WHAT WE LIKE - Key features of this program Located on the Pacificcoast, Samara beach is quite simply known to be one of the safest & prettiest beaches, ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling and surf/boogie boarding. School located across from the beach, modern, gardens, AC classrooms (all with a view of the ocean)...just stunning!

Enjoy a Spanish language course on the beach in Costa Rica, at our language school in the beach town of 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, which is also known as the Gold Coast, no other region of Costa Rica displays its cultural heritage as overtly as does Guanacaste. This region is also known for its beautiful weather and the sun bathes this region with a golden hue and gilds the surrounding landscape.

The Guancaste region is bordered by two mountain ranges, the Cordillera de Tilarán and the Cordillera de Guanacaste which provide splendid craggy backdrops to some of the country's most beautiful countryside. The perfect time to visit Guancaste is, luckily enough, year around.

No matter if you visit during the dry season or during the wet season, both provide spectacular advantages. The dry season affords the serious sun lover with plenty of beach time, while the wet season brings the trees into bloom with explosions of colors and fragrances. The rolling hills become carpeted in brilliant green.

The culture of this region owes much to the blending of Spanish and Chorotega, a pre-Columbian culture, descended from the Olmecs of Mexico. Costa Rica's nationals costume, music, and the national tree “the Guanacaste”, all emanate from this region.

Samara is a small town and students quickly come to know the local population and to feel at home in this warm and welcoming 'pueblo'. The beaches of Samara and Carrillo also offer a superb coral reef, 5 km of white sand and its own picturesque wooded island in the bay - Isla Chora. The tranquil ocean is ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling and surf/boogie boarding.

For the adventurous, Isla Chora is a short kayak or boat trip away, and there you may snorkel or simply sunbathe on this uninhabited island's deserted beach. Samara is not only a charming beach town, but also offers a wide choice of friendly restaurants, bars and discos, but, unlike other Pacific Ocean resorts, it is also a thriving fishing and farming community.

Nearby, students may visit Nicoya, the colonial capital of the region, or the indigenous areas where traditional ceramics and art still flourish. For those students who wish to stay longer, volunteer opportunities are available.

SCHOOL FACILITIES All classrooms have AC plus a view of the ocean, each classroom is also equipped with standard audio equipment, white board, and a large communal study space. During breaks and after class students can relax or study in a large open-air rancho used for dance classes or special cultural activities. The beautiful gardens also offer several lounge areas with chairs, and hammocks. Students can even go for a quick swim during their lunch break.

Our school could not be in a more perfect setting located in Playa Sámara, in a beautiful beach front building surrounded by tropical gardens!

Imagine learning the language in your classroom whilst looking out over the beach and ocean, this is truly an ideal location for beach lovers. Typical Tico seafood restaurants, bars, a local art gallery, internet café, pharmacy, laundry, supermarket, post office, medical clinic and car/bike rental are all within walking distance.

Students also have access to a kitchen for cooking classes and the school reception offers a tour services desk, where you can book and organize weekend excursions. Nearby restaurants and open air café bars provide ample places to relax and chat with friends, drink a coffee or try the delicious local fresh fruit shakes.

Occasionally our teachers hold classes outdoors either in the rancho, school tropical gardens, or on the beach under the shade of a palm tree. Ecological trips, community interviews and other activities help students practice Spanish "en vivo" with local Costa Ricans.

Our school offers an intimate and relaxed atmosphere with personal attention from the teachers, ideal for a relaxing educational holiday or experience. About 50% of students come from North America the rest are from around the world and the ages are normally between 20 – 36 years of age.

THE BASICS Course for all language levels - set dates for beginners - use of course materials - lessons are held in the mornings or afternoons, alternating in the green season so that everyone has a chance to enjoy the sunny mornings! - min age 17 - Max. 4 students per class - unlimited course length - taught entirely in Spanish. NOTE: Classes begin every Monday however you will be expected to have a placement interview prior to arrival, either by phone or in our facilities in the capital region (in Heredia, close to San Jose and the airport).

Standard: 4 lessons daily (20 lessons per week)

Receive transferable credits for your course
Undergraduate Credit Through Brookhaven College

Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program. We have a total of 12 levels, followed by 6 levels of specialized courses.

Each week, students will complete one level, moving up in weekly units through the comprehensive program. Students missing classes or falling behind may be asked to repeat a level, so we advise you to come to class and make sure you do your homework! In order to maintain academic consistency in material covered, classes containing only 1 student may be reduced to 3 hours per day instead of 4. Exceptions apply for academic credit candidates, and/or at the discretion of the program director.

Teachers are native speakers, university educated and have the credentials to teach Spanish as a second language. They are all certified by the schools "Professional Development Training Program" and regularly participate in ongoing seminars, both in Costa Rica and overseas, in order to remain abreast of current methodology trends and teaching concepts.

They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills entirely in Spanish. They will also use interactive techniques such as role-play and games to support lesson content. Current political, social and cultural materials are integrated to add interest and increase knowledge of the host country, history and culture. Homework assignments are given and students will be tested.

After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to immerse themselves completely in the life of the town. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates. In some cases, a small additional fee will be charged to cover local transport and entrance costs.

Activities offered could include: Latin dance and cooking classes, conversational interchanges with Tico students, a graduation party at the beachside café, mountain biking to nearby beaches or forests, playing pool and darts, trying out the local (typical dishes), horse riding, surfing or just hanging out at the beach.

At the weekend: take a trip to surrounding villages and towns, visit the complex ecosystems of the Monteverde Cloud forest and see a live volcano, Nicoya, the colonial capital of the region, sea turtles and protected parks, canopy tours and much more.

Pacific Ridley Sea turtles (the smallest of the world's six varieties of sea turtles) nest on several of the region's beaches, two of which are specifically protected: Ostional and ¨Grande¨ Beach. They nest more or less monthly in such quantities that the beach is literally covered with female turtles. Apart from the turtles, there are iguanas, crabs, howler monkeys, coati-mundi and many birds to be seen.

What to see & do in Samara

> Plan a group language program at this location! > GSA Advantage for US Government & Military personnel > Study & Live with your own private language teacher > Volunteer program - Sea Turtle Rescue Project, North > Volunteer program - Sea Turtle Rescue Project, South > 3 cities in 3 months - Heredia/Samara Beach/Monteverde > Spanish programs for children & teens

Host family: (private room) 2 meals daily

Airport pick up is included in San Jose if opting for a homestay in Samara Beach, please plan to arrive a day early.

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. Families live within walking distance of the school and bikes may also be rented for easy coming and going.

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 will provide basic living conditions with a small room, plain food, limited hot water, etc. but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.

Local hotel:(shared room) no meals

Students share rooms in a nice hotel, with fan or air Conditioned rooms, which also have a balcony or terrace. Rooms offer bedside tables, lamp, desk, and ample closet and drawer space.

The hotel safe is available to store valuables and laundry service is offered to students. Meals are available at the hotel or local restaurants and students may also use hotel facilities for basic cooking needs. Note: if choosing the hotel option, a weeks program only includes five nights!

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