Learn Spanish in Samara Beach
Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica
Learning Spanish abroad in Samara Beach, Costa Rica is one of many language immersion programs offered by AmeriSpan. Known as the Switzerland of Central America, Costa Rica has an abundance of natural beauty and is populated by a friendly, well-educated people. Costa Rica has obtained the highest standard of living in Central America by embracing democracy and disbanding its army. This small country is a paradise for nature lovers with national parks, jungles, volcanoes, beaches, and more water per square mile than any other country in the world, excluding New Zealand. However, the small pre-Columbian indigenous population was wiped out by diseases brought to the new world by the conquistadors.
Learn Spanish Language in Costa Rica:
Located on the northern Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, Samara boasts 5 km of white sand lined with palm tress, in a protected coral reef bay. The tranquil ocean is ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling and surf/boogie boarding. For the adventurous, Isla Chora is a short kayak or boat trip away, and there you may snorkel or simply sunbathe on this uninhabited island's deserted beach.
Away from the sand, Samara is ringed by primary and secondary forest that is home to a huge variety of wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, ocelots, iguanas, scarlet macaws, parrots, and more. The nearby Nicoya region provides a wonderful opportunity to see remnants of Costa Rica's indigenous Chorotega culture, as well as the colonial town and church. Other activities at Sámara include: horse-riding, bike rental, ultra light gliding, deep-sea fishing, dolphin tours, waterfall visits, canopy tours, visits to local 'fiestas' and much more.
School Facilities:
Indoor classrooms with A/C as well as outdoor thatched roof huts. Close to beach. Capacity is 80 students/day.
Participants:
At least half are American between 20-36. Many other nationalities and ages represented.
Accreditation Memberships:
Approved for academic credit by several US Institutions including Brookhaven College
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Spanish Immersion Program (included in tuition):
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- 4 hrs/day classes (20 hrs/wk)
- Group classes (max 6)
- Private room in host family
- 2 meals daily
- Laundry service
- Some organized activities
- Daily Latin dance classes
- Emergency message service
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Options (extra cost):
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- Airport pick-up in San Jose (includes homestay night in Heredia)
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| What We Like: |
What We Don't Like: |
- Private room
- Laundry service
- School organizes some activities
- Daily Latin dance classes
- Walking distance to school
- One of the best beaches in Costa Rica
- Small program with intimate atmosphere and personal attention
- Possible to switch to school's other campus in Heredia
- Academic credit available
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- Basic living conditions (small room, plain food, limited hot water, etc.)
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2008 Prices (Click to see prices for 2007)
| Course Name |
1
Wk |
2
Wks |
3
Wks |
4
Wks |
Add'l
Wks |
Class
Size |
Meals |
| 4 hrs/day Group w/homestay |
$395 |
$740 |
$1065 |
$1390 |
$325 |
max 6 |
2 |
| 4 hrs/day Group classes only |
$270 |
$490 |
$690 |
$890 |
$200 |
max 6 |
0 |
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Airport Pickup: $12
Airport Pickup Comments:
*If you are starting in Samara Beach and opting for airport pickup, please arrive to Costa Rica on the Saturday before your classes start. Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the San Jose airport and taken to a homestay or hotel. On Sunday, you will be escorted to the bus stop where you will take the public bus at your own cost (about $10). The public bus departs at approximately 12:30pm and 6:15pm and the trip takes about 5 hours. If there are many people switching from the main campus in Heredia to Samara Beach, there might be a private bus. The person meeting you at the airport will inform you if there is a private bus.
*PLEASE NOTE: No airport pickup in San Jose if not opting for a homestay in Samara Beach. You should plan to stay the night in San Jose and take the public bus the next morning.
Program Additions & Upgrades:
* Extra homestay nights: $18/night
* Private Classes: $19/hour (not available in January or June-August)
Start Dates:
Any Monday
Closed Dates:
2007: 12/17-12/31
2008: 1/1, 3/17-3/21, 4/11, 5/1, 7/25, 8/15, 9/15, 10/12, 12/15-1/2/09
Other Comments:
*Private classes are not offered in January or June through August.
Return to complete list of all AmeriSpan language immersion programs.
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