Spanish study in San Joaquin de Flores

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
San Joaquin de Flores

Dates: monthly start dates all year round

Description: Located in a small country village which is on the main road to Heredia, the school is located about 5 minutes walk from the main road on a very quiet street overlooking coffee plantations and fields. The rural village offers the student the really opportunity to become fully immersed in a typical "Tico" village, you will certainly not hear English spoken here. The town of Heredia is about 15 minutes and San Jose is about 45 minutes, by public bus, which leaves about every hour. The village has many typical restaurants, bars and shops and because of its location many things are within walking distance.

The school is housed in a modern white building which is enclosed within its own walls and mature gardens. Some of the outdoor classrooms are in the gardens the other classrooms are located with the school building. The school has 17 classrooms (indoor and outdoor), a small cafeteria which serves small snacks (sandwiches, etc.) and drinks, administrative office, student social room which has several computers for e-mail access. The social rooms were students can hang out after class and where cooking and dance classes take place once a week (included in the price).

The school normally houses around 70 students per day and most students are university aged from North America and Europe. The class size is max. 4 students with a average of 2/3 students and classes normally start at 8 am. Other facilities include a pool table, out side basket ball court, fuss ball table and other games.

The school organizes several cultural activities in the evenings per week and will also arrange weekend excursions upon request. The school staffs are very friendly and the school has additional campuses in Monteverdi and at Flamingo Beach. This school is ideal for the student who is looking for a slower paced rural setting without the hustle and bustle of the city. Many things are with walking distance and the setting offers much countryside walks or hikes into the surrounding local countryside.

Host Family: (private room) 2 meals daily.

Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. Homestays are normally within walking distance, if they are not, transport will be provided.

Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. A laundry service is provided.

Staying in a family is a truly wonderful experience and many students make lifetime friends with their host family. However, you should also have realistic expectations and recognize that an element of flexibility is required to adjust to the local customs and way of life. Your host family may not have the same comforts as your own home but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.

Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week) Max. 4 students per class.

Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program.

Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. Lessons are usually held in the mornings, starting at 9 am, which leave the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.

The teaching staff is accredited with the Costa Rica Ministry of Education. The teaching methodology is based on daily conversations derived from the interests of the students. The conversations are guided by the professors and are supplemented by oral and written exercises as well as other activities in which the students can practice what they have learned. The 2-week beginner program is a course in "survival" Spanish.

Highlights: San Joaquin de Flores is located a few miles from Heredia and is an alternative school to our Heredia school. It is an ideal location for those students who want to avoid the daily traffic, pollution and stress of the city. This typical "Tico" town offers the opportunity to enjoy the local culture yet offers great shopping and nightlife. There are excellent bus services to both Heredia and San Jose (12 miles) for those who want to explore the area.

The surrounding countryside is quite beautiful and views may be enjoyed from the hills. Like San Jose and Heredia, the town is a good center for excursions into the beautiful Meseta Central region, the crater of Irazu, the beautiful valley of Orosi. Other trips could include Volcan Poas and Catarata de la Paz Poas Volcano, (2,708 m) is an active volcano, Boat Trip through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, a rain forest famous for its rich flora and fauna or Visit Cafe Britt which is a large coffee plantation located in Santa Lucia, Heredia.

The province of Heredia has a comfortable climate year round. Due to the altitude, night time temperatures of about 18C (65F) are quite common in San Joaquin, so it is recommended to bring a jacket or a sweater. During the rainy season, (May-December) it often rains in the afternoon so an umbrella and/or a light rain coat are essential. During the dry season, umbrellas and raincoats are not needed.

Within walking distance of the school, students can visit a butterfly farm, take a tour of a local coffee plantation, hike to the Barva Volcano, or take a trip to a local house/museum decorated in the old fashioned style of Costa Rica.

Cost in US$: varies depending on length of program

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application