Easy Languages

Program

Destination

San José, the cosmopolitan capital of Costa Rica (500,000 inhabitants), is situated in the heart of the country, in the middle of the Central Valley. From this picturesque valley, you can enjoy an exquisite view of countless mountain peaks that frame San José and its surroundings. Numerous museums, theatres, bars, and restaurants as well as the vibrant nightlife of the "Ticos," the inhabitants of Costa Rica, provide exciting entertainment.

In addition, you can embark on excursions to destinations throughout the country from San José. Within a few hours, you can reach both the Pacific as well as the Atlantic oceans.

The dry season extends from December well into April and the temperature stays pleasant and consistent throughout the year.

Santo Domingo is a charming town situated between San José and Heredia in the heart of Central America. The town has a population of 60,000 inhabitants who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The peacefulness of this lovely little town with its park, beautiful churches and quiet streets will make you feel at ease straight away.

School

Our international language school in the magnificent city of Heredia offers year-long Spanish courses for all Spanish proficiency levels. You can begin your course on any Monday of the year, and you will learn Spanish together with students from all over the world.

In addition, you will experience the Costa Rican culture while participating in our lively activities and exploring the country on our excursions. A great assistance during your stay in Costa Rica will be the clearly spoken Spanish of the inhabitants, allowing you to understand your conversations more easily and encouraging you to reproduce the words that you have heard - you’ll progress quickly and have fun experiencing the Latin culture at the same time.

The school is surrounded by a tropical garden with palm trees and exotic plants, and has 15 bright, spacious classrooms that provide an excellent learning environment.

There are many shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance of the school. The school also provides wireless internet free of charge for your laptop. Alternatively, you can also use one of the many Internet cafés located near the school for a small charge.

Courses

Language courses begin every Monday of the year for all language levels but beginners (see dates below). Our lessons are 60 minutes in length. Please note that classes can also be held in the afternoon during peak season.

You can select from the following language courses:

• Standard Programme: 20 lessons per week
  Class size: maximum 5 students, average 3
  Schedule: 8:30am - 1pm
• Intensive Programme: 30 lessons per week
  Class size: maximum 5 students, average 3
  Schedule: 8:30am - 1pm, 2pm - 4pm
  
• Combined Programme: 20 group lessons + 10 private lessons per week
  Class size: maximum 5 students, average 3
  Schedule: 8:30am - 10:30am, 2pm - 4pm
  
• Private Lessons: 20 lessons per week
  Schedule: 8:30am - 1pm
  
  

Activities

Every week, the school offers a comprehensive recreational programme. You can learn more about Heredia, San José and Costa Rica during free dance classes, city tours, museums visits, lectures, cooking classes, and fiestas. The school also organises interesting excursions around Costa Rica.

The following excursions are offered on a regular basis and are pay-as-you-go:

• Arenal Volcano (you can see the active volvano glowing, red lava and even eruptions)
• Tortuguero National Park (observe the fauna on a boat trip, then see the wildlife upclose on a canoe trip)
• Poas Volcano (climb to the summit of the volcano, marvel at the 300 meter wide and 1300 meter long crater and see geysers spurting from numerous rock crevices) & La Paz Waterfall (famous lagoon)
• Rafting (embark on a boat trip in the Caribbean waters including class 3 and 4 rapids)
• Aerial Tram (guided hike through the national park, then cross the park in a gondola that rises to various heights and even above the tree level)
• Canopying (play "Cliffhanger" as you fly through the treetops and over rivers on harnesses attached to ropes), Pacific Coast, Caribbean Coast, Montezuma, etc.

Accommodation

You can select from the following accommodation options:

Host Family

Our carefully selected host families have accommodated students from all over the world for many years. You will receive a warm welcome, and have the perfect opportunity to use and improve your Spanish skills on a daily basis. Living in a host family is also a great way to learn more about the country’s culture. Families provide half board or full board depending on what suits you best. You will be given bed sheets, but must bring your own towels. Host families live approximately 5 to 25 minutes walking distance from the school.

If you are coming with a friend or partner, you are welcome to stay together in the same host family. Should you have any dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, allergies, etc.), please state those on your enrolment form, so that the family can prepare for your needs as best as possible.

Host families are also happy to provide laundry service upon request. Families can wash and dry your clothes for no additional cost.

Shared apartment

These spacious apartments each have two to four bedrooms, a living room with TV, a kitchen, one or more bathrooms and a garden or terrace.

You can choose between single and double rooms. The kitchen is fully equipped (incl. washing machine) and will allow you to prepare your own meals. Apartments are cleaned once per week and fresh bed sheets are provided at the same time.

Students are required to bring their own bath towels. The apartments are approximately 10-25 minutes walking distance from the language school.

Private apartment

Our private apartments offer language students a comfortable accommodation in close proximity of the school (approximately 20-25 minutes walking distance). The downtown area and numerous shops are also easily attainable by foot.

Each apartment has at least one bedroom as well as a kitchen, bathroom, living room with TV, a washing machine and its own garden.

Rooms are cleaned weekly and provided with fresh bed sheets at the same time. Students are required to bring their own bath towels.

Prices and Dates

Dates 2012

All year long, starting every Monday.

Courses for beginners start the first and third Monday of every month.

National holidays: 05/04 - 6/04 -11/04 - 1/05 - 25/07 - 15/08 - 25/12.

Prices include:

• Selected language course
  
• Homestay (half board) or apartment accommodation (no meals)
  
• All administrative fees
  
• City tour and cultural programme
  
• Learning materials
  
• Certificate of achievement
• Transfer from San José airport
  
  

Prices do not include:

• Flights
• Transportation to and from school

Practical Info

Transport

• San José airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría
• An (optional) transfer is available between airport and accommodation

If you prefer, we can book your flights for you. This must be made clear at the moment of enrolment.

If you intend to book your own flight, try to arrive the Sunday before the start of your course and leave the Saturday after the course has ended.

Visa Information

You do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days in Costa Rica.

For a longer visit, you must apply for a student visa at your local Costa Rican Embassy.