Language Schools in Alajuela

If "un poquito" or "no hablar español" are the only responses you know in Spanish, it's all right! Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to learn the language, for beginners to advanced speakers alike. Understanding the native tongue in the Rich Coast can help travelers both immerse themselves into the culture and deepen their knowledge of the Tico history and way of life. If you need an extra push, look at it through the opposite end of the telescope. If a foreigner walks past you on the streets in your hometown, are you more likely to get to know them if they're proficient in the language or only know three words?

As the second largest city in the country, Alajuela is also brimming with magnificent sights, including those found in nearby national parks, active volcanoes, soothing hot springs and verdant coffee plantations. It is a modern hub full of delicious restaurants and urban centers that don't compromise the city's natural beauty. Explore all that it has to offer. After all, education doesn't stop in the classroom. Chatting with locals is one of the best and most effective ways to learn a new language.

Alajuela Spanish Programs

There are some quality programs to boost your skills in Alajuela. Only a 5-minute drive from the San Jose International Airport, Instituto de Cultura y Lengua Costarricense (ICLC) offers year-round programs for all levels of Spanish speakers. Classes are four hours a day, Monday through Friday. On the weekends, you can go out and discover the city's attractions. There will be an orientation session in the beginning to help acclimate you to your new home, as well as on-site support throughout the program. Plus, you get to room and board with a Costa Rican family, and breakfast, dinner and laundry are included!

If you're looking to get involved in extracurricular activities outside of the class, ICLC connects you with community service projects and English program to work with the local children.

Map of Alajuela

Click to enlarge map - Alajuela Region Map

The IMAC Program provides native Costa Rican instructors with courses specialized for students of all speaking abilities. The regular group meets four hours per day while the intensive group convenes for 5.5 hours. With less than five students per class, you will get one-on-one attention in a highly intimate atmosphere. Their areas of focus are pronunciation, conversation and grammar. IMAC even offers Specialty Spanish options for medical students and teachers. If you're traveling with your family, everyone can join - the school has courses for children and teenagers.

The Centro Cultural de Idiomas is one of the country's oldest language schools, first opening its doors in 1986. Its courses consist of no more than four students, teaching you common errors made by native English speakers, as well as the nuances of Costa Rican Spanish. Host families provide another great opportunity for getting a foothold on language, and most have at least one member who speaks some English in order to mediate misunderstandings.

La Fortuna Spanish Classes

To branch out into the country a bit more, La Fortuna also offers Spanish classes. The city sits about 114 kilometers north of the Alajuela metropolitan area, and overlooks the amazing Arenal Volcano.

On Asis Spanish Program, learners take classes for a total of 20 hours a week split over the course of five days, with plenty of time left to experience Costa Rica! The school highlights oral communication in small, semi-private classes as the optimal way to learn. In addition, a Tico home stay is provided. After class, get involved in volunteer programs such as Asis wild animal protection center, orphanages and community construction projects. It's an opportunity you'll remember for the rest of your life!