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 and 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.

The best of the museums are the Museo Nacional (Costa Rican archaeology, colonial furniture, costumes and religious art) the Museo del Oro Precolombino (collection of pre-Columbian gold pieces) and the Museo de Jade, with the world's largest collection of American jade sculptures. The city has some wonderful architecture including the Teatro Nacional, which was built in the 1890s and hosts performances by the National Symphony Orchestra.

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. The nearby town of Cartago was founded in 1563, but destroyed by earthquakes 1841 and 1910. Other trips could include the crater of Irazú or the beautiful valley of Orosi, with its colonial church.

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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Close to local university, campus nightlife
Indian markets
Close to downtown, good central location to travel from
Plaza de la Cultural
Hiking and walking in the surrounding areas
Very professional school ideal for business people
Excellent school facilities
Academic credit available
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Our school is located between San Pedro and Zapote a quiet and safe suburb of San José only ten minutes bus ride from the city center. Buses run every ten minutes to the city center from 5am to 11pm, taxis cost approx. $2 one way.

Housed in a modern building, the school offers an informal atmosphere perfect for small group instruction. Facilities include nice 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.

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.
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Standard: (20 lessons per week).
Group lessons held 8am to 12noon or 1am to 5pm according to the student's preference.
Standard PLUS: (30 lessons per week) same as standard PLUS 2 private lessons daily.
Group lessons held 8am to 12noon, private instruction from 1:15 to 3:15.
Private: (20 lessons per week)
Lessons held 8am to 12noon or 1am to 5pm according to the student's preference.
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.

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. Maximum group class is 6 students, average 3.

Most students prefer morning classes; nevertheless, 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.

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.

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. Our optional cultural and social activities could include: trips to local markets, trips to places of interest such as museums and a night at the theater.

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 courses 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 many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. 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.

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.

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. If your family does not provide a laundry service, they may allow you to use the laundry facilities for a small additional charge.

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.

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. PLease visit the school photo gallery for apartment photos.