Turrialba

Program Outline

The Private 4-hour Language Program is four complete hours of one-on-one Spanish classes a day, Monday through Friday. Class hours are from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, with a 30 minute break in-between. All materials are included. This is the most intensive Spanish option offered in Costa Rica. The student and teacher will create an individualized lesson plan that will work on the aspects of the student’s language ability that need most improvement. All classes are strictly in Spanish as is all course material.

Private Lessons at your Hotel. This is a program where our teacher will meet you at your hotel for private lessons. You decide the number of hours and the schedule of your classes. Students must sign up for a minimum of 10 hours/week with a 2 hours/day minimum length of class for this program and all materials are included. A second student can be added in the same class for an additional cost. Also, any transportation cost for the teacher to get to and from your hotel will be added, depending upon location. This is a great way for those on vacation who want a short but intense language option while they are in the Arenal area. The convenience can't be beat.

We offer a comprehensive Medical Spanish Program, as well as our virtually one of a kind Nursing Spanish Program. In the Medical Spanish program students receive an additional 2 hour medical specific lessons, two afternoons a week. You will go over medical terminology, patient interviews and clinical procedures. One other afternoon a week is open to arrange patient interviews or visits to local clinics. This is not mandatory and engenders an added cost for transportation, if set up. The Nursing Spanish Program is set up the exact same way, but focuses specifically on situations and care responsibilities that are associated with nursing. For more detailed information on our Medical and Nursing Programs , please Contact Us.

The Children’s 8 to 13 Spanish Program has the same four hour schedule as the adult program above, so families can participate in classes at the same time. This program combines in-class and age appropriate lessons with out-of-class field trips and games and is designed with children in mind. The Kindergarten Spanish Program is a complete immersion program for children. The program is for children ages 2 to 7 years. Students are placed into an existing private school with local children. There are no formal language lessons in this option, students learn through play and interaction in a Spanish only environment. The Kinder program is a traditional school with only local Spanish speaking students and staff.

Private Spanish Lessons are available with a minimum of 10 hours required each week. All students are given oral and written evaluations on the first day of classes. Students are then placed according to their ability.

Lodging

Homestays are with local, middle class and professional Costa Rican families in Turrialba. Every student will have a private room with a bathroom that they share, although some houses do have private baths. Weekly laundry service is provided along with two meals a day, breakfast and dinner and all homestays are within a 25-minute walk to the center of town. We have a number of host families from which to choose and all can accommodate students with special dietary needs, including vegetarians. We also have Rental Houses available for families looking for a little more privacy. Those students looking for a less expensive lodging option can choose to stay at our local Hostel. Those looking for a little nicer personal option can choose our Boutique Hotel Stay. This wonderful local lodging option is just a block off central park and has a unique and typical Costa Rican flavor. It also includes breakfast each morning. More detailed information about all of our lodging options is available upon request. Please Contact Us.

Cultural Experience in Turrialba, Costa Rica

Discover the authentic charm of Turrialba, a typical and non-touristy Costa Rican town that offers a unique cultural immersion. Despite its unassuming size, Turrialba is far from boring, providing a plethora of enjoyable activities and sights. The town has long served as the gateway to some of Central America's best river rafting adventures, with three main rivers within an hour's reach, offering varying levels of difficulty for rafting enthusiasts.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring incredible archaeological sites, picturesque lakes, and the Turrialba Volcano National Parks. Additionally, Turrialba boasts the renowned CATIE Tropical Research Center, a 2000-acre facility globally recognized for its efforts to conserve tropical forests. The center educates farmers in the latest agricultural techniques, promoting greater production with minimal environmental impact.

We can help you organize afternoon and weekend excursions to these attractions, as well as to the nearby Caribbean beaches and towns. For those seeking meaningful engagement, we offer various volunteer options within the community. A detailed description of all options is available upon request. Please Contact Us for more information.

Location

Turrialba is a typical Costa Rican pueblo of over 40,000 people in a mountain valley on the Atlantic Slope between the colonial capital Cartago and the Caribbean coast. The area surrounding the town is rural with verdant green mountains, river valleys, farms, coffee plantations and rain forest. It is one of our most beautiful settings in all of Costa Rica. The Turrialba area is very Tico (Costa Rican) and few people speak any English, so it is very culturally and linguistically immersive and safe.

Local Color

Turrialba is very active both during the day and at night and is the center of the region's social life and its economy. There are many different restaurants, bars, discos, markets, shops, a movie theater and a nice Central Park. Even though many tourists pass through town to ride the rivers, there are not many foreigners living in the area. This makes for a very good environment for students wishing to practice their Spanish and be immersed in the culture.

Hot Tip

The Guayabo National Monument is the smallest national park in Costa Rica and is located 45 minutes from Turrialba. Contained inside its primary rainforest is the countries oldest archeological site with ruins dating back over 2000 years. The park is easily navigated by a rainforest trail that takes you to all the sites. It is a hidden gem.

Start Dates

Every Monday of the year except on Costa Rican National Holidays. The following Costa Rica Holidays are observed by the school; 1/1, 4/11, 4/17 & 18, 5/2, 7/25, 8/15, 9/18 and 12/25. There are no refunds for missed days because of holidays.

Main points about the Turrialba campus:

• Intensive Private or Semi-Private Spanish Lessons.
• Turrialba is located in a picturesque mountain valley, with the best aspects of the city, countryside and mountains.
• The area surrounding town is very rural with lots of farms, ranches and coffee plantations.
• Great afternoon and weekend activities such as rafting, kayaking and mountain biking.
• Best location in Latin America for families with small children.
• Our Kinder Program for 2 to 7 year olds is one of a kind and offered nowhere else.
• Turrialba is a very immersive location with only Spanish speakers in the area.
• A very comprehensive Medical Spanish program, combining in class curriculum with optional clinical experiences.
• Nursing Specific Spanish Program.
• Extremely safe area, perfect for families and those traveling on their own.
• Flexible and willing to set up special programs or group packages.