Arenal (La Fortuna)

Program Outline

The Private 4-hour Language Program is four complete hours of one-on-one Spanish classes a day, Monday through Friday. Class hours are from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, with a 30 minute break in-between. All materials are included. This is the most intensive Spanish option offered in Costa Rica. The student and teacher will create an individualized lesson plan that will work on the aspects of the student’s language ability that need most improvement. All classes are strictly in Spanish as is all course material.

Private Lessons at your Hotel. This is a new program where our teacher will meet you at your hotel for private lessons. You decided the number of hours and the schedule of your classes. Student must sign up for a minimum of 10 hours for this program and all materials are included. A second student can be added in the same class for an additional $15/hour. This is a great way for those on vacation who want a short but intense language option while they are in the Arenal area.

We offer a comprehensive Medical Spanish Program, as well as the only Nursing Spanish Program in Latin America accredited for Nursing CEU’s from the state of California. In the Medical Spanish program doctors and medical students are instructed two afternoons a week by our in house physician in medical terminology, patient interviews and clinical procedures. Two other afternoons each week, they go to local clinics and shadow local physicians. The Nursing Spanish Program is set up the exact same way, but it taught by a nursing professional. These additional Spanish classes as well as the visits to the local clinics are all done as private lessons. You are one-on-one with our local medical professional.

Lodging

Homestays are with local Costa Rican families in the town of Fortuna. Every student will have a private room with a bathroom that they share, although some houses do have private baths. Weekly laundry service is provided along with two meals a day, breakfast and dinner and all homestays are within a 15-minute walk from where classes are held. The families are of middle income and usually professionals. Many have children and all can accommodate students with special dietary needs, such as vegetarians.

Cultural

Costa Ricans or ‘Ticos’ as they call themselves are a very open and friendly people. Our host families are no exception. Living with a family helps students become better acquainted with the local community and culture. There are many festivals and holidays where the students can join the family during their celebrations.

Location

The Arenal region of Costa Rica is famous for the Volcano of the same name. Our classes are located in the town of Fortuna, which has a stunning view of the volcano. Arenal is one of the most popular destinations in the country and not only because of the volcano. The lake nearby is the largest in Costa Rica with fishing and windsurfing. There are numerous hot springs, national and private preserves and a great deal of adventure activities. The Monteverde Cloud forest is only a 4 hour horseback tour away from Fortuna. The town has a population of approximately 7000 people and is a central location for all travel and commerce in the region.

Local Color

In Arenal/Fortuna the event that draws most tourists to the area is the hope of seeing the volcano’s hourly eruptions. On a clear night the show of super heated, red hot rocks and boulders being ejected from the cone is truly amazing. The rocks, sometimes the size of VW buses roll at high speed down the sides of the volcano and every time they hit pieces break off and create a shower of red and orange sparks. It is a sight worth seeing.

Hot Tip

The Tabacon Hot Springs Resort is one of the most beautiful in all Central America. There are streams, pools, waterfalls of all different temperatures, surrounded by lush vegetation with great views of Arenal Volcano. This is a must see if you are in the area and they have a first class buffet.

Start Dates

Every Monday of the year except on Costa Rican National Holidays. In the case of Monday holidays, classes will begin on the following Tuesday. The following Costa Rica Holidays are observed by the school; January 1, April 11, May 1, July 25, August 15, September 15 and December 25. The school is not open on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. There are no refunds for missed days because of holidays.

Main points about the Aernal/La Fortuna campus:

• The most intensive Spanish option in Costa Rica.
• Arenal Volcano is one of the top three sightseeing destinations in Costa Rica.
• Lake Arenal is one of the best windsurfing spots in the entire world and is the largest lake in the country.
• Undergraduate college units and graduate level credits available.
• Private one-on-one Medical Spanish program with local physician that combines in class curriculum with clinical visits.
• The only Nursing Program in Latin America accredited by the state of California for continuing education credits.
• Extremely safe area, perfect for families and those traveling on their own.
• Small and personalized school that is very flexible and willing to set up special individual Spanish language programs to fit each student’s specific needs.
• Spanish lessons at your hotel for travelers who want to get the most out of their time in the Arenal area, but can’t commit to a complete program.