Learn Spanish on the beach... In addition to the Heredia campus, our partner school offers classes every week at Samara beach in Guanacaste. All students have the option to study at the beach as alternative to the Heredia Campus. Students may go for one week, or extend for longer stays if desired on a space-available basis. You will learn to speak Spanish in one of the most scenic spots in the country, while you discover Costa Rican warmth and hospitality at its best.

We highly recommend the beach campus, as it offers a glimpse of rural life in Costa Rica very different from that in the cities. Due to the town's small size, students quickly come to know the local population and to feel at home in this warm and welcoming 'pueblo'.

The private bus (only available during group weeks) leaves the Heredia campus Sunday at 10am and costs $15 one-way: you must sign up in reception and pay for the bus by Thursday before leaving. It returns Friday at 2:45pm. The public bus leaves from the Alfaro station in San José, approx. $6 one way. Schedule: 12.30pm and 6:30pm daily. We recommend buying tickets the day before.

The School is located 100 meters from the Beach. In this tropical garden, classes are held in open-sided, palm-thatched "ranchos" which are breezy and cool, terraces, balconies, or in air conditioned rooms, providing an ideal spot for learning Spanish at the beach. Each classroom is equipped with standard audio equipment, whiteboard, and a large communal study space encouraging didactic activities and easy participation. Classes are held adjacent to the hotel where students can be housed, close to the town center and services. It offers a large pool and gardens palm-thatched ranchos', social areas, restaurant/bar, and beach access. It also has tour services (domestic flights, horse-riding, bike rental, ultralight gliding, deep-sea fishing, dolphin tours, waterfall visits, etc). These involve an additional cost.

Note : No private lessons are offered at Samara Beach Campus.

Standard Course (20 lessons per week)

This group course consists of 4 lessons per day of Intensive language study from Monday to Friday. Classes usually alternate between morning and afternoon.  During official group weeks, all students have morning classes on Fridays with cultural workshops until 2.45pm. Students with university credits must attend all classes.

Host Family :

Homestays are available with local families, who provide a wonderful introduction to rural Costa Rican customs and lifestyles. Families live within walking distance of the school (bikes may also be rented for easy coming and going). Homestay accommodation includes private room (double rooms available on request), 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner) and laundry.

Hotels (according to availability):

The hotel is recommended for those who prefer to be near other students and amenities, and to have on-site support services readily available. Rooms are for 2 or 3 people. Meals are not included but are available at extra cost.

Hotel stays are paid from Sunday through Thursday night: students must leave Friday or they can arrange with the hotel to stay weekend nights at their own cost (payable upon arrival).

Single rooms available according to availability for an extra cost (payable upon arrival).

Hotel Samara Beach

It is decorated in a tropical style with a beautiful garden and a swimming pool for adults and kids. The hotel offers 20 rooms each equipped with a private bathroom with hot water, air conditioning or fan, king size bed, security box and a big balcony overlooking the garden and pool. The hotel offers the following services : car rental, international restaurant, bar/coffee shop, private parking, 24h security, laundry service, phone, fax and email service, money exchange.

Hotel Belvedere

The hotel is located only 2 min. walking distance from the beach, in a slightly elevate position, surrounded by exuberant vegetation and with a breathtaking view over the whole bay. The property consists of one main building and one 2-story wing, a whirlpool, a big swimming pool and a sun terrace. The following services are offered : swimming Pool, whirlpool, laundry, safety deposit, snack bar, private parking.

Student Residence :

Residences are either in student apartments or hostels. Accommodations are usually shared (2/3 persons per room), and do not include food or laundry. They usually provide options such as : kitchen access, breakfast, pool, AC, private room (according to availability).

Note : There are NO BANKS or bank machines in Samara. Be sure to bring enough money for your entire stay including money for tours and equipment rental (bicycle, boogie boards, kayaks, snorkel). You may change traveler’s checks and dollars in the supermarket. We suggest bringing between $200-$250/week.

The Beach campus is open year-round, except for Christmas (closed for 2 weeks) and Easter (closed for one).  We have "official beach weeks" in Sámara every week, with classes opening every Monday. Students should register in advance for the weeks they wish to study in Sámara, and reconfirm this in Heredia on the beach sign up sheet. There will also be a limited number of places open for on-site or last minute sign ups (for those students who do not wish to decide ahead of time). However, to guarantee a space, advance sign up is required.

HOW TO GET TO SAMARA

You have several options for your transportation to Playa Sámara, which we can help you arrange. Note: For the taxi option, up to 4 students can share the taxi--you may contact us for students arriving at similar times if you prefer to ride-share.

 PDF BROCHURE COSTA RICA , PDF BROCHURE SAMARA BEACH