SPANISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS SAN JOSE
Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA)

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Introduction

The Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA) is a private institution specializing in Spanish language instruction. Since 1989, more than 15,000 students from all over the world have studied at CRLA.

We believe that to effectively learn and speak a foreign language, it is important to have an understanding of the culture where it is spoken. CRLA goes beyond the textbook by including cultural activities and educational trips to create a more well-rounded understanding of the Costa Rican culture and the Spanish language.

CRLA is one of the few schools in Costa Rica completely owned and staffed by Costa Ricans, therefore ensuring a genuine cultural experience. Our immersion programs provide students with the opportunity to experience the language and culture of Costa Rica first-hand.

Our Six-Fold Mission

• Education
  To offer high quality and effective Spanish language instruction through dynamic teaching methods, developed by our professional team.
• Culture
  To provide students with a total immersion program so that they are exposed to an authentic Costa Rican cultural experience.
• Personal Attention
  To center our courses around students and their individual language goals and needs providing an intimate class size and a variety of programs and schedules.
• Individual Assistance
  To have knowledgeable staff dedicated exclusively to the well-being of each student while living and traveling in Costa Rica.
• Warm Environment
  To create an environment where the student will feel constantly encouraged to practice their language skills. In our home-like atmosphere students will also have the opportunity to make long lasting friendships with Costa Ricans as well as with students from many countries.
• Community Support
  To lend a hand to the local community by providing a livelihood to Costa Rican families as well as by coordinating volunteer work in social and ecological projects.

CRLA also makes regular donations to various local community organizations.

Useful Facts

• School Founded: 1989

• Nationality mix: U.S.A., 50%; Europe, 35%; Canada, 5%; other countries, 10%

• Age mix: 25 or younger, 30%; 25 - 50, 45%; 50 or older, 25%

• Minimum qualification of teachers: In order to teach at CRLA, we require our professors to hold a university degree and have ample training and experience

Courses Offered

3 Hour per Day Spanish in Group

• Levels offered: Beginner to High Advanced

• Classes per week: 12 (4 days) or 15 (5 days)
• Length of course: Minimum 1 week
• Maximum number of students per group: 6

4 Hour per Day Spanish in Group

• Levels offered: Beginner to High Advanced

• Classes per week: 16 (4 days) or 20 (5 days)
• Length of course: Minimum 1 week
• Maximum number of students per group: 6

5 Hour per Day Spanish in Group

• Levels offered: Beginner to High Advanced

• Classes per week: 20 (4 days) or 25 (5 days)
• Length of course: Minimum 1 week
• Maximum number of students per group: 6

6 Hour per Day Spanish in Group

• Levels offered: Beginner to High Advanced

• Classes per week: 24 (4 days)
• Length of course: Minimum 1 week
• Maximum number of students per group: 6

One-on-One or Small Group Private Instruction

• Levels offered: All

• Length of course: Minimum 1 week

For more information on any of these courses, please visit the school website: CRLA Spanish Language School Costa Rica.

Accommodation Offered

Homestays
Homestays are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the Costa Rican culture. As part of the family, you will practice speaking Spanish every day and at the same time you will learn first-hand about the Costa Rican way of life.

You may live in a Costa Rican home where you will have your own private bedroom. If you are traveling with others, we can also accommodate couples, friends and family in the same homestay (either in shared or separate rooms).

Your Costa Rican homestay family will provide you with two daily meals (breakfast and dinner). If you would like vegetarian dishes, or if you have any food allergies or other special diet requirements, please let us know and we will be glad to accommodate you.

Other Accommodations
If you prefer accommodations other than our Homestay, we can help you make arrangements to stay at a hotel or an apartment. Prices and more information about alternative accommodations are available upon request.

Activities and Excursions

Only CRLA offers students all the following services for FREE:

• Daily Latin Dance classes (2 hours per day)

• Weekly conversation classes

• Weekly Costa Rican Cooking classes

• 24-hour airport pick-up and drop-off

• Books and class materials

• Extra "level adjustment" Spanish classes at no cost when required

• Internet service

• Wireless internet access

• Telephone for local calls

• Mail service

• Fresh coffee and fruit refreshments

• Luggage storage while you travel

• Wholesaler tour rates for our students

• Travel arrangements, bus ticket purchase and hotel reservations

At CRLA there are NO additional fees or hidden costs.

College Credit

Many of our students have received college credit for their studies at CRLA. Most of these students come on their own and apply for credit independently at different universities in the U.S., Canada and Europe. This is usually the most economical option.

Usually, students who are applying for credit must first have approval from their university prior to beginning studies at CRLA. Most institutions also require that students take a final exam and receive an evaluation of their work & progress during the course. However, each university or college has a somewhat different system for granting credit so if a student is interested in this option, we can work with their Spanish or Study Abroad department to set up a program that will meet their specific credit requirements.

School Website

For more information on any aspect of CRLA's Spanish Language School in San Jose, please visit the school's website: CRLA Spanish Language School Costa Rica.