BEST SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
Learn Spanish in Costa Rica with our year-round and accredited courses. With over 28 years of experience.
Enjoy dynamic and interactive Spanish immersion courses for adults with our native and qualified Spanish teachers. Choose between group courses, private lessons or a combination of both. JUMP TO OUR PRICES!
YEAR-ROUND AVAILABLE
The adult Spanish immersion courses start every Monday. Also see our school calendar!
LOCATIONS
PLACEMENT
On your first day of classes, you will be given a brief oral exam to determine your Spanish level.
- Dynamic and fun Spanish immersion courses
- Two different locations
- Spanish certificate programs :
- Twelve different levels from A1 to C1 within the Common European Framework of Reference for Language Learning,
- plus an additional six levels for high-advanced C1+ students
- Appropriate for all learning styles and ages
- A wide variety of authentic learning activities involved
- Syllabus and framework for class sessions are tailored to the needs of students in an immersion program
- Integration of cultural activities into the learning process
- 20 hours per week
- 4 hours per day two 15-minute breaks
- Small and dynamic group classes with a maximum of 6 students per class.
- If you are the only student in a group class, class time will be adjusted to 2 or 2.5 hours per day depending on your program pricing.
- Tailored to your specific needs and topics of your choice!
- Private lessons can be added to group classes.
Available as one day classes: Are you short on time? You can take a single private lesson up to 4 lessons for just one day.
Group + Privates Lessons 25 or 30 hours per week:
Mo – Fr: 20 hours of standard group Spanish lessons (as above) AND 5 or 10 private lessons per week.
We offer the following accredited Spanish courses:
UNIVERSITY CREDIT IS AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND, AT BOTH OF OUR LOCATIONS
Many universities from a variety of countries will grant direct credit provided you make plans in advance. You must first visit your Spanish Department or Study Abroad Office to request information on direct credit approval for study at Intercultura Costa Rica.
We will send you our curriculum descriptions and any other information in accordance with your university's guidelines for program approval. This type of direct credit is the most economical option. At the end of your studies we will also provide, upon request, a detailed transcript of your work for you to take back to your host institution.
If your university does not grant direct credit, you may also apply for transfer credit for an additional fee.
Please get in touch directly with our school director Laura Ellington lellington@interculturacostarica.com for further information.
ANY QUESTIONS? SEND US A MESSAGE!
PRICES
*Include course fee, textbooks, and materials. No additional registration fee.
Heredia
Standard Group Classes (20 hours per week)
Green Season discount 10%: Valid for classes taken from August 5th to December 20th, 2024!
1-4 WEEKS
$295
/WEEK
5-9 WEEKS
$265
/WEEK
10+ WEEKS
$235
/WEEK
Samara
Standard Group Classes (20 hours per week)
Green Season discount 10%: Valid for classes taken from August 5th to December 20th, 2024!
1-4 WEEKS
$335
/WEEK
5-9 WEEKS
$305
/WEEK
10+ WEEKS
$265
/WEEK
LIVE WITH A LOCAL FAMILY
For a total language immersion experience we encourage you to live with one of our trusted homestay families. Boost your exposure to the language and culture, and progress naturally within an authentic environment.
But a homestay gives you more than that: A wonderful interpersonal experience.
MORE DETAILS AND FAQs ABOUT OUR ADULT SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAM
How far will I get in a month?
A typical student with no previous Spanish immersion course experience, taking our standard Spanish group classes and living in a homestay family can expect to reach an average of high beginner level after four to five weeks. A high intermediate level can be reached after eight to ten weeks and high advanced level after 12 to 15 weeks.
It is also common (and recommended) to remain at any given level until oral proficiency at that standard is reached.
Students who are staying with other foreigners may take a little longer, while those with knowledge of other romance languages may go faster. We try to group students into classes with similar levels and abilities; however, you are always able to request a change if you feel the class is too difficult or too easy for you.
Minor level differences in the same class
Our Spanish system follows the internationally recognized academic standards established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The CEFR framework divides Spanish into six levels, from Complete beginner to Near Native Speaker. Your reached level will appear on your final certificate upon graduation.
How many levels offers Intercultura Costa Rica?
However, we have in practice increased the numbers of levels offered to twelve and up to eighteen in high season, to account for the wide variation in the speaking, listening, writing and comprehension abilities of each student. Even so, it is impossible, as at any learning institution, to ensure that every student in every class is at the same level of knowledge in all four areas of language acquisition, nor that they all learn at the same pace.
What should students expect?
Students need to expect some variation in levels and abilities. They should understand that diversity in the classroom is a meaningful part of the learning process. It is related to differences in age, socio-economic backgrounds, gender, religion, gender orientation, ethnicity, other languages spoken, and general life experiences. To sum up together they enhance rather than detract from the overall learning experience, as long as students are tolerant, inclusive and respectful of their classmates.
How many students will be in my group?
Each group has between two and six students maximum, with numbers varying depending on the time of year and your level.
Class time will be reduced from 4 group hours per day to 2,5 private hours per day when there is only one student at their given level.
Our Student Body Mix
Our school accepts students of all ages and nationalities. We offer a unique opportunity to meet and learn with a diverse and dynamic group of people. In the summer months, college-age students and families are more common, while professionals and senior students tend to favor the autumn-winter and spring periods.
Feel free to contact us if you wish to plan your trip dates depending on the attendance of particular age-groups or nationalities.
I am already in Costa Rica: Can I sign up last-minute for a Spanish course at either campus, Heredia or Sámara?
Yes! Through our online reservation form you can reserve your classes wherever and whenever. However, we recommend to enroll no later than a Wednesday if you are interested in starting Spanish group classes the next week. Group classes always start on a Monday.
How many Spanish units/levels does Intercultura Costa Rica offer?
We offer 12 units of one week each, ranging from pre-immersion for complete beginners to high advanced (A1 to C1), following the Common European Framework of References for Languages, plus an additional 6 units for high-advanced students (C1+).
How do I move on to the next level?
Students are evaluated weekly and progress through the levels as their spoken command of the language improves.
What does the class for advanced students look like?
Once the core program is completed, we offer additional courses at the superior level C1+, covering topics which include: Costa Rican Literature, History and Cultural Studies; Latin American Identity, Socio-linguistics; Post-modernism in Latin American Theatre; Advanced Composition; and Spanish for the Professions.