Spanish Courses

The key to the success of our Spanish program is the student-centered and fun method that we use to teach the language. The communicative approach encourages you to talk throughout the class. This technique allows you to take the utmost advantage of class-time and yields concrete results rapidly. The communicative classes employ stimulating techniques such as games, role playing, pair work, songs, and simulated situations -- helping you stay alert and interested while learning quickly. Our program concentrates  on conversation. You can immediately practice your new skills in real life situations, reinforcing the lessons and fixing them in your mind. 

Courses offered

• Regular program (20 hours a week).
• Survival Spanish (idioms, and basic survival skills (such as greetings, money transactions, telephone conversations, ordering in restaurants, obtaining hotel accommodations, shopping, and asking for directions etc.).
• Advanced conversational Spanish.
• Medical Spanish.
• Spanish for kids.
• Specialized instruction in business,scientific and other types of communication is available.
• Private lessons are available with flexible hours.

Spanish language instruction is offered in one to 16 weeks sessions,or more, with four hours of class-time daily (Monday through Friday). We keep group sizes small to ensure individualized attention for every student. Groups usually consist of two or three students. The maximum group size is six students.

All students are given a placement test to assess their skills and to ensure appropriate assignment to a learning group. Learning group assignments may be changed to reflect individual student needs.

Become part of IPED s family!

We want everybody to feel welcomed and part of our family. A guided tour of the city is given to all the students the first day of classes. The directors, David and Zaida, go out with all the students 3 times a week to have lunch together in one of the local restaurants and usually go dancing at night at least once a week. You can go and play tennis or golf with David in one of the most exclusive clubs of Costa Rica. Many students go swimming in the olympic swimming pool a block away from the school!

Cultural activities and informal gatherings with Costa Ricans are available. These interchanges allow you to practice your Spanish and will help you understand the Costa Rican people and their culture. Latin dance classes, cooking classes, movie, theater and night outings are held for those who are interested. Informal get togethers with Costa Rican students (who are studying English at IPED) provide a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, practice your Spanish, and learn more about Latin American culture.