Learning Spanish in Costa Rica is EASY and affordable!
For a number of different reasons, language researchers have estimated that English is the most widely-spoken language in the world. With over one and a half (1.5) billion speakers, this number has made English to be called a “Global” language (Crystal, 2003). However, in the last decades, the number of Spanish speakers worldwide has increased considerably. Believe it or not, the United States of America has become the fifth (5th) country with the highest number of Spanish speakers, after Mexico, Colombia, Spain and Argentina. With more than forty-one (41) million speakers living in the USA –mainly Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban descendants, Spanish has become the second (2nd) most spoken language in this country.
That is why that, in the last years, a very special interest to learn Spanish has emerged among the English native speakers, especially when visiting our Latin American countries. Because of that trending topic, many of these countries have made efforts to create Spanish language centers and language institutes, so they can offer a great variety of courses and immersion programs intended to English native speakers or speakers of other languages.
In this sense, Costa Rica has taken advantage of its natural attractiveness as a world’s class touristic destination to promote a number of private language centers where foreigners can effectively, and funnily, learn communicative Spanish. There are different levels and modalities for everyone –children, teenagers, youngsters, and adults, depending on their specific needs of communication. At this point, we like to show you a quick review of some of the most demanded Spanish language centers alongside the country:
Spanish by the Sea – Puerto Viejo; they offer a Spanish for Families course intended to learners aged four (4) years and older, with duration of fifty-two (52) weeks and an average of thirty (30) classes per week. Just like the Standard Spanish course, our Intensive Spanish course is based on the internationally recognized CEFR framework for learning, teaching, and assessment which is also the basis of DELE-Diplomas (Spanish as a Second Language). Prices starting from US$ 325 – 434.
Set in a lush tropical garden of fruit trees and hammocks, Spanish by the Sea – Puerto Viejo provides a perfectly relaxed environment for studying. The center of town is within a short walk from the school. There you will find restaurants and bars as well as the beach lined with fishing boats and artisan markets.
The School & Hostel can accommodate 12 students, has 3 open-air jungle classrooms and dependable free Wi-Fi throughout.
Who likes to study at Spanish by the Sea – Puerto Viejo?
Sea lovers, surfers, and socialites! This small yet lively beachfront town is popular among world travelers for its laid-back rasta-reggae vibes, late-nite parties, the area’s spectacular beauty, and world-class surf breaks. The surfing attracts both pros and beginners alike with the least expensive locally instructed lessons offered in Costa Rica. For more relaxed activities, we also offer an extensive list of free volunteer opportunities ranging from child-care, flora and fauna conservation, to education to indigenous peoples.
Intercultura Costa Rica – Samara Beachfront Campus; they offer Private classes intended to learners aged eighteen (18) years and older, with duration of fifty-two (52) weeks and an average of ten (10) classes per week. Besides their Spanish Immersion Group classes, Intercultura Language School also offers private or semi-private classes. Prices starting from US$ 250 – 405.
Intercultura Costa Rica – Heredia City Campus; they offer a Teen and Kids Program intended to learners aged five (5) to seventeen (17) years old, with duration of fifty-two (52) weeks and an average of twenty (20) classes per week. They offer not only a friendly atmosphere and learning environment for individual Spanish learners but also for parents who are traveling with their children, facilitating your family Spanish language vacation. Prices starting from US$ 315 – 470.
Intercultura Costa Rica – Heredia City Campus; they offer Private classes 1 person intended to learners aged eighteen (18) years and older, with duration of fifty-two (52) weeks and an average of ten (10) classes per week. Private Spanish Classes can be set up in a flexible and convenient timetable. Prices starting from US$ 250 – 405.
San José – Costa Rica; they offer an Intensive Program 6 private hours intended to learners aged thirteen (13) to ninety (90) years old, with duration of fifty-two (52) weeks and an average of thirty (30) classes per week. This program adds 2 additional hours of private instruction to the Guaranteed Private program, giving you 6 hours all to yourself, every day, broken into 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. Prices starting from US$ 825 – 1,014.
San José – Costa Rica; they offer a Semi-Private Program 4 private hours intended to learners aged thirteen (13) to ninety (90) years old, with duration of fifty-two (52) weeks and an average of twenty (20) classes per week. This is the perfect option for those who want to share their learning experience with another student who has the same Spanish level, the same interests (professional concentration, for example) and who wants an intensive program. Prices starting from US$ 500 – 689.
San José – Costa Rica; they offer a Standard Program in Mini Group 4 private hours intended to learners aged thirteen (13) to ninety (90) years old, with duration of fifty-two (52) weeks and an average of twenty (20) classes per week. You can study Spanish in a group of one (1) to three (3) students. Prices starting from US$ 452 – 641.
San José – Costa Rica; they offer a Spanish Pronto course intended to learners aged three (3) to ninety (90) years old, with duration of fifty-two (52) weeks and an average of eight (8) classes per week. If you are traveling, on a business trip or for a medical treatment and you do not have enough time to study in a regular program, this is the right program for you! The one (1) or two (2) day Spanish Pronto will provide you with the handy linguistic and cultural tools to communicate in Spanish and get around during your stay in our country. Prices starting from US$ 575 – 764.
For those who can’t take time off, you can also enjoy online classes with Paulo Araya who is local in Costa Rica and offers Skype classes at a very affordable rate. He has a high success rate and I’ve personally had classes with him. Prices starting from US$20 – 55 per hour. You can contact Paul directly here.
As you could see before, there are many options –and budgets– to choose. It all will depend on your particular need for learning the language of Miguel de Cervantes, the world’s most acknowledged Spanish author of the book titled “Don Quixote of the Mancha”. At the light of the facts shown about Spanish, then you might wonder: Will it become the next “global” language?
Written by Abelardo Canelo