s library
Cultural activities in the afternoons (dancing, cooking, city tour, etc.)
Participation certificate
*Spanish programs booked along with lodging in a homestay or shared apartment also include a complimentary pick-up service (one way) from Juan Santamaria International Airport upon arrival.
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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