WHAT WE LIKE - Key features of this program By studying in several locations and countries, it allows the student to see more of the country, and experience the regional differences in both culture and language. Students will spend a month in each city, live with a host family, study 4 lessons of Spanish daily and enjoy many cultural activities related to that region. Live in three different cities / towns - experience the difference in regions, culture and atmosphere - experience regional dialects - live & eat with local host families - airport pick included at all locations - make new friends each month!

This program is designed to give students the experience of studying the Spanish language abroad in three different, exciting locations in Costa Rica:

HEREDIA: The colonial city of Heredia, with a population of 50,000, is located six miles north of San José. Known as the "City of Flowers", this city and its surrounding areas provide all the conveniences of a medium-sized town in an environment that has escaped the normal urban problems affecting the capital.

SAMARA BEACH: Samara beach is quite simply known as one of the safest and prettiest beaches in Costa Rica. Located on the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste region, it is known for its beautiful weather, cultural heritage, Sea turtles, reef, fishing and farming communities.

MONTEVERDE: Located in a rural region about a 4.5-hour bus ride from San José, Monteverde is a small village community located on the Tilaran mountain range (5,600 feet) and is one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations. Monteverde's biggest attraction is the Cloud Forest, a private reserve that spans the Continental Divide.

TRAVEL BETWEEN LOCATIONS
Airfare and transportation is not included in the program price, but can be arranged by the student upon confirmation of enrollment. Connections between schools are easy via public transport or our Flexible (hop on/hop off) bus pass (Please see travel information below).

SCHOOL FACILITIES All school are centrally located with well equipped classrooms, similar size and facilities offering access to the internet and e-mail, offer a good mix of international students and are close to all amenties.

Our featured schools are all a similar standard, atmosphere and same methodology in teaching the language.

For school profiles, please click on school location:
Heredia | Samara Beach | Monteverde

THE BASICS Course for all language levels - set course dates - use of course materials - each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of each 4 week course - lessons are usually held in the mornings starting at 9am - 4 lessons daily - min age 18 - Max. 6 students per class (at all locations) - 12 week course length (4 weeks at each location) - schools closed on public holidays

Explorer Program: (20 lessons per week)
Set 12 week program - 4 weeks in each location

Receive transferable credits for this course
Undergraduate Credit Through Brookhaven College

Our program caters for all language levels with set start dates, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program.

This program offers you the opportunity to experience the difference in regional Spanish dialects and culture. All teachers are qualified to teach Spanish and are University educated with years of teaching experience.

Each student will be expected to take a short placement test upon arrival at each destination to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. The student's ability and language proficiency should improve throughout the program.

The course will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. Teachers will also use interactive techniques such as role-play, games and perhaps videos to support lesson content. Current political, social and cultural materials are integrated to add interest and increase knowledge of the host country and culture.

After classes are over for the day our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life.

Cultural and Social Activities:
local activities could include: workshops, lectures, social evenings, trips to local galleries, museums, dance or cooking classes, theatres and places of interest. During your free time relax or explore on your own.

On the weekend many students can arrange to take excursions to local cities or local places of interest.

Host Family (private room - 2 meals daily)

Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained.

As many of our host families live in the surrounding neighborhoods, the trip to school, is usually not more than 10 to 25 minutes away.

However, you should also have realistic expectations and recognize that an element of flexibility is required to adjust to the local customs and way of life. Your host family may not have the same comforts as your own home but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.

Booking a course is easy, please click on the "Prices & Start Dates" button below. If you have an additional questions, please CONTACT US!

STUDENT FEEDBACK "I had an absolutely wonderful time doing the Costa Rican explorer program. The language schools were phenomoenal and I learned an incredible amount of spanish while I was there. Living with my host families was my favorite part of the whole experience I made long lasting relationships with all three. Living in three diferent regions of Costa Rica for one month each was a great way to immerse in Costa Rican culture and I learned a great deal about the country and the people. I highly recommend the costa rica explorer program." Tegan C. (age 26) ________________________________ "The staff at Languages Abroad were extreamly helpful prior to my departure for my experience abroad. Every question was answered to the fullest and they made me feel prepared and ready for my experience. I had intended on requesting to stay at a hotel instead of doing a home stay, but my father made me at least try the homestay. It was the best experience and it added so much to my trip. I now have a family in Costa Rica forever. The teachers and staff were phenomenal. The school itself was beautiful. There were activities planned for each day and each activity broadened my outlook even more. Dont just think about it, DO IT!!! My experience with Languages Abroad was ten times what I could have imagined. If they have any interest whatsoever, please, please do it!" Theresa P. (age 24)

Arrival airport: SAN JOSE
Students should plan to arrive into San Jose international airport (Juan Santamar'a) which is located about (10 km) from Heredia.

Passports / Visa / Length of stay: It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad.

Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.

Useful links:
General travel tips & links
What to expect in a typical week
What to expect in the classroom
Expectations of Studying Abroad
Test your language proficiency

Our most popular Q & A:
Before you travel - Q & A
Travel & arrival - Q & A
Course and class - Q & A
Accommodation options - Q & A
After classes - Q & A
Safety issues - Q & A