Spanish Language School in Costa Rica

Learn Spanish in Paradise: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 

Our Spanish language school in Manuel Antonio overlooks the pristine waters of the Pacific coast. Participants study amidst the natural beauty of the rainforest and white sand beaches that only Costa Rica can offer! After class, you can escape to the beach, which is just minutes away via bus or on foot.

Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s largest protected rainforest. The National Park abounds with flora and fauna and you can see howler, squirrel, and white-faced monkeys; two-toed sloths; coatimundis; iguanas; over 350 species of birds; and lots of other wildlife.

MANUEL ANTONIO SPANISH SCHOOL 

TEACHING METHODOLOGY

The school’s Spanish curriculum is based on the communicative approach and direct method— it is very immersive and emphasizes speaking and conversation. Classes are taught in Spanish and all language skills are integrated through various activities in and out of the classroom.

Learners and teachers utilize Spanish conversation, context, and visuals to ensure understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Students naturally acquire the language as they are pushed to learn through practice.

SPANISH IMMERSION COURSES IN COSTA RICA FOR EVERY LEVEL

From small group classes ranging from 2-8 people to private classes tailored to your specific needs, our partner school provides quality immersion programs led by certified, native Spanish instructors. If you are looking for a university Spanish course or super-intensive summer program, all levels and various subject areas are available, from basic to advanced topics. Pair your Spanish program along with accommodations in a host family, and you can be sure to quickly move up the learning ladder.

Our Spanish school in Costa Rica offers intensive Spanish programs tailored to all kinds of learning objectives. Spanish courses are available for travelers and language lovers, as well as university students. We offer both small group classes and 1-on-1 private lessons for all levels ranging from Beginner Spanish to Advanced and Fluency. Our partner school also offers customized Spanish programs, specialized tutoring, Medical Spanish, and Business Spanish. Advanced university courses including Latin American Civilization & Culture, Conversation & Composition, and Advanced Spanish Grammar, among others, are also available. Contact us for more information. 

Learning Spanish is not just about attending classes, our Spanish school in Manuel Antonio offers a variety of extracurricular activities that expand your Spanish language skills. 

Every week there are activities for students to join that include tours, site visits, free salsa lessons to prepare you for your nights, and free cooking classes with a local chef to show you how to prepare traditional recipes using local ingredients.

There are lots of opportunities to enjoy the ocean with scuba, surfing, snorkeling, bodyboarding, and more; or stick to land and explore the National Park—hiking, doing adventure tours, ziplining, etc.

No matter what you do, you are sure to expand your Spanish language skills living and studying abroad in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. 

Great Ideas Outside of Class

– Explore the white sand beaches and National Park at Manuel Antonio
– Go whitewater rafting on class III and IV rapids
– Fly over the forest on an amazing zipline
– Learn to ride the waves at surf school
– Discover the underwater world with Scuba certification
…and much more

For a more immersive experience, host families are ideal. Host Family accommodations include breakfast and dinner 7 days/week.

Accommodation is from the Sunday prior to the course start date until the Saturday after the end of the course (you can book extra-nights).

The school offers different intensities of courses depending on how fast you want to learn Spanish.

¡PURA VIA!

Costa Rican Spanish has a unique style, accent, and vocabulary. Studying Spanish in Costa Rica means you become familiar with the common terms, and formalities of “Tico talk.” You quickly learn that “mae” replaces “dude” or “bro,” “vos” replaces “tu” and “pura vida” can replace just about anything! The more formal “usted” is commonly used across all ages in Costa Rica, whereas in most other Latin American countries, “usted” is only used when speaking to an elder or in a formal setting. Those who have taken Spanish courses in the past may not be familiar with the common use of “usted” and “vos,” but no worries–our Spanish immersion program has you speaking like a Tico in no time.

Guatemalan culture is an interesting mix of indigenous traditions with colonial Spanish and modern western influences. For example, the main religions are a combination of Catholicism or Evangelical Christianity combined with Mayan beliefs resulting in a unique spirituality. Guatemalans are very conservative and you should take care not to draw extra attention to yourself.

Some cultural recommendations include:

– Dress conservatively
– Avoid open displays of affection in public
– Cover your tattoos, as these are associated with gangs
– Wear shoes or sandals at your family-stay
– Understand that “Guatemala time” is often flexible
– Do not point your finger at people
– Speak softly and politely even if you are angry 
– Avoid topics such as pre-marital sex and teen pregnancy

In Antigua, there is lively nightlife with a wide variety of places, including live music. Bars and restaurants officially wrap up business at 1:00 AM, but there is an active after-hours scene, so people who prefer late nights are never disappointed.

Antigua is a safe city, but it pays to be vigilant. You should never walk alone at night, and be very careful with your valuables.