1.
What kind of Spanish classes do you offer?
Our immersion program (20hours/week) is based on the
communicative approach thus developing the student's conversation
skills as well as grammar and other aspects of the language.
Classes run from 8:30am to 12:30pm or from 1:30pm to 5:30pm.
Students are informed of their timetable after their entrance
exams. Schedules change every week. Private lessons are available
in the afternoons. Classes start every Monday and run for twenty
hours until Friday.
2. How many people are in a class?
Groups range from 1 to 6 students, the average group
size being 3 to 5 for most of the year, except during high season
(June to August), when 5 to 6 is the norm.
3. What is the school environment
like?
Our goal is to teach you the Spanish language in a
friendly, relaxed yet studious environment. Intercultura has
recently added to its existing colonial-style facilities more
modern, spacious and well-equipped classrooms thus providing
the best possible setting to learn Spanish. With several lounges,
patio areas and our tropical garden, the social atmosphere is
warm and welcoming.
4. Do you have a beach campus?
Yes! Almost every week of every month, we host Spanish
classes at Sámara Beach on the Pacific coast. Each student
who has attended at least one week at the Heredia campus prior
to the beach week has the option to go. Of course, those who
prefer not to go can remain in Heredia as usual.
5. Can I receive academic credit for my Spanish
course?
The University of Southern Mississippi is one of several
fully accredited institutions of higher learning that work with
Intercultura to grant academic credit to out students. Their
overseas programs have been internationally recognized for their
excellence. Undergraduate credit is available at all levels
and is fully transferable to other universities.
6. What type of accommodation do you offer?
Our host families are carefully selected and inspected
and chosen for their hospitality. Accommodation can be arranged
in single or shared rooms close to school on a half-board basis
i.e. bed, breakfast and evening meal. If you prefer, there are
several hotels within walking distance where we make your reservations.
7. Can the school organize weekend
excursions?
On weekends we host excursions to many different parts of the
country. Possibilities range from relaxing on a white sand beach,
to studying the complex ecosystems of the Monteverde Cloud Forest,
to watching the eruptions of a live volcano! Also, during class
and with accompanying pedagogical activities for students, our
professors organize periodic excursions to nearby attractions
such as coffee plantations, museums, national parks, waterfalls
etc.
8. Can I volunteer while I am there?
Yes! Most positions are set up after your arrival in Costa Rica.
Many positions ask for a minimum time commitment; relevant work
experience and/or degree may be necessary. Current positions
include the following: social work, counseling in women’s
development centers; educational support in orphanages; teaching
in a primary school in Heredia; trail maintenance, biological
studies, beach patrol and administrative support in national
parks and reserves; First Aid, paramedic and office work at
the Red Cross, and many more...
9. How do I get to my homestay from the airport?
Intercultura provides free pick up no matter what day
or time you arrive.
10. How do I get from my homestay to
school every day?
All homestays are within walking
distance of school, unless requested otherwise.
11. How much Spanish can I learn in
a month?
This depends on how much you put into your studies,
how much time you spend with your host family, and other factors.
However, after one month most students reach a low intermediate
level which enables them to communicate with locals, find their
way around the country easily, and function in everyday situations
in Spanish.
12. Will there be other students living
in my homestay?
You may request to have or not have other foreigners
in the same homestay, it is your choice.
13. Can me and a friend live in the
same homestay?
OncYes, couples, friends, relatives and whole families
have stayed together in the same home.
14. Can I travel around the country
on the weekends by myself?
Yes, costa rica is safe, easy and economical to travel
in. beaches, rainforest and volcanos are all within a few hours
bus ride. Also, travelling solo is the best way to meet locals
and partipate in Costa Rican life. (Women travel alone with
no problems, as long as they take the usual precautions at night
when out by themselves).
15. When is the rainy season?
From May to November. From May to August it is sunnier
than September to mid-November, when rains are heaviest.
16. What is the average temperature?
In the central valley (Heredia), around 80 F (mid 20s
C). At the beach it is around 90 F (32 C).
17. Where do most of the students come
from?
In order: the US, Canada, Holland, Switzerland, Germany,
England, Japan, France, other European and Asian countries.
18. What is the average age of students?
Ages range from 18 to 80, concentrated between 20-45.
19. Do I need a visa to go to Costa
Rica?
Citizens of most countries (UK, USA, most of Western
Europe, Canada and Japan) do not need a visa and are granted
a 90 day visa upon arrival. Other countries do not need a visa
but are given a only 30 day visa upon arrival (Belgium, Ireland,
France, New Zealand, Sweden and Switzerland). Entry requirements
may change, however, so you should always check your local Costa
Rican consulate before departure.
20. Can I go on excursions with the
school?
Yes. The school offers trips to beaches, national parks,
river rafting and other destinations every weekend and some
afternoons. We also arrange trips upon request.
21. If I don't want to stay with a
host family what are my options?
We can help you arrange to stay in a hotel, or in a
furnished apartment. For longer stays, you may be able to find
a local unfurnished apartment at very economical rates. You
may also find other students or teachers looking for roommates,
depending on current availability.
2. Are there other students
living with same family? How many? MAXIMUM TWO PER FAMILY, BUT
NOT ALL FAMILIES CAN ACCOMMODATE MORE THAN ONE. STUDENTS CAN
REQUEST ACCORDING TO THEIR PREFERENCE. A FEW FAMILIES HAVE EXTRA
CABINAS FOR FAMILIES WHO WANT TO BE TOGETHER (UP TO 4 PEOPLE).
3. If student chooses shared
room, does he/she share room with another student or member of
the family? WITH ANOTHER STUDENT, NEVER WITH FAMILY MEMBERS.
4. How many meals does the
family provide? BREAKFAST AND DINNER.
5. Can entire families stay at
the same homestay? YES
6. Do you have any family
accommodations with private baths (important to many of our
older customers)? YES
7. Is there a homestay discount
for young children? At what age does a child have to start
paying full price for homestay? NO DISCOUNT, BECAUSE FAMILIES
PROVIDE SPECIAL CARE AND MEALS
8. When should the student
arrive to and depart from the host family, before he/she has to
start paying for extra days? What is the price per night for
additional days with homestay? Is there any problem arriving a
few days early or staying a few days longer? SHOULD ARRIVE AND
LEAVE ON SUNDAYS IF POSSIBLE. FOR EXTRAS, $16 PER DAY.
9. What is the price for
homestay per week? Is it the same price for travel companions
that may not be studying? $110 IF ONLY HOMESTAY, $100 IF PAYING
COMBINED PROGRAM HOMESTAY PLUS CLASSES.
10. Is laundry service included?
If not, what do students typically do? YES.
Children:
1. What is the youngest student
accepted into the regular program? 18. EXCEPTIONS MADE FOR
MATURE 17-YEAR OLDS.
2. Do you have special programs
for children? NO. Short description? Cost?
3. Do you have any child care
for children that are not studying? YES, IN HOMESTAYS WITH THE
SEÑORA OF THE FAMLY. APPROX. $80 MON-FRI ALL DAY, OR $50 HALF
DAYS: What is it (señora of the house, special nanny, daycare
center, etc.)? What is the cost?
Language Program:
1. Maximum number of students
per class? 6
2. Average number of students
per class? 3
3. Number of different language
levels? 12
4. Text and method used? SCHOOL
OWN LANGUAGE BOOKS, Y ‘EL PUNTO EN CUESTION’ PLUS REALIA,
CURRENT EVENTS MATERIALS, NEWSPAPERS, FILMS, NEWS PROGRAMS,
LITERATURE, ETC.
5. What do you do about college
credit? USM GIVES COLLEGE CREDIT FOR AN
EXTRA FEE, OR WE HAVE PROGRAMS ON SET DATES THROUGH OTHER
COLLEGES SUCH AS: AUSTIN COLLEGE (TEXAS), DUKE UNIVERSITY, MONTANA
STATE COLLEGE, AND AUSTIN PEAY COLLEGE. Do you have any special
relationships with colleges and universities? Do you have a list
of colleges that frequently grant credit for your program?
6. Cost for 1-on-1 instruction?
Is there anything that we should know regarding 1-on-1? (Some
schools that mainly offer group instruction can only provide
private tutoring AROUND their regular program. For ex. 1 hour in
the morning, 1 hour at noon and 1 or 2 hours in the late
afternoon. If there are any similar restrictions at your school,
please inform us!) NO GUARANTEED PRIVATE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT
THE BEACH. SOMETIMES CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE, BUT CANNOT BE
ASSURED UNTIL THE WEEK BEFORE. WE PREFER NOT TO OFFER THIS
OPTION.
7. Do you feel comfortable with
highly advanced/superior levels? What has your experience been
so far? Do you feel more comfortable steering advanced and
superior levels to private instruction? YES, WE HAVE ADVANCED
AND SUPERIOR LEVELS THAT HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY DUKE UNIVERSITY,
MONTANA STATE, AND AUSTIN FOR BOTH UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE
LEVEL CREDIT. WE HAVE SEMESTER PROGRAMS OR INTENSIVE PROGRAMS AT
THESE LEVELS. PRIVATES NOT NECESSARY.
8. Cost for only instruction (without
homestay)? $725 PER MONTH, OR $250 ONE WEEK, $450 TWO WEEKS,
$630 THREE WEEKS, THEN 175 PER WEEK AFTER FIRST 4.
9. One week price? SEE ABOVE
10. What time should the students
come to school the first day? 8AM FOR MORNING CLASSES, OR
12.15PM IF COMING IN THE AFTERNOON (12.15 IS ORIENTATION
MEETING).
11. Do you have a placement test.
YES When? WEEK BEFORE CLASSES START, EITHER BY PHONE OR IN
PERSON. What type of test? ORAL.
12. Do you have an orientation.
MONDAYS 12.15PM When?
Please describe.
INTRO TO PROGRAM,
HOMESTAYS, HOTEL, TOWN, EXPECTATIONS OF COURSE, LOGISTICS OF
TRAVEL, TOURS AVAILABLE, ACTIVITIES, HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS,
ETC
13. How are classes scheduled?
MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS ALTERNATE, SO THAT ALL STUDENTS MAY HAVE
SOME MORNINGS FREE (ESP. FOR RAINY SEASON, WHEN MORNINGS ARE
SUNNY, AFTERNOONS RAINY). EG. STUDENT WILL COME: MON, WED AND
FRI FROM 8-12, TUES AND THURS FROM 1.15-5.15, OR VICE VERSA. If
not always the same, please include a sample itinerary
14. How are
teachers scheduled. FROM MAIN CAMPUS, TEACHERS COME DOWN
ACCORDING TO NECESSITY/NUMBERS. How often does the student
change teachers? EVERY ONE OR TWO WEEKS.
15. Does
someone take the student to school the first day? Who? NO.
STUDENTS SEE SCHOOL ON SUNDAY NIGHT TOUR OF HEREDIA.
IT’S VERY EASY TO FIND AS THERE IS ONLY ONE ROAD REALLY IN
SAMARA!
.
Atmosphere:
1. What countries are most
students from? USA, HOLLAND, SWITZERLAND, CANADA,
JAPAN, AND OTHER (IN THAT ORDER). (mostly European or North
American)
2. Do teachers and students
frequently socialize outside of classes? YES, OFTEN. ESPECIALLY
IN THE EVENING ACTIVITIES.
3. Age (mostly university
students, independent travelers, professionals, older/retired)?
65% ARE FROM 20-35, 35% FROM 35 TO 65. IN SUMMER, MORE
UNIVERSITY AGE STUDENTS.
4. Study environment (casual,
classrooms, indoor, outdoor). INDOOR WITH AC, OR OUTDOOR IN PALM-THATCHED
OPEN-SIDED ‘RANCHOS’. Are there any special facilities that you
want to mention? (swimming pool, large garden, cafeteria, nice
terrace, etc.?). BEACH FRONT CAMPUS WILL OPEN BY JULY 2004,
APPROX. CLASSROOMS HAVE VIEW OF BEACH, And BEAUTIFUL GARDEN GOES
RIGHT TO THE SAND. PALM TREES PROVIDE SHADY AREAS FOR
CONVERSATION HOURS ON THE BEACH.
5.
Your maximum capacity? 80
6.
Please describe the area where your school is located.
SAMARA BEACH, NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST IN
COSTA RICA. BEAUTIFUL SMALL TOWN WITH 3000 LOCAL INHABITANTS,
LOCAL FLAVOUR WITH MORE TICOS THAN FOREIGNERS. BARS, RESTAURANTS,
WATERSPORTS, AND MANY OTHER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE. RURAL,
FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, WHERE STUDENTS RAPIDLY INTEGRATE INTO LOCAL
LIFE. SO FAR SEVERAL STUDENTS HAVE EXTENDED THEIR TIME TO STAY
ON AND LIVE AND WORK IN SAMARA IN TOURISM OR OTHER AREAS.
Other:
1. Weather? How much rain
during rainy season (afternoon, evening)? RAINY IN AFTERNOONS
FROM MAY TO NOVEMBER. LIGHT RAINS FROM MAY TO AUGUST, HEAVIER
FROM AUGUST TO NOVEMBER. USUALLY RAINS IN AFTERNOONS, BUT
CLIMATE IS STILL WARM AND SUNNY IN MORNINGS. When is the weather
the best? FROM LATE NOVEMBER TO EARLY MAY. What are the
temperature fluctuations throughout the year? AROUND 88-93
DEGREES, CONCORDANT WITH RAINY SEASONS.
2. Best time to study based on
cultural events or festivals? NOT APPLICABLE. Short description
of these events?
3. Important advice (safety,
etc.)? SAME AS FOR ANY TOWN: WOEN DON’T WALK ALONE ON DARK BEACH LATE AT NIGHT. STUDENTS
DON’T TAKE WALLETS TO BEACH THEN GO SWIMMING AND LEAVE VALUABLES
UNATTENDED. SAMARA IS VERY SAFE, AND NOTHING HAS HAPPENED SO FAR,
BUT PRECAUTION ALWAYS ADVISABLE.
4. Does the school organize
afternoon activities? What kind of activities? How often? MONDAY:
FILM NIGHT / TUESDAY: DANCE CLASS / WED: BONFIRE AND
INTERCAMBIO WITH LOCAL STUDENTS OF ENGLISH / Is this included
in the program cost YES. In that case, how much? Are they
conducted in language being taught or English? NO, IN SPANISH.
Can a student's travel companion participate? YES, FREE OF
CHARGE.
5. Does the school organize
weekend trips? YES, SAME AS FROM HEREDIA. How often? EVERY
WEEKEND. Where are most common destinations?
RINCON DE LA VIEJA
NATIONAL PÁRK, TAMARINDO BEACH, ETC.
Can you include a short
description of these trips? SEE DESCRIPTION FROM HEREDIA. Does
anyone from the staff go along? TOUR GUIDE AND CHAUFFEUR. Are
they conducted in language being taught or English? SPANISH.
Cost? SEE LIST. Can a student's travel companion participate?
YES, SAME PRICE.
6. Do you arrange for volunteer
work? YES, SET UP THROUGH REGULAR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR (JOAQUIN)
How does it work? What kind of volunteer work? LOCAL HEALTH
CLINIC, OR SCHOOL, OR HIGH SCHOOL. Do you require that the
person studies at your school for a certain amount of hours
first? ONE WEEK, OR AS NECESSARY TO REACH INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Is
it possible to participate in some kind of volunteer work
arranged by you, but not having to study at your school. If this
is the case, do you charge a placement fee? UP TO THE AGENCY. IN
THEORY, YES IT IS POSSIBLE BUT WE GIVE PREFERENCE TO STUDENTS.
7. Can you please include a
list of hotels (from basic to luxurious). Cost, address, fax and
phone #. Do you make reservations for students that choose to
stay in a hotel? WE TAKE CARE OF HOTEL RESERVATIONS IN OUR
HOTEL, PRICE IS INCLUDED IN WHAT THEY PAY FOR HOMESTAYS,
EXCLUDING WEEKENDS. COST PER NIGHT ON WEEKENDS RANGES FROM
$25/35 SINGLE TO $35/45 DOUBLE DEPENDING ON THE SEASON (EG. XMAS
AND NEW YEARS ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE). FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN
OTHER ARRANGMENTS. BUDGET ACCOMODATIONS RUN ABOUT 3000 PER NIGHT
SINGLE TO 4000 COLONES DOUBLE. (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE 383
COLONES TO THE DOLLAR, FEB.2003)
8. Start dates (if not every
Monday) and dates that the school is closed for holidays. FEB 10
AND 24. MARCH 10 AND 24. APRIL 28 (OTHER START DATES NEOGTIABLE,
BUT SCHOOL CLOSED FROM 11-18 APRIL). MAY 12 AND 26. JUNE 9 AND
23. JULY 7 AND 21. AUGUST 11 AND 25. SEPT. 8 AND 22. OCT. 13 AND
27. NOV. 10 AND 24. DEC. 15 (SCHOOL CLOSED FOLLOWING TWO WEEKS
FOR XMAS. JAN 2004 12TH AND 26TH.
9. Are there any Sports/Gym
facilities nearby? TWO GYMS IN TOWN WITH FULL WEIGHTS AND SOME
AEROBICS. SURFING, KAYAKS, BOOGIE BOARDS, BIKES, HORSERIDING,
AND OTHER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE.
10. Do the students have access
to e-mail at the school? NOT YET. What is the cost to send and
receive? If not available, is there a service or Internet café
nearby? YES, RUNS ABOUT $2 PER HALF HOUR. Cost?
11. If offering airport pick up -
Who does the pick-up? NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE., BUT WE WILL
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAXI TO MEET STUDENTS AT LOCAL CARRILLO
AIRPORT. Please include telephone number for this person/company
in case of last minute flight changes. TYRONE JACKSON:
506-656-0821, OR LAURA ELLINGTON 656-0750 / 656-0127
12. Start dates? SEE NUMBER 8.
13. Closing dates? APRIL 14-18,
DEC 22-JAN 2, 2004. PLUS NATIONAL HOLIDAYS, APRIL 11, JULY 25,
AUGUST 15, SEPT 15, OCT 12.
Important Question:
Why is your program better than
others?
HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS, LOTS
OF PERSONAL ATTENTION, RANGE OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
FREE OF CHARGE, HOMESTAYS WALKING DISTANCE TO SCHOOL, BEAUTIFUL
BEACH CAMPUS, SAFE, FRIENDLY TOWN, MANY TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
AVAILABLE. WE ALSO OFFER TWO CAMPUSES, WHICH STUDENTS CAN SWITCH
BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN: ONE IN SAMARA BEACH, THE OTHER IN THE COLONIAL
CITY OF HEREDIA IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY. THIS PROVIDES STUDENTS
WITH A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES IN DIFFERENT CULTURAL SETTINGS.
OUR PROGRAM IS RECOGNIZED IN THE
U.S AND EUROPE FOR ITS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. WE HAVE BEEN CHOSEN
BY SUCH ENTITIES AS THE ORGANIZATION FOR TROPICAL STUDIES, DUKE UNIVERSITY, AND THE AMERICAN
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION TO OFFER SEMESTER AND INTENSIVE PROGRAMS
ABROAD. WE ALSO HAVE A RIGOUROUS ONGOING EVALUATION SYSTEM THAT
HELPS US CONTINUALLY IMPROVE OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. |
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