study spanish in costa rica

Costa Rica! It’s got sun, sand, jungles, hot springs, volcanoes and everything in between. With the multitude of eco-activities available for the traveler and ‘pura vida’ lifestyle, it is no secret why Costa Rica is the #1 destination in Central America for adventure seekers. In addition to it’s robust tourist trade, the country is fast becoming a center for linguists. While not the cheapest option for a Spanish immersion program in Central America, it has the extracurricular activities to quicken anyone’s pulse.

Getting There: San Jose and Liberia are the main arrivals by air. Liberia is a good entry point for studying Spanish at Playa Flamingo or Monteverde. The transportation network is very good in Costa Rica and tourism vans are plentiful.

Accent: Costa Rica languages

Currency: $1 USD to 555 colones

Prices range from $425-600 a week and include the following:
  • 20 hours of private/group* Spanish classes a week  (*group prices are noted when available)
  • 7 days accommodation at host family
  • 6 days of meals (some homes offer 2 and some 3 meals a day). No meals on Sunday.
  • free/reduced price excursions with schools

Popular Costa Rica Cities of Study:

  • San Jose~ Capital of Costa Rica and business center for the country
  • Flamingo Beach (Playa Flamingo)~ On Costa Rica’s western Pacific coast, a small, cozy town; good for surfing
  • Monteverde~ Deep in the jungles of CR, known for the cloud forest reserve & the Arenal volcano.

Arenal Volcano in background

Accommodation: Prices in Costa Rica are higher than you would expect, plan on spending $15-30 a night depending on where you are in CR.

Safety: Female travelers should have no problems in CR alone. Crime is usually petty theft and subjected to the larger cities like San Jose.