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Program Options: 3 weeks (3-4 credits)
Extended: 6 weeks (4–10 credits) ·
Location: ILISA San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica ·
Start Window: First Monday of the month, all year round

Study Abroad in Costa Rica! Level up your Spanish through a total‑immersion experience that blends interactive morning classes (Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), weekly cultural activities, homestay living, and two curated full‑day excursions. ILISA’s 35+ years in Costa Rica ensure academic quality, safety, and seamless logistics so you can focus on learning.

• Build practical, real‑world Spanish for daily life, travel, and future study/work.
• Develop intercultural competence through host‑family life and community engagement.
• Connect classroom learning to Costa Rica’s history, arts, and biodiversity via cultural activities and excursions.
• Gain confidence and fluency through small‑group classes and constant interaction.

The three-week immersion program is coordinated by ILISA Educational Experience and college credits are awarded by St. Petersburg College (SPC).

• Class schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Placement before arrival ensures students join the appropriate level.
• Weekly cultural activity: One activity per week (e.g., cooking and dance classes, city tour, museum visits, concerts, chocolate workshop).
• Credit awarding: Spanish credits are granted through Saint Petersburg College (SPC) upon successful completion of coursework and assessments.

Available courses: Students must enroll in at least one course directly with ILISA from the list below. Please note that students cannot complete the two semesters of foreign language requirements during this three-week program. However, you can extend your stay for three more weeks and complete a second semester.

Note: Please talk to an advisor to ensure you have met all college enrollment requirements AND course prerequisites. Once accepted into the program, students will be notified by ILISA of the Course Number and enrollment dates/deadlines.

• SPN 1120 Elementary Spanish I, 4 credits
• SPN 1121 Elementary Spanish II, 4 credits
• SPN 2200 Intermediate Spanish I, 3 credits
• SPN 2201 Intermediate Spanish II, 3 credits
• SPN 2240 Spanish Conversation and Comp I, 3 credits
• SPN 2241 Spanish Conversation and Comp II, 3 credits

Program options, credits and costs (per student)

• 3 Weeks – 4 credits: USD $3,275 per student
• 3 Weeks – 3 credits: USD $2,765 per student
• 6 Weeks – 4–10 credits: USD $4,900 per student

Note: Additional services can be added per request.

What’s Included?

• Spanish tuition at ILISA (placement, small groups, morning classes Mon–Fri)
• Homestay accommodation with vetted local families
• Breakfast & dinner daily, weekly laundry, Wi‑Fi, private bedroom (bathroom typically shared with family). Apartment option is available for an extra fee.
• First day escort: Host families accompany students to ILISA on the first class day
• Two full‑day excursions (examples: Poás Volcano + La Paz Waterfall Gardens + coffee estate; Orosi Valley or Manuel Antonio National Park)
• Weekly cultural activities (e.g., cooking, dance, museums/city tour, concerts, chocolate workshop)
• Airport pick‑up and drop‑off (San José – SJO)
• Welcome orientation, on‑site coordination, and 24/7 support; use of ILISA facilities for scheduled sessions
• Program certificate of completion

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare – travel/medical insurance, lunches and any meals not specified as included, personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs), optional activities, and tips, additional transportation or housing upgrades not listed in the inclusions

Housing:

Homestay (standard): Trusted Costa Rican host families within roughly 2 miles of ILISA (San Pedro/San José). Includes breakfast, dinner, weekly laundry, and Wi‑Fi. Meals follow a traditional Costa Rican diet; hosts can make reasonable adjustments with advance notice, but cannot provide costly specialty items daily (e.g., nuts, vegan milks, specialty eggs).
Apartment Option (on request): Furnished apartments or serviced studios near ILISA (walkable/short ride). Includes Wi-Fi, utilities, linens, and a kitchen or kitchenette. Pricing varies by unit, season, and length of stay. Meals are not included with the apartment option.

Sample Student Schedule: 

• Mon–Fri (AM): Spanish class at ILISA (8:00–12:00)
• One afternoon cultural activity per week, announced by our staff at the start of each week.
• Two full-day excursions:
  Excursion 1 – Combo Tour: Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee Plantation, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens (guided visits; lunch included).
  Excursion 2 – Irazú Volcano & Orosí Valley: Guided day trip with scenic stops. This second excursion may be swapped for a one-day tour to Manuel Antonio National Park if preferred.

Note: Access to Poás’ crater viewpoint is weather/park-condition dependent.

Contact info:

• ILISA Educational Experiences
• Hellen Rojas, Program Director
• Email: hellen@ilisa.com · Phone/WhatsApp: +506 6278 7058
• Web: www.ilisa.com

ILISA is a leading provider of customized language and faculty‑led programs in Costa Rica. Since 1987, we’ve partnered with universities to deliver safe, academically aligned, and culturally rich experiences—coordinating classes, housing, excursions, and on‑the‑ground support.