Ilsen is a native of Sámara, Costa Rica, and joined Intercultura’s Sámara Campus in early 2004 as a Spanish professor. Her undergraduate degree is from the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica in Education, with teaching certification in Spanish and English. She obtained a Post-Graduate Certificate from Costa Rica TEFL in Second Language Acquisition for adults. Ilsen currently teaches full-time, and is well-loved for her patience and her creativity. She is a local expert in the composition of “bombas” (regional comic poetry) and Costa Rican folkloric dance. She speaks fluent English and in her free time enjoys playing football, meeting people from other culture, and spending time with her little family.

“Ilsen is a very good teacher. She is very patient with us and explains the grammar very clearly. We had a good learning atmosphere.” – Luisa Nicolai, 2023

“I appreciate that Ilsen is very encouraging and patient and very approachable for questions and conversation.” – Darree, 2023

“Ilsen was an excellent teacher. She kept everyone involved and had our attention the whole week. She made learningh fun with ice breakers to start the day and many games.” – Anthony Pananos, 2018

Very positive and professional instructor.  Spoke clearly and evenly, made it possible for someone completely new to Spanish to follow the class. – Mark Hegins, 2015