Costa Rica is a peaceful and beautiful country in Central America. With a population of over four million people, it is a nation without an army, and a literacy rate of 97%. The country has an incredible variety of climates, vegetation, wildlife, and topography. Enjoy many activities such as: hiking in rain forests and mountains, going to the Caribbean or the Pacific beaches, visiting active volcanoes, bathing in hot spring, white water rafting, cruising to islands, canopying diving and much more. Cultural Embrace offers a wonderful way to live, enjoy and travel in Costa Rica--by taking Spanish language lessons, and living within the local community. 

We partner with a reputable language school in Costa Rica that offers a variety of classes perfectly suited for students at all levels of Spanish. We specialize in having no more than eight students assigned to a professor according to your skill level. We offer group classes, private tutoring, or a combination of group and private lessons. Classes emphasize oral communication to enhance Spanish skills. Teachers are rotated to expose the students to various Spanish accents. In addition to the Spanish classes, the teachers and lessons can be focused on a particular subject matter that fit your interests (ie: business, medical, intercultural communication, history, law, current events, etc).

Classes are available in two locations: San José and at Manuel Antonio beach on the Pacific Coast. In San José, we are located in a safe, quiet suburb about a ten-minute bus ride from downtown. In Manuel Antonio, we are located in a farm with a fabulous view overlooking the ocean and vegetation.

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Note:  Classes vary according to skill level, from beginners to advanced, and the number of hours of study can be customized to fit your needs. In addition, we offer lessons for specific professional industries as well as programs for children and seniors. In fact, parents and children can take lessons at the same time: while parents attend classes, their children will learn and interact with children from Costa Rica and all around the world.  

Mini Group:
- Maximum class size of eight students
- 4 hours/day; Monday through Friday
- 8am to 12pm; or 1 to 5pm, depending on group level assignment

Private Tutoring: 
- Designed for students with limited time or who want to work on specific goals
- Recommended for students who are only taking classes for one-week
- 4 hours/day; Monday through Friday
- 8am to 12pm; or 1 to 5pm

Group 4 hours + 2 hours Private Tutoring per Day:
- Designed for specific reinforcement of lessons or vocabulary
- Group class from 8am to 12pm, private tutoring from 1:15 to 3:15pm

Learning Spanish in Costa Rica Offers:

• Practical experience learning Spanish through native and professional Costa Rican teachers 
• An amazing opportunity to speak and practice Spanish with locals in everyday situations
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn Costa Rican cultural activities (e.g.: language, cooking, crafts)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe  
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills 

Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Class Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your class enrollment before you leave home.  In addition, we can pre-arrange any other cultural activity that may interest you (e.g. culinary skills, arts & crafts, theatre).
• Housing Assistance
  Cultural Embrace offers a variety of housing options. Opt to live with a carefully selected Costa Rican host family with included private room, breakfast and dinner, and laundry service. Or choose to rent a fully furnished apartment just one block away from our San José school. Each apartment includes a computer with ineternet acces, modern kitchen appliances and utensils, cable TV in each bedroom, and cleaning service. In addition, we can organize any hotel/hostel arrangements you wish to stay in.   
• Arrival Assistance 
  An airport pick-up and transfer to your housing is included upon arrival.
• Arrival Orientation
  The orientation introduces the local community and prepares you for your stay in Costa Rica.   
• Social Activities and Excursions
  Social activities and excursions are available.  Some excursions require that you pay transportation and entrance fees.
• Travel Insurance:  Basic Major Medical Coverage 
  Our policy provides basic medical coverage. Cultural Embrace highly recommends additional travel insurance.
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of traveling abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and Cost prior to, during, and after your placement.
• Certificate of Attendance
  Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance.  

Weeks	1	2	3	4	Extra
Mini-Group	$320	$625	$845	$1085	$260/week
Private Tutoring or 4 hrs. Group + 2 hrs. Private	$545	$1075	$1530	$1940	$495/week

*Please note that prices are in US$ and subject to change according to exchange rates
**Can$, Aus$, Br£, Euros€ can be accepted with an additional service charge for currency conversion
***Fees include Spanish lessons, textbooks & classroom materials, airport pick-up/transfer, orientation & basic insurance

Accommodations

Weeks	1	2	3	4	Extra
Homestay*	$130	$245	$345	$460	$110/ week
Shared Apartment**	$160	$320	$480	$500	$160/ week
Private Apartment**	$350	$700	$1050	$1200	$320/ week

*Includes: Private room, breakfast and lunch & laundry service
** Includes: Fully furnished 3 bedroom apartment 1 block from school, internet access, cable tv, telephone

1. Obtain the Cultural Classes Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:  

(a) Download the forms:  Cultural Classes Form (PDF).

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be mailed to you within 7-10 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US/Canada Toll-Free) to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days.