Costa Rica Language Schools

Enrolling at a language school has two major perks: a slightly less rigorous courseload and the ability to learn exactly what those kids in Puntarenas are calling you under their breath. There can be great variety in language schools—independently run, affiliated with a larger university, local, international—but one thing is constant: they rarely offer college credit. Their programs are also good for younger high-school students who might not feel comfortable with older students in a university program. Some organizations include:

A2Z Languages, 5112 N. 40th St., Ste. 101, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA (Canada and US ☎+1 800-496-4596, worldwide 602 778 6794; www.a2zlanguages.com), offers 1-week to 4-week group or private language programs and arranges educational and cultural tours. Includes homestay, 2 meals per day, airport pickup. US$370-3500.
Academia Latinoamericana de Español S.A., Apdo. 1280-2050, San Pedro, Montes de Oca, San José, Costa Rica (☎2224 9917; www.alespanish.com). Spanish taught in small groups of no more than 6 students. Homestay program (US$150 per week). Classes start every M. US$170 per week. US$17 per hr. of private class.
AmeriSpan Study Abroad, 117 S. 17th St., Ste. 1401, Philadelphia, USA (Canada and US ☎800-879-6640, worldwide 215 751 1100; www.amerispan.com), offers 1-week to 6-month language immersion and study abroad programs in Alajuela, Heredia, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Playa Flamingo, Playa Sámara, San José, San Joaquín de Flores, and Tamarindo. Classes start every M. College credit available. US$100 registration fee. Classes start at US$260 per week, includes 4hr. daily classes with the option of private lessons, airport pickup, homestay, meals, and excursions.
Comunicare, P.O. Box 1383-2050, San José, Costa Rica (☎2281 0432; www.comunicare-cr.com). A non-profit organization offering Spanish language classes, cultural studies, Central American studies, and a number of volunteer opportunities in the community around San José. 10% discount with ISIC.
Costa Rican Language Academy, P.O. Box. 1966-2050, San José, Costa Rica (US ☎+1 866-230-6361 or Costa Rica 2280 1685; www.spanishandmore.com). 1 to 4-week language and cultural study program, custom-tailored for each individual student. Options include homestays and weekend excursions, lessons in Latin dance, Costa Rican cooking, and Spanish music and conversation classes. Fees start at US$147 for 1 week of classes, with homestay US$311.
Escuela Idiomas d’Amore, Apdo. 67-6350, Quepos, Costa Rica (☎777 1143, US +1 800-261-3203; www.escueladamore.com). Spanish immersion classes in a Pacific beach location for 2-6 weeks, between Quepos and Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Homestay available. 18+. Classes start at US$845 for 2 weeks. Homestay US$995.
Forester Instituto Internacional, P.O. Box 6945, 1000 San José, Costa Rica (☎2225 3155; www.fores.com). Short- and long-term Spanish language immersion programs in the nation’s capital. Latin dance classes at no additional cost. Homestay available (US$130). US$20 per private lesson. Programs start at US$480 for 1 week.
School of the World, Aptd. 239-4023, Playa Jaco, Costa Rica (☎2643 2462; www.schooloftheworld.org). School in Jacó offers a 1- to 4-week “learning vacation” in Spanish, surfing, yoga, and photography. Weekends are free for travel. 18+. Fees start at US$505 for 1 week. US$275 non-refundable deposit. Group discounts available.
Languages Abroad (US ☎+1 800-219-9924, worldwide 416 925 2112; www.languagesabroad.com). Offers 1- to 12-week standard and intensive language programs for all levels in San José, Heredia, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Playa Sámara. Options for homestay, private classes, tours, and excursions. 17+. Starts at US$490 for 1 week.