Early Arrival Option Notes - Costa Rica 2007 Planning Page - Mike Baird's Notes - Costa Rica Trip to Corcovado - Jan. 17 - 27, 2007

update: 6-28-06 decided against language school option...

Language school for a week?
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/study/language/costa_rica_language_schools.shtml

www.spanishandmore.com (emphasizes home stays - San Jose area, Barrio Dent)
(prices) e.g., $302 per week for 3 hrs/day instruction, includes 1 week home stay - additional home stay days $18.00/day  $126.00/week
same as http://www.learn-spanish.com/ - http://www.orbislingua.com/crla.htm has interview and more

Homestays Can Be the Best Part Of Language Vacations, at
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0005/costaricalanguage.shtml

has links to:

Intercultura http://www.spanish-intercultura.com/ (GOOD, nearby San Jose in Heredia ************)

also at Playa Sámara <<== not close********** NW area

Language Study Vacations in Latin Americai

AmeriSpan Unlimited, P.O. Box 40007, Philadelphia, PA 19106; 800-879-6640, 215-751-1100, fax 215-751-1986; info@AmeriSpan.com, www.AmeriSpan.com.

Lingua Service Worldwide, 211 E. 43rd St., Suite 1303, New York, NY 10017; 800-394-LEARN, fax 212-983-2590; itctravel@worldnet.att.net, www.itctravel.com.

Language Liason, 20533 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 4-162, Miami, FL 33180; 800-284-4448, 954- 455-3411, fax 954-455-3413; learn@languageliaison.com, www.languageliaison.com.

Language Studies Abroad, 249 S. Hwy. 101, Suite 226, Solana Beach, CA 92075; 800-424-5522, fax 760-943-1201; cbiddulph@aol.com.

Spanish Abroad, Inc., 6520 N. 41st St., Paradise Valley, AZ 85253; 888-722-7623, 602-947-4652, fax 602-840-1545; info@spanishabroad.com.

The following are actual language schools that offer full-immersion language instruction. They feature both group and private instruction, homestays (including two to three meals, private room and bath), a variety of proficiency levels, as well as social/cultural activities.

Intercultura, Apartado 1952-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica; 011-506-260-8480, fax 011- 506-260-9243; info@interculturacostarica.com, www.spanish-intercultura.com

Academia Latinoamericana de Español, Calle Jose Queri # 2 y Av. Eloy Alfaro, P.O. Box 17-17- 593, Quito, Ecuador; 011-593-2-452-824, 011-593-2-433-820; delco@spanish.com.ec.

ILISA Instituto de Idiomas, P.O. Box 25216, Dept. 1420, Miami, FL 33102-5216; 800- ILISA-4-U, fax 011-506-225-4665; spanish@ilisa.com, www.ilisa.com
http://www.ilisa.com/accom.htm <= homestays

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/study/language/costa_rica_language_schools.shtml
is a comprehensive LISTING (search this page for "beach) to:

http://www.spanish-wayra.co.cr/  -  http://www.spanish-wayra.co.cr/e/school.html
WAYRA is centrally located in Playa Tamarindo (not close to San Jose) and just 150 meters from the beach
has levels:

Levels Absolute beginner
» with no previous knowledge of the language
Beginner
» very limited knowledge, able to ask for directions, order meals, etc.
Elementary
» can speak in present tense with limited vocabulary
Pre-Intermediate
» use of the present, past and some future tenses with an enlarged vocabulary
Intermediate
» Have higher levels of comprehension, expression and a good grasp of the different grammatical tenses
Upper-Intermediate
» High level of comprehension and conversation managing the conditional, imperative and indicative
Pre-advanced
» for those who have studied the subjunctive, but, still have difficulty using this form
Advanced
» A deeper understanding of the language including often confusing grammatical structures, word building, etc.
Superior
» Semantic fields enlarged and grammatical deficiencies corrected

Not related to the above school,
TAKE a proficiency test here ==>> http://www.spanishabroad.com/leveltest.htm

(low intermediate = me so it says :>)

La Escuela de Idiomas D'Amore  - $980 USD for two weeks classes and homestay (2 week min?)
Founded in 1992, we are the original beach school and campus in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
"La Escuela de Idiomas D'Amore is located in the small town of Manuel Antonio which is part of the town of Quepos. " MB: Quepos is known as a dump****
http://www.escueladamore.com/ Escuela D'Amore has good Flash demo of facilities.. 7 minutes bus to beach
Homestay / Beach Lodging  http://www.escueladamore.com/Homestay.html  http://www.escueladamore.com/

http://www.cosi.co.cr/us/index.shtml
COSI is a Spanish language school in Costa Rica that offers intensive Spanish classes beginning each week all year around.

Founded in 1994, COSI strives to be the best language school in Latin America by offering high-quality, personalized instruction at a reasonable price. In spite of being a relatively new language institute, we have quickly developed an excellent reputation for providing personalized attention in a friendly atmosphere and with a highly professional staff.  We offer classes in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, and at Manuel Antonio National Park (beach and rain forest) on the Pacific Coast.

<$500/week w/ homestay

http://www.cpi-edu.com/
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) is the only Spanish immersion school in Costa Rica that allows students to study at three separate campuses, in three distinct regions of the country - Heredia, Monteverde, and Flamingo Beach <= Not close, NW *****

http://www.govisitcostarica.com/listings/listings.asp?fscID=14&pageID=1 lists19 schools

http://www.govisitcostarica.com/category/culturalActivities/languageSchools.asp

Limon (East coast might be different ***)
North Puntarenas (North near Nicaragua ***) http://www.govisitcostarica.com/listings/listings.asp?fscID=14&frID=8
  * Nicoya Peninsula (too far ***)
  * Central Pacific (w/ Manuel Antonio)
  * Monteverde (Area)
Cartago
Guanacaste
Alajuela
Heredia
San Jose
South Puntarenas

THIS IS THE "SURF & SPANISH" SCHOOL I WAS LOOK AT A FEW YEARS AGO
It is close to San Jose, and near the water
Playa Jaco - 2 hours from San Jose CLOSE ****
http://www.spanishabroad.com/jaco.htm
Homestays are NOT advertised here // see Shared room in the residence operated by the school, below
San Jose is less than 2 hours away by bus or private taxi
prices: http://www.spanishabroad.com/costarica/jaco/sotw/prices.htm  ~$500-600 a week

Spanish Classes: The intensive Spanish program at the school is designed to help students become proficient and comfortable communicating in Spanish. Students attend classes with native Spanish speaking instructors and class sizes are small to assure each student receives personal attention. Beginner, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, and Advanced class levels are available.

Students cover new material for approximately two lessons per day in class and then meet with an instructor for another one to two lessons per day for labs. Labs are optional and are designed to reinforce the lessons covered in class through homework assistance, games, readings, conversational practice, study aids, and lessons about Costa Rican history, culture, and foods. Classes are Monday through Friday. Weekends are left open for students to relax or travel independently. The third weekend (in the four week program) is a designated long weekend (no classes on Friday through Sunday) so that students can take a longer trip to explore Costa Rica. Spanish programs are available in one, two, and four week duration's year-round and can also be combined with Surf or Art classes.

Surfing Classes: Costa Rica is home to some of the best surf in the world. The Playa Jaco/Hermosa area is widely regarded as the most consistent surf in the country. There are a wide variety of breaks nearby and plenty of uncrowded waves for everyone. The school has designed special surf programs that include guided surf trips to local spots as well as other field trips and activities. Lodging is included for all Surf Program participants. Surf programs are available in one, two, and four week duration's year-round and can also be combined with Spanish or Art classes.  Beginners, learn to surf in the warm tropical waters of Costa Rica with the help of the friendly and experienced staff. You will learn the basics of paddling, standing, and turning, as well as wave selection and other fundamental skills. We have to warn you though: Surfing is addictive!

Spanish & Digital Photography Classes: The rich colors and beauty of Costa Rica make a perfect setting for a photography class. Digital cameras have revolutionized photography, allowing for artistic experimentation without the hassles of a chemical darkroom or the wait and expense of film processing. This course is designed to give students a working knowledge of the elements of photography including lighting, composition, apertures, shutter speeds, and much more. This program also provides an explanation of how digital cameras work and how to improve your shots. In addition, students who bring their own laptop computers are tutored in basic digital photo editing using programs such as Adobe Photoshop. Students go on excursions in search of great photo locations, so whether you are a beginner with a basic digital camera or an experienced photographer with professional equipment you will love this newest program offered at the school. A typical day includes a two hour morning Spanish class, and another two hours of Digital Photography classes.

SUPPLIES

Students are responsible for bringing their supplies with them.
Students should bring:

Personal digital camera (It is a good idea to bring the manual along as well)

Personal laptop computer (This is only required if you wish to participate in the editing portion of the program)

Optional: (It is a good idea to bring an extra memory card and back-up battery for your camera, but not required).

Note: There are two professional photographers on staff at the school with professional printing, matting, and framing equipment. Supplies for printing and matting are hard to get in Costa Rica, so if you are interested in bringing some supplies in exchange for help printing and matting some of your favorite photos let us know.

Special note : All fieldtrips are subject to availability. The school staff can arrange additional field trips for students. Possibilities include deep-sea fishing, sailing, kayaking, horseback riding, canopy tour, and sunset boat trips to name a few. Prices for these vary according to availability, number of people going, and the season, but we can definitely help you receive a discount on these fun activities in our area. In addition to helping you set up extra-curricular activities, we can also help you plan your weekend trips to other destinations in Costa Rica.

Spanish and Surfing Classes: This combo is one of our most popular programs. The Spanish class schedule is written with the tides and best surf times in mind so that you can learn the language and enjoy Jaco's favorite pastime.

  What's Included 

• Shared room in the residence operated by the school.
• Access to the pool at the school.
• Phone service
• Books, handouts, etc.
• Cultural activities/excursion (1 per week & 3 per 4 week period)
• Academic credit available

    Start Dates & Holidays

2005 & 2006 Start Dates Below: Check the following dates closely to pick the appropriate date you wish to start on. Note: During May, June & July the school only offers 4 week programs.

  Extras

• Cultural activities

• Weekend Excursions

http://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/travelTime.asp <= Chart of travel times between cities in Costa Rica

Costa Rica 2007 Planning Page