WHAT WE LIKE - Key features of this program Capital city, safe city, school close to downtown, 10 minute bus trip from the center of San Jose, small family school with relaxed atomsphere - 2 hours from beach

Enjoy a Spanish language course or holiday in Costa Rica at our language school in the city of San Jose.

The capital, San José was founded in 1737 and has a pleasant mixture of traditional and modern Spanish architecture. With a population of over half a million, San Jose is the political and administrative center of the country. San Jose is the transportation hub of the country, so most students spend at least a few days in the city.

The streets are narrow and busy, the liveliest place in the city can be found at the Plaza de la Cultural, the city's hub, where musicians, artists, and street vendors work the crowds.

It also has several excellent museums, some great restaurants, colorful markets and a fine climate. Mercado Central is the best market for bargains; it has a range of goods including lots of local leather work, and some of the cheapest meals in town.

San Jose is the best place to meet the local people ("the ticos", as native Costa Ricans are called), they are famous for their generosity and good humor. San José has a very active nightlife with many nightclubs and venues with traditional folk music and dance.

Outside the city center is the sprawling Sabana Park, which houses the Museum of Costa Rican Art in the former airport terminal. San José is also a good center for excursions into the beautiful Meseta Central region.

SCHOOL FACILITIES Modern building, 12 classrooms, terrace area, students have access to computers with internet access, social area with snacks. School apartments are also located only one block from the school and close to the local San Jose university.

Our school is located between San Pedro and Zapote in a quiet and safe suburb of San José only ten minutes bus ride from the city center. It offers a residential feel within the city!

Housed in a modern building with good facilities, our school is popular due to its friendly staff and professional teachers. Between breaks the school offers free juice, fruit & coffee and after class many host families are within walking distance or a short bus trip.

The school has also developed its own grammar books, workbooks and teaching materials to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. The books and materials to be used in class are included in the tuition.

The location is ideal, away from the hustle & bustle of the city center however just a 10 minute bus ride to downtown (the nearest bust stop is a 2 minute walk from the school and a taxi costs $2.00 one way).

The local University neighborhood is only 10 minutes away and offers a lively nightlife with student bars, live music & many restaurants for all budgets!

THE BASICS Course for all language levels - set dates for beginners - use of course materials - each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning - lessons are usually held in the mornings starting at 8am - min age 18 - Max. 10 students per class (average of 5 students) during the Intensive program, the additional lessons in the afternoon have a class size of 6 students..

Standard: (20 lessons per week).
Group lessons held 8am to 12noon or 1am to 5pm according to the student's preference.

Combined: 4 group lessons daily PLUS 2 private lessons daily (30 lessons per week)
Group lessons held 8am to 12noon, private instruction from 1:15 to 3:15.

Volunteer work:
It is possible to do volunteer work in San José while you are studying or outside of San José after finishing your Spanish program. Click HERE for more information.

Summer teenager program: for ages 13-17

Most students prefer morning classes. During the rainy season (May to November) it is usually sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon. Thus, it is more advisable to take afternoon classes. Groups may be divided whenever a student demonstrates a different pace of learning. There are two ten-minute breaks between classes in which students and teachers enjoy coffee, juice, fruit and other snacks.

Class methodology is based on the modern communicative approach emphasizing conversation. Students will learn the language by using it in practical situations, facilitating their ability to think in Spanish. The classes are well organized and follow daily lesson plans. All teachers plan their day's classes in advance, in order to incorporate each student's particular needs.

Teachers are rotated every week to ensure that the student is exposed to a variety of Spanish accents.

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.

Activities could include:enjoy the active city nightlife, traditional folk music and dance, hiking /walking in the surrounding areas, local boca bars. Lectures, slide-shows guided visits to the National Museum, cooking classes and central market visit.

Meringue and salsa dance lessons are also offered once a week. Students can also participate in cooking classes. Dancing and cooking classes are available at no extra cost.

In addition to the Spanish classes, the following courss are offered any time of the year in a private tutoring session: Business Spanish, Medical Spanish, Intercultural Communication, Spanish American Culture and Civilization and Latin American Current Events.

At the weekend optional excursions include: Arenal Volcano, this volcano with its perfect conical shape allows breathtaking views of volcanic action going on at the summit. Visit various cloud forest reserves and Sky Trek which is a system of trails, suspension bridges, and zip lines that offers visitors the opportunity to observe and appreciate tropical vegetation from different vantage points, above the canopy or visit local beaches about 2 hours from San Jose.

> 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

Accommodation photos - click to enlarge:

Host Family: (private room - 2 meals daily)
Costa Ricans are excellent hosts who love to receive visitors and will take pride in making you feel at home. Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of Costa Rica.

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 15 minutes walk away. However during peak times (June & July) students may have to catch a bus for about 15 minutes.

Self catering apartments: (private or shared room)
Students can also choose to stay in fully furnished apartments which are located just one block from the school.

Each apartment has a computer with internet access through cable modem, refrigerator, stove, microwave oven, cooking utensils and TV. Room cleaning service is provided. Each apartments has 3 bedrooms with a double bed in each room. It is possible to rent the whole apartment or just one room.

Booking a course online is easy using our
ONLINE SECURE PAYMENT METHOD
(simply scroll to the top of the page and follow the steps)

If you prefer not to book online, please click on the
"Prices & Start Dates" button below. If you have an additional questions, please CONTACT US!