Program Reviews

I just wanted to let you know that my experiences as a volunteer on the fincas in the Pocora area, was one of my best experiences here. The weeks were from Jan 5 to Feb 12, 6 weeks in total. I think it is quite esential that one have a very good understanding of Spanish before pursing any position like this. I used my dictionary a lot and, the women especially were kind enough to help me along. Also, on the other side of the country there is a different dialect. At first I thought it was me but when I would meet people from the west I could communicate quite well. And now, being back on the west side, I find once again I can communicate well.
I was able to go for a tour of the Earth University, but not until my 5th week at the fincas. This would've be helpful before hand as it is here that all concepts of what these fincas are doing, is demonstrated in a large nutshell. Also, I found 1 week at each finca a little long as one begins a bonding with the families and it is hard to leave. It was wonderful but hard also. These people are just so kind and strong and giving, a lot different than back home where it's each person for their ownself.
I was not prepared for the finca lifestyle; bugs everywhere, lots of mud when it rains, open slatted homes so everything comes and goes as it pleases, bugs crawling in and on food, some people don't clean well, or maybe it's pointless? I got used to this after a couple weeks, but if I had my own vehicle I might have left sooner (I'm glad I didn't have one). Especially after the meeting with the 3 1/2 foot by 3" round snake in my bedroom one morning. I just kept telling myself 'I am in this for the experience". Still, as I said, the people were great and the work experience good. Volcan Turrialba was just 2 hills behind me also. Got some good pics of it fuming but at first I was so worried, not knowing much about volcanos and not understanding a lot of the language.
Essentials are; a bug net, lots of repellant, rubber work gloves and rubber boots, not just plain boots and your own pillow- very essential, my neck was constantly sore. Beds also were 2" foam on boards. However, I survived and the memories and relationships developed far outweigh any of the above little hiccups.
The best place and experience was at the finca Bella Vista. It is on a hill with a grand view and nice breeze. It is a clean home and everything demonstrated at the Earth university is used here. I was able to be transported from the last finca to this one by horse and was able to ride horses several times here. These people really care for their family, animals and land. As well they take pride in everything they do from composting and planting gardens and trees to making cheese and coffee and selling these products. The other great place was the finca Raices. Altho' there is more work for a male (not so much for a female) the place is a wonderful 'break' from life and I said to the owner it would be a great place for yoga groups- very spiritual.
I've lots of stories to tell but it would be pages. Suffice to say all was great and I am very happy you were able to set me up with this program. Vivian, Jane and their staff were very accomodating also. Transitions were smooth. I will be leaving the country at the end of March or earlier, not sure yet. If you have any questions about my experiences please feel free to email me.
Thanx again, Bobbie Jayne Lyone

In November 2008, I started volunteering at Intercultura as the German-speaking administrative assistant. Out of curiosity (and in order to improve my Spanish) I decided after a short while to start attending classes. I enjoyed the intensive school days that were always exciting and included a variety of learning methods in addition to the basics: Latin American movies, a lot of conversation, topic-relevant vocabulary and – of course – all the additional activities offered by the school and held in Spanish, like Yoga and Tae Bo.

All this resulted in a perfect mixture. Intercultura Language School offers a unique freshness that contributes greatly to the learning process, although the astonishing view over beach and ocean, as well as the monkeys relaxing in the trees of the school garden, can have a distracting effect! The authentic friendliness and warmth of the dynamic staff creates a strong feeling of being welcome and even “at home”. Here, you will meet people from all over the world, play volleyball on the beach, study Spanish in the school hammocks and one thing for sure: you won’t want to leave!”

I moved to Costa Rica in September 2014 where I have a hotel and a rental condo. There was a big need to learn Spanish as I had to conduct business in Spanish. This school was amazing and I will surely recommend it. The classes are a ton of fun and very exciting.

I really liked my stay in Samara with Intercultura. I stayed with a local family in a room I shared with another student from my home University. The room was clean and had an attached bathroom and shower, and electricity to charge devices. My mama tica (host mother) made great meals with large portions for breakfast as well as dinners when we were not going out to eat at local restaurants. We found that there was a lot to do in town, and my fellow students got together in the evenings pretty much every day we were in town.

The Spanish instruction at Intercultura was very good, and I found myself challenged and recalling things I had forgotten from previous classes, and well as learning new vocabulary.

The location is awesome, right on the Samara beach. Overall I don't think you could choose a better spot to go an learn Spanish on a long term basis.

I stayed only for a week in Samara, but got a lot out of it! My friendly home stay family rented me a bike and I felt at once at home in the village!
In my advanced spanish class we were only 4 students and a very engaged lovely teacher, so we could learn and participate a lot. Our learning matter varied from pure grammar to cultural and personal stuff. It was always fun. I became friend especially with one student (a woman my age) and we continued to speak Spanish where ever we met - at the wonderful beach, so to say the schoolyard or having a glass of wine at sunset in one of the nice restaurants at the beach as well!
In the afternoon I enjoyed the latin-dancing classes, which were offered by the school as well!

I have studied at Sámara Beach Language School twice for five weeks in total. I am going to return to the school next month to study for another week. I like the school a lot. There is a nice combination of pleasant atmosphere and professionalism. All of the teachers are very good or excellent. The community is very nice. There are many nice restaurants.