Introduction to Spanish in Costa Rica
Forthcoming semesters:
Have you tried learning a foreign language in school at home? It can often feel like things are moving very slowly. To learn a language, you have to speak, read, sing, and live it!
Basic Spanish course is an introduction to the language for those of you who are beginners and do not know any Spanish before.
After the course, you can continue on our Spanish studies with ECTS credits.
Practical details
- Application deadline:
- Rolling admission
- Forthcoming semesters:
- August 18 or 19 January
- Duration:
- 16 weeks in Costa Rica
- Time and date:
- Choose: Autumn or spring
- Programme fee:
- 7500
- Included:
- Study programme, accommodation, lunch on teaching days
About the programme
Spanish for Beginners is an extensive language course suitable for those who wish to build basic skills in Spanish. You need general study qualifications to participate.
Our skilled teachers provide you with the tools you need to make significant progress, and if you take the initiative to get to know the people and culture of the country, you will be amazed at how quickly you improve.
Through a 5-week stay with a host family, you get a unique opportunity to become familiar with the language and culture.
Read about Pernille's experiences in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica
- Spanish in Costa Rica
- Introduction to Spanish in Costa Rica
- Portraits
"16 weeks in Costa Rica is an investment - in your education, and in your understanding of the world"
Learn Spanish while experiencing Costa Rica
The course is tailored for beginners, but you should still expect to be challenged. Learning a language requires effort, and you must dare to dive into it.
At first, it may feel uncomfortable to dare to speak Spanish in class or in everyday life.
Fortunately, you will be part of a group where everyone is in the same boat as you: beginners wanting to learn Spanish and experience the amazing Costa Rica, with beautiful beaches and volcanoes, wildlife, lush rainforests, and charming small towns.
Stay with a host family and learn more!
Included in the stay is a 5-week homestay with a host family.
By living with a Costa Rican family, you will improve your language skills, become more familiar with the local culture, and grow as a person. You will stay with the family along with another student.
You will experience both the challenges and joys of being an outsider, and learn to adapt to different norms than you might be used to.
You get to practice Spanish every single day, and perhaps you'll make friends for life?
Learn about sustainability and conservation
Spanish constitutes the main part, three quarters, of the instruction.
In addition to Spanish, we offer the exciting subject of sustainability and environmental protection, which constitutes one quarter.
Here you will learn about climate change, forestry and agriculture, conservation and restoration of ecosystems, and how local businesses can operate sustainably and profitably. Excursions and outings are a central part of the course's teaching.
Costa Rica is the perfect place to learn about environmental conservation, with its vast amounts of protected nature and exceptional biodiversity.
Portraits
Read what former students say about their stay in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica
- Spanish in Costa Rica
- Introduction to Spanish in Costa Rica
- Portraits
"16 weeks in Costa Rica is an investment - in your education, and in your understanding of the world"
- Costa Rica
- Nepal and Sri Lanka
- Spanish in Costa Rica
- Introduction to Spanish in Costa Rica
- Portraits
"Arriving at the airport, I thought to myself: what have I gotten myself into?"
Read about the everyday life of a student
See all
Highlights
Cerro Chirripó
Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica's highest mountain, reaches an impressive 3,820 meters above sea level. Though the hike is demanding, it is truly rewarding, offering breathtaking views at the top.
Cloud forests
A cloud forest is a unique type of rainforest characterized by high humidity, resulting in the characteristic and mystical foggy atmosphere. Hiking through such an enchanting landscape provides a unique experience, and with some luck, you may even spot rare exotic bird species along the way.
Manuel Antonio national park
Right next to the Global Environmental Studies student accommodation, you will find Manuel Antonio National Park. This popular tourist attraction is home to a variety of beautiful and rare animals. Over 100 different mammals and even more bird species are found here. Squirrel monkeys, agoutis, sloths, coatis, toucans and many more amazing animals await you in Manuel Antonio.
Uvita
In the charming little village of Uvita, you can visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. This is also a popular destination for whale watching!
Nauyaca waterfalls
After an easy hike, Costa Rica's most stunning waterfalls await, offering the perfect opportunity to take a refreshing dip or simply relax in the lush, tranquil surroundings.
Meet the staff in San Isidro
Raquel Bolaños
Raquel Bolaños is the Manager for our programs in Costa Rica, is a San Isidro native with a deep passion for visual arts and water protection. Her Master's degree in Environmental Studies from York University, coupled with experience in experiential learning programs. Raquel is dedicated to supporting students throughout their transformative educational journey.
Andrés Valverde
Andrés is the manager for the students in Quepos. He also works with administrative tasks in the office in San Isidro and collaborates with Raquel when the environmental studies group travels to San Isidro. Andrés is a trained Spanish teacher and grew up in San Isidro, so he knows the area well.
Questions and Answers
Read more about
- 1
Fill out the application
To apply for the program, fill out the application form. It is completely non-binding.
- 2
Offer of admission
Assuming there are available spots, we will send you an offer for a study place. To secure your spot, you pay a deposit of 250 EUR.
- 3
Start of studies
Before the start of your studies, you will receive information from us about all practical and academic preparations. The remainder of the tuition fee is to be paid two weeks before the start of your studies.
