Learn Spanish Abroad
Spanish Language Schools
San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose FAQ'S

1. Why should I study in San Jose?
   Our goal is to provide our students with an invaluable learning experience as well as a cultural experience. We feel that immersion is the best way to learn Spanish as a second language. We have the staff with the expertise and experience to help you progress quickly and enjoyably in your study of Spanish. We offer Intensive and Regular Immersion Spanish language courses. We conduct Spanish Programs specifically for medical professionals, Programs for Spanish Teachers, and many others in the Spanish language. Our Spanish courses in San Jose, Costa Rica 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. Beginning, intermediate and advanced Spanish classes are intentionally kept small with no more than a maximum of six students per group so that we may give more attention to your specific needs and to create a better overall dynamic in the class.



2. Where is your Partner School located in San Jose ?
   Our Partner School is located in the area of Guadalupe, in pleasant residential area of Miraflores. It is conveniently located only 6 blocks from the University, and about 8 blocks from San Jose's largest mall, San Pedro.



3. How long are your programs? When can I start?
   Our programs are very flexible; running from one week to any length of time you want, depending on your objective. The programs start every Monday of the week, all-year-round.



4. What are your different programs?
   We offer many different programs such as:
   
   • Regular Program
   • Intensive Program
   • Medical Spanish
   • Spanish for Teachers
   • Spanish for Business
   • Spanish for Missionaries and Religious groups



5. What is the average age range of students, and who would typically attend?
   We welcome students of all ages and educational backgrounds, though the average age range is between 25 and 75. Younger students are welcome to attend programs specially designed to meet their needs under private tutoring.



6. How many levels of Spanish are offered?
   Beginning intermediate and advanced Spanish classes. We intentionally keep our classes small as small class size enables us to give more attention to students' needs and to create a better dynamic in the classroom.



7. What are the class schedules?
   Regular Program 4 hrs: 8.00 am to 12 pm, or 1 pm to 4 pm
   Intensive Program 6 hrs: 8.00 am to 12 pm, and 1 pm to 3 pm
   Individual classes can be arranged at any time, mornings and afternoons



8. May I take one-on-one instruction?
   A student can receive one-on-one instruction if he or she desires. Individual tutoring lessons may take place from one hour per day and on, though 4 and 6 hour per day schedules are established for general Spanish and Spanish for specific purposes.



9. Do you have experience teaching advanced students?
   Certainly our Partner School has many years of experience, and teaching advanced learners is absolutely no exception! Advanced students can benefit from Spanish programs focused on topics such as literature, history and culture, politics, and much more!



10. How is level placement assessed?
    Your level of Spanish will be evaluated through a placement test administered before classes start on the first day. Depending on your result you will be placed in a class with participants at your same level. If it happens that you are the only student taking classes at a certain level, you will still take the number of class hours you signed up for, plus have the benefit of your teacher's attention all to yourself at no extra cost until a group can be formed!



11. Will I have the same professor every week?
    To ensure that students are exposed to different expressions, vocabulary, accents and teaching styles, there may be a different teacher every week.



12. Can I come to study with my family?
    If you are planning to travel with your children, you are welcome to have them attend the school and learn the Spanish Language at the same time as you. Children classes are only available under private tutoring.



13. What are your host families like?
    The homestay program will give you the opportunity to live with a traditional Costa Rican family throughout the time of your classes, and even for longer periods upon request! Host families are carefully selected according to student preferences (i.e. with or without children, with or without pets, non.smoking, vegetarian, etc.), and all have many years of experience hosting foreign students. Families will do their best to make you feel as welcome and comfortable as possible! Please be aware that host families speak in Spanish only to meet the purpose of providing you a full immersion environment, though it is likely (but not guaranteed) for more than one family member to be able to speak English as well.



14. What does the Homestay program include?
    The program includes your individual bedroom, 2 daily meals (breakfast and dinner), cleaning, and laundry service once per week. The program begins one day before your Spanish classes start and ends one day after your program concludes (Sunday through Saturday morning), but additional nights can be arranged for an additional fee of $18 USD each.



15. Can families, spouses or travel companions stay in the same homestay?
    This is certainly possible, as some host families have enough space to host two or more students at the same time. All persons staying with you at your host home are required to pay for their accommodation at a cost of $18 USD per night, including also their half board (2 meals per day), cleaning, and laundry service once per week.



16. Should I bring a gift for my family?
    If you would like to bring your host family a gift, we recommend something that is particular to your place of residence or home town (perhaps a mug or a tee shirt). Other popular gifts have included kitchen items (tea towels, pot holders, etc.), chocolates, and candy. Please know that families do not expect gifts, so please do not feel obligated to bring anything.



17. How long may I take advantage of the homestay program for?
    You are welcome to stay with your host family for as long as you wish, throughout your time in classes, and even longer. Be aware that special rates are honoured while taking the Spanish programs, but any additional accommodation time is required to be paid at a cost of $18 USD per night.



18. I am a vegetarian; can the family accommodate my needs?
    Yes, host families are accustomed to cooking for vegetarian guests. Also the Costa Rican diet typically has many vegetarian dishes.



19. If I am not interested in a homestay--what are my options?
    There are suggested hotels in the area close to our Partner School. Please request a list, or see the options listed at: www.spanish-school.com.mx/costarica/sanjose-accommodation.php



20. How safe is Costa Rica?
    We definitely understand your concerns about travelling abroad. However, 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, travellers should always use their common sense and best judgment, especially when visiting major cities.



21. Can I join any excursions during the week or weekends?
    You can book half day tours on Wednesdays throughout your stay to beautiful places surrounding Costa Rica. Excursions include visits to Costa Rica's highest active volcanoes "Poas" and "Irazu", a visit to the Orosi orchid valley, tours to the artisan craft towns of Grecia and Sarchi for souvenir shopping, a tour of a coffee plantation, and a visit to the butterfly farm.
    
    Other tours can be arranged on the weekends, and are also an excellent option to get to know many of the country's attractions. Do not miss a weekend at the beach (Pacific or Caribbean, you name it!), hiking through the rain forest, white water rafting, enjoying a cruise to Turtle Island, visiting the stunning waterfalls of "La Paz", and much more! All tours have an additional cost, and we would be happy to send you further details upon request.



22. Will I have Airport Transportation?
    We can arrange your pick up from the Juan Santamaria International airport in San Jose upon your arrival. This service is complimentary (one way only) if you will be booking accommodation with your host family, or will have a cost of $20 USD if you will be making other accommodation arrangements. If you wish to be taken back to the airport upon your departure we will be happy to arrange this service for you as well, though please consider that the service will have an extra cost depending on the area of your residence.



23. What is included in the Program?
    Spanish Programs Include:
    
    • Placement evaluation and welcome orientation session
    • Spanish classes as booked, Monday through Friday
    • Arranging of weekend and half day weekly tours (some programs include Wednesday tours)
    • Spanish course material
    • Internet access at the school computers and connection Wi-Fi
    • Cultural activities in the afternoons (dancing, cooking, city tour, etc.)
    • Participation certificate