San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, a small Central American country bordered by Nicaragua and Panama. The city is located in the centre of the country across the Central Valley and is the seat of the government as well as being the economical centre. The city has a population of approximately 350,000 largely made up of inhabitants living in the surrounding districts. Costa Rica has a tropical climate, with predominant dry and wet seasons. Temperatures are generally very pleasant, with an annual average of 23 degrees celsius. In the regions of higher elevation the climate is cooler with more precipitation. As the region is home to areas of tropical rainforest there is an incredibly wide flora and fauna, which attract thousands of tourists each year. Other natural places of interest include charming beaches and active volcanoes. The countryside offers ideal possibilities for rafting, kayaking, windsurfing or diving. The country is politically stable, and the locals or "Ticos" are very friendly, making Costa Rica an ideal place to learn Spanish. You can easily explore the many attractive museums and little restaurants in the heart of the city at your own convenience.
Spanish lessons in an enchanting environment
The language institute is 10 kilometres away from the centre of San José, in the picturesque small town of San Rafael de Coronado. Academia Tica is located on the site of a former coffee plantation, in a charming, quiet neighbourhood. In addition to classrooms there is a library, a canteen, a study room with computers (with internet access) and terraces where the students can do their homework in the open. The school teachers are native speakers and are all very friendly with a lot of experience in teaching foreign students. The school atmosphere is professional but relaxed, ensuring that students work hard but at the same time enjoy the work that they are doing. On arrival students undertake an oral or written language exam to determine within which class they will be placed to enhance their language development.
Social programme
The accommodation in San José is in the form of a host family, a shared apartment or in the student residence. All three are an excellent way of practising Spanish in the hours after the Spanish courses and for meeting new people. The host families are very friendly and have a lot of experience in looking after foreign students. All accommodation used by students has been selected by the school and has an excellent location with the appropriate facilities. The accomodation is inspected regularly to ensure standards are being maintained. In addition to the language courses, you can take part in a varied and interesting programme of activities with cooking and dance lessons, visits to the museum and films. You can explore the surroundings on mountain bikes, which can be rented near the school. Moreover, group excursions are regularly organized at the weekends.
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Impression
Where else can one better enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica than in one of the national parks? I did volunteer work for 4 weeks in a park along the Caribbean sea. Waking up in the middle of the jungle is indeed a unique experience. Moreover, I am proud to have lent a hand in the conservation of nature and to be able to speak fluent Spanish.
Grace Kao, Taiwan.
