The colonial city of Heredia, with a population of 50,000, is located six miles north of San José (approximately 20 minutes by bus). Known as the "City of Flowers", this city and its surrounding areas provide all the conveniences of a medium-sized town in an environment which has escaped, to a large extent, the normal urban problems affecting the capital. The city has a surprisingly youthful and active feel despite its small size. This is due to the presence of the many young Costa Ricans attending the National University, which is located here. Many of Costa Rica's famous coffee plantations surround Heredia and one can still see ox-carts loaded with beans being pulled from the plantations.

In the small rural villages and farms surrounding Heredia, students can witness a very different way of life compared to that of the cities. Close by and easily accessible from Heredia are volcanoes (best known is Irazu), numerous beaches and the beautiful national parks. However, if you are looking for good night life or interested in museums and theatres, San Jose is only a short bus ride away.

The city which was founded in 1706 and unlike most Costa Rican town's, it has a colonial character. The Parque Central has many buildings surrounding it including the La Inmaculada Concepcion which was built in 1797 and the colonial tower of of El Fortin. The University Nacional is of interest and it has an excellent marine biology dept. (Museo Zoomarino) which displays 2000 specimens of Costa Rica's marine diversity.

Other activities or excursions include a visit to Cartago city the most historical city in the Central Valley (founded in 1563), the Butterfly Farm located just outside of San José, The Aerial tram is only one hour from Heredia and is one of the biggest and most biologically diverse parks in Costa Rica and white water rafting is also an unforgettable experience. Heredia is a great central location for access to both the valley and mountain regions however the beaches and coast are only a few hours drive away.

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.

San Jose has an international airport (Juan Santamar'a) which is located about (18 km) from the city.
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Easy access to Heredia and San Jose
Visit coffee plantations
Local market and handicrafts
Jaco beach trip
Latin dance classes
Meet the local students who study at the school
Daily latin dance classes
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Occupying a old Spanish colonial-style house, our school is centrally located allowing students easy access to public transportation, shops and entertainment. In addition, classes are offered at the annex in Jacó Beach, usually the last week of each month.

The school is small but offers a very relaxed and friendly environment in which to learn Spanish. It has a nice patio, dance studio, nice classrooms, kitchen and can hold about 100 students. Daily activities might include, Latin dance classes, lectures, movies, or cooking classes.

It has many students from North America but also many from Germany and Switzerland. During summer many college students, otherwise mainly ages 19-40. They also teach local students English, so it offers the students a opportunity to meet other local students.
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Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week) Max. 6 students per class.

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. For more information please see Prices and Start Dates.

Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. Lessons are usually held in the mornings, starting at 9 am, which leave the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.

Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. They 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. Homework assignments are given and students will be tested. For more information please see Course Outline.

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. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates, experience cultural and social activities together, and also practice your new language skills in real life situations. In some cases, a small additional fee will be charged to cover local transport and entrance costs.

Activities could include trips to local galleries, museums, theatres or events football (soccer) games,trips to the bowling alley or roller-skating rink, special dance or theater shows, discussion groups, live music discos and more. For some of the more important national holidays the staff presents eduational performances relevant to the occasion, in which student interaction is highly encouraged!

At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions are slightly more expensive than the daily activities ($10-$40), as they are normally full day or full weekend excursions and could include (transport, meals entrance fees and even accommodation). If you are interested in sight-seeing by yourself or with other class mates, our school staff are more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have and help you book local travel or excursions.

NOTES: School is closed on all public holidays, private lessons and options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes, you will be studying with students from around the world, lessons run from Monday - Friday , you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take the placement test, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.
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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 5 to 15 minutes walk away.

Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. Your family provides a laundry service.

Staying in a family is a truly wonderful experience and many students make lifetime friends with their host family. 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.

NOTES: Airport transfers to the accommodation may be included or available (at an additional cost, please check price page), the Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat at home. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Extra nights are available at extra cost. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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