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! For the last week of every month, Intercultura hosts 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. For more information
about Sámara, please consult our brochure or our web
site www.samarabeach.com.
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 of intercultura's 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 choic.
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. |
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