Whether you want to study Spanish for one week, one month or one year, local language schools have perfectly designed courses to meet your needs. Imagine arriving in exotic Costa Rica and being met by new local friends who can quickly orientate you to life in this exciting new country.
Best Spanish Courses in Costa Rica
Study Spanish in Costa Rica
• 1-12 weeks
• Price from £745
Study Spanish in Costa Rica
Immersing yourself in the language daily is the fastest way to learn any new language and Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Latin America to study.
See it, speak it, and practice it in everyday life. Before you know it, with one of the highly successful programs, you will soon be thinking in Spanish too! Students are provided with a total immersion program so that they are exposed to an authentic Costa Rican cultural experience.
Time in Costa Rica studying a beginners intensive course, ‘in situ’, is the equivalent to many months of learning theory elsewhere. Tune in to local chatter, read the signs in local shops, and hear the dialect. Your brain is subconsciously learning 24/7 when you study in Spanish with a residential course.
Some private schools specializing in Spanish language instruction have been operating since the 1980’s and have helped thousands of students from all over the world improve their Spanish language skills.
Schools have permanent teaching staff of native Spanish-speaking instructors. During the high season our staff increases in order to ensure small groups and personalized attention. Teachers are accredited with the Costa Rican Department of Education. All instructors usually hold university degrees in Spanish, Education, Linguistics or Philology, from either the University of Costa Rica or the Universidad Nacional (the two most prestigious universities in the country).
A lot of language schools in Costa Rica are completely owned and staffed by Costa Ricans, therefore ensuring a genuine cultural experience. Immersion programs provide students with the opportunity to experience the language and culture of Costa Rica first-hand.
You can start courses any time year-round, study for as long as you want and with as many hours of instruction per day as you wish. Schools offer long term courses as well as intensive programs for students. Spanish courses focus on students and their individual language goals and needs providing an intimate class size and a variety of programs and schedules.
Morning classes start at 9:00 a.m. and run until 12:00 noon. Then there is a lunch break from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Afternoon classes are from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (for students receiving 4hrs/day), from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (for students receiving 5 hrs/day) or 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (for students receiving 6 hrs/day).
All classes are usually conducted completely in Spanish. This is the ideal setting to improve your conversation skills and fluency. Therefore, classes have designed to ensure maximum student participation. Homestay programs also provide additional opportunities for conversation.
Top Places to Learn Spanish in Costa Rica
The larger towns and cities, as well as popular tourist destinations are where most schools are located, including: San José, Heredia, Monteverde, Montezuma, Samara Beach, Puerto Limón, San Joaquin de Flores, Alajuela, Cartago, Nicoya and Nosara. For more options in this region view our guide to the best Spanish schools in Central America.
Spanish Schools in San José
San José is the capital of Costa Rica, and situated in the middle of the country, it is the most convenient location for traveling to all tourist attractions in Costa Rica. Only in San José´s transportation hubs you can find buses that will take you directly to the Atlantic coast, the Pacific coast, the Arenal volcano, Monteverde cloud forest and many other destinations.
You can find modern and comfortable facilities in a warm, homelike atmosphere. Most schools are located in quiet and secure neighborhoods, walking distance from downtown and within easy access to museums, theaters, restaurants, stores and bus stations.
In addition, in San José you will find social and cultural activities year-round, including concerts at the national theater, music festivals, university fairs, dance clubs and all types of restaurants.
Extracurricular Activities
Costa Rican Cooking Classes
Learn to prepare authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Cooking classes are offered every week. These classes are taught completely in Spanish and they help you enrich your vocabulary, experiment with exotic recipes and enjoy the many tropical fruits and vegetables our country has to offer.
Latin Dance Classes
Learn to dance like a Latin with daily dance lessons. Some schools arrange Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bolero and the latest Latin Dance Rhythms. As a student of Spanish (with or without Homestay) you may participate in as many dance classes as you wish.
Some schools offer 2 hours of dance classes every afternoon, after Spanish classes. Patient and experienced instructors will help you discover the joy and fun of Latin dance. This is a great way to exercise, meet friends and learn more about Costa Rican culture.
