Spanish Course in Monteverde

Monteverde was founded by North American Quakers in the 1950s. Primarily a community of diary farmers, the Quakers began conservation efforts of the cloud forest to protect the watershed. Today, the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve  receives thousands of visitors each year, but Monteverde and adjoining Santa Elena still maintain a small town community. This programme is ideal for nature lovers.

Language Programme

• Maximum 4 students per class.
• Average 2 or 3 students per class.
• Spanish levels - 3 beginner, 3 intermediate, 2 advanced and 1 superior.
• Classes are structured to allow for the maximum student participation. Typically, the teachers present one grammar point per day and utilize written and oral practice exercises, role play and conversations to enforce the grammar points.
• There is a written and oral placement test on the first day of class.
• Class Schedule - 8 am - midday.

School Atmosphere

• The majority of students are from North America, most are university students or professionals.
• The school is a modern two storey building set back off the main road. It has about 17 indoor classrooms, video room, library and computer room. There is also a common room with ping pong table and kitchen.
• Capacity - 70 students.
• Organised activities - Some optional organised afternoon activities are offered by the school. There are many activities available in the area: Two Cloudforest Reserves, Butterfly Garden, Canopy Tours, horse riding.
• Weekend trips - The school organizes weekend excursions however there are not many places that you can get to in a weekend from Monteverde because of the relatively remote location.Travel is best done after studies are completed.

Accommodation

Homestay

You should plan to arrive in San José on the Saturday before classes start. If you are staying with a family you will be picked up at the airport and taken to a hotel for an overnight stay. The following morning you will be taken to the bus station for the 4-hour bus journey to Monteverde. The bus fare is payable locally ($20 approx.).

• We can organise tourist class hotel accommodation for you as an alternative. Please enquire for prices. Budget accommodation can be arranged locally. Airport pickup not included.
• Distance to school - There are families both in Monteverde and Santa Elena. The farthest homestays are located about a 45 minute walk from the school. Most students decide to walk to class; however, if not, a staff member will meet those students housed in Santa Elena in the town centre in the morning to take them to class.
• One student per family, unless other requested.
• Private room, unless other requested.
• Breakfast and dinner provided by the host family.
• Students may arrive at the homestay Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Anything outside of the day before and the day after classes are considered extra homestay nights and cost extra.
• Laundry service provided by the family.

One of the most important parts of your learning and cultural experience is the homestay. You will receive a key and will be able to come and go as you please. You are not obliged to eat all your meals with the family but you should notify them if not.

It is a good idea to bring some pictures of family, friends, your house and even a map that shows where you live. These can be used to begin discussions.

Notify the director of the school if you wish to change families (there is no charge for this).

Weather