Adult Spanish Immersion Program

• Our Spanish classes are dynamic, fun and involve a wide variety of authentic learning activities appropriate for all learning styles, culture, and ages.
• Our program covers the six different levels established by the European Frame of Reference for Language Learning. Students usually stay at each level (or unit) for about two to three weeks, for a total of 12-16 weeks needed to go from complete beginner to high-advanced proficiency.
• Students learn to speak in meaningful, real-life situations that teach them to communicate appropriately in a social and linguistic context.
• Our syllabus and framework for class sessions are tailored to the needs of students in an immersion program and are designed to integrate cultural activities into the learning process. Ecological trips, community interviews, and other activities help students practice Spanish "en vivo" with local Costa Ricans.

*NOTE: Private lessons can generally be set up on a flexible timetable. However, during Intercultura´s high season (January to March and May/June to August) private lessons are generally not guaranteed or confirmed until one week before arrival. For this reason, we may recommend you sign up for group classes as an option until your privates are confirmed. Please inquire for exact availability.

Teaching Methodology & Class Structure

Our courses at both campuses follow the same program, with an emphasis on conversational skills and dynamic learning activities. Every Friday at our Sámara campus, in addition to regular class and a short weekly quiz, workshops are offered on political, social and cultural themes. Students attend according to preference and Spanish level.

Additional Spanish Program Details and FAQs

Minor level differences in the same class

Our Spanish system follows the internationally recognized academic standards established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The CEFR framework divides Spanish into 6 levels, from Complete beginner to Near-Native Speaker, and these will appear on your final certificate upon graduation. However, Intercultura has in practice increased the numbers of levels offered to 12 (up to 18 in high season), to account for the wide variation in the speaking, listening, writing and comprehension abilities of each student. Even so, it is impossible, as at any learning institution, to ensure that every student in every class is at the same level of knowledge in all 4 areas of language acquisition, nor that they all learn at the same pace. Students, therefore, need to expect some variation in levels and abilities, understanding that diversity in the classroom is a meaningful part of the learning process, and is related to differences in age, socio-economic backgrounds, gender, religion, gender orientation, ethnicity, other languages spoken, and general life experiences, which together enhance rather than detract from the overall learning experience, as long as students are tolerant, inclusive and respectful of their classmates.

Our Student Body Mix

Our school accepts students of all ages and nationalities, offering a unique opportunity to meet and learn with a diverse and dynamic group of people. In the summer months, college-age students and families are more common (although kids under 18 are always in separate classes), while professionals and 50-plus students tend to favour the autumn/winter and spring periods. Feel free to contact us if you wish to plan your trip dates depending on the attendance of particular age-groups or nationalities.

I am already in Costa Rica, can I sign up last-minute for a Spanish course at either campus, Heredia or Sámara?

Yes, as you have to sign up through our online reservation form, you can reserve your classes wherever and whenever. However, we recommend enrolling no later than a Wednesday if you are interested in starting Spanish group classes the next week (group classes always start on a Monday). During our very high season months (January to March, June, and July) there may not be available at our Samara Beach Campus when registering at late notice. So please inquire first with us or make the reservation at an earlier point of time. We always try our best to make everything possible.

How many Spanish units does Intercultura offer?

We offer 14 units of one week each, ranging from pre-immersion for complete beginners to high advanced (A1 to C1), following the Common European Framework of References for Languages.

How do I move on to the next level?

Students are evaluated weekly and progress through the levels as their spoken command of the language improves.

Which progress can I expect as a complete Spanish beginner?

A student in our standard Spanish group classes who begins with no previous Spanish experience can expect to reach an average of high beginner level after four to five weeks; high intermediate after eight to ten weeks; and high advanced after 12 to 15 weeks. It is also common (and recommended) to remain at any given level until oral proficiency at that standard is reached.

How does the class for advanced students look like?

Once the core program is completed, we offer additional courses at the superior level (C1/C2+), covering topics which include: Latin American & Costa Rican Literature, History and Cultural Studies; Latin American Identity, Socio-linguistics; Post-modernism in Latin American Theatre; Advanced Composition; and Spanish for the Professions (Business, Medical, Education, Media etc).