Sámara Language School teaches intensive Spanish classes in a beautiful Pacific Coast setting. We offer classes to students from all over the world in an intensive program, where you will enjoy a true cultural immersion experience in a rural Costa Rican beach town.

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.

In addition, you will study with the first academic institución in Costa Rica to receive official recognition through the United Nations as a partner in the UN Global Compact, whose goal is to uphold sustainable development and corporate responsibility through adherence to UN directives in human rights, labour practices and the environment. Our mission at Sámara Language School - Intercultura is to promote global awareness and tolerance through the sharing of cultures and languages in an environment that defends these principles. We believe that participation in programs such as this one teach not only a new language, but also effective tools for communication and understanding in the constantly evolving world culture in which we live.

THE LOCATION:

Sámara Language School is located in Playa Sámara, in brand new, beautiful beachfront facilities. Classes are held in modern, air-conditioned rooms, all with a view of the ocean, 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. The beach provides an ideal respite from the mid-day heat or for a quick swim during your break. Occasionally, teachers take students outside the facilities to hold a conversation hour in our rancho, the tropical gardens, or on the beach under the shade of a palm tree. Ecological trips, community interviews and other activities help students practice Spanish "en vivo" with local Costa Ricans.

Facilities include a large open-air rancho used for dance classes and other activities; a stage for performances, community activities and cultural events; a kitchen for student use; lounges, gardens, open-air classroom study areas, hammocks, and the reception and tour services desk. Nearby restaurants and open air café-bars provide ample places to relax and chat with friends, drink coffee or try the delicious local fresh fruit shakes.

Click on map for country details

THE SPANISH PROGRAM

METHODOLOGY:
Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish, and use the Communicative Approach as the basis for instruction. We emphasize student participation, conversational skills and educational activities, within a framework that teaches you not only the necessary grammar, but also how to converse and be understood in real-life situations. Hands-on experience, role-plays, games, music, interviews with locals, and intensive class-work support your language acquisition goals, helping you become quickly familiar with and comfortable in the language. As you advance, you will begin to study Latin American history and culture, read selected literature from the region, and participate in debates, write essays, critique films and generally refine your language skills as you expand your cultural knowledge.

CLASSES:
Classes begin every Monday, and students must arrive by 7.30am on the first day for their placement exam (complete beginners may arrive at 7:45am). We have a total of 12 levels, followed by 6 levels of specialized courses, and all are taught entirely in Spanish. Groups are small (maximum 6 people, average 4) and allow for much participation and student interaction. Classes are held in the mornings (8 to 12pm) or afternoons (1.15 to 5.15pm), alternating in the green season so that everyone has a chance to enjoy the sunny mornings or participate in activities that rely on high or low tide! Each week students complete one level, moving up in weekly units through the comprehensive program. Students missing classes or falling behind may be asked to repeat a level, so we advise you to come to class and make sure you do your homework!

Group classes contain from 2 to 6 people maximum and are held for 4 hours a day, Monday through Friday. In order to maintain academic consistency in the material covered in each level, classes containing only 1 student may be reduced to 3 hours per day instead of 4. Exceptions may apply for academic credit candidates, and/or at the discretion of the program director.

Minimum age fo study is 18, unless applying for the summer TEEN PROGRAM (run separately from the adult program). Click here for more details.

TEACHERS:
Our professors are university qualified and credentialed to teach Spanish as a second language. They have all been certified by our Professional Development Training Program, and regularly participate in ongoing seminars, both in Costa Rican and abroad, in order to remain abreast of current methodology trends and teaching concepts.

"Please see our main campus Staff Page for more information: http://www.interculturacostarica.com/staff.html" 

UNIVERSITY CREDIT:
Intercultura offers academic credit options through several study abroad programs, such as those run by the University of Washington, Montana State University, UNC, Duke University (program with the Organization for Tropical Studies), Austin College, Flagler College, College de Maisonneuve, and other.

Many universities from a variety of countries also grant direct credit if you make plans in advance: if you inform us of your plans we will send curriculum descriptions and other necessary information to your university before you arrive. To receive direct credit (which is often more economical), you need to get approval from your own institution prior to beginning your studies. We are happy to provide any necessary information to help you do this. At the end of your studies we will also provide, upon request, a detailed transcript of your work for you to take back to your host institution.There is a $10 processing fee for direct credit students.

For assistance with securing university transfer credit for your course work abroad, please contact:

Russell Garrett
Brookhaven College
600 S. Bryan Ave.
Bryan, TX 77803
Email: russgarrett@earthlink.net

Professor Steve Tash, Seattle Central Community College for 100 and 200-level Spanish courses, at the address below:
Cooperative Education (Internships) and Service-Learning
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, BE1103
Seattle, WA 98122
Telephone: 206.587.5422 Fax: 206.287.5529
http://seattlecentral.org/coop/


START DATES: Classes start every Monday, except for National Holdiays or closed dates. Please contact us with any questions or for specific holiday dates.

Programs are confirmed on a space-available basis. If there is no space at the beach campus, students always have the option of taking classes at the Heredia campus.Students must specify in advance whether they prefer accommodations in the hotel or with a homestay family.

Students are expected to arrive in Sámara by 6pm on the Sunday before classes start: Upon arrival they go to Intercultura -Sámara Language school, where reception staff will call their host family to collect them. Those arriving later will be given the hotel or host family address and may make alternate plans with the school on an individual basis, or they can ask the school guard to call the family for them if it is earlier than 9pm. Students have the option of taking private transportation arranged by the school, the public bus from San José, or flying.