Intercultura: Learn Spanish & Live with a Local Family

So after my daughter did the Intercultural Summer Camp, she raved about living with a local family, which she thought was going to be the worst part of the camp but actually ended up being on of the best. I had already planned on going to take classes myself after her experience, I need Spanish for my work and where I live there is a huge Latino community. But I had planned on a hotel, of course, seeing as I'm 50! Anyway long story short, she finally convinced me and I decided to give the homestay program a try, and it was for sure the best part of my stay. I mean, I loved the Spanish classes, my teachers were amazing, they were true professors and all the classes were actually fun, which sounds oxymoronic to me, fun classes, but there it is, I loved them. But getting back to the family stay, that was above and beyond. Doña Élida was like a second mother to me (even though she's only a few years old then me), and her kids are like my nieces and nephews. I've invited them all to visit us in California, and I really hope they come, I'd love to be able to offer them the same experience I had, it was totally life-changing, I can't even really describe how, it just made me feel different and see the world (and the Latinos in my home community) really differently, and understand things so much better than before. One thing though - the food is GREAT! Be prepared to eat well!!

I have led two student trips to Intercultura's Immersion program in Heredia. Each time the school, coordinators and teachers paid attention to all details in the planning of the trip and then while we were there. I felt comfortable and safe and like a part of the Intercultura family. Teachers tailored classes to what our students needed. Our excursions were fun and cultural. I look forward to going back in the future. My favorite memory has been the people I met both at the school and my host mom. Plus as a teacher, it's been wonderful to see the impact this trip has had on my students. Some said it was their favorite high school experience.

I spent the first 3 weeks of May 2018 at the Intercultura in Heredia. In my estimation, I was an “advanced beginner” in Spanish, but for a number of reasons, was placed in advanced classes. The teachers were great, and I enjoyed the other students who were almost universally college aged students from the USA. (I am Weekly options included yoga, dancing, and cooking classes. Weekends presented options for inexpensive travel within country—to national parks, volcanoes, and beaches. Glad I stayed with a “family”—a single older woman. All in all a good, safe experience. Wish I had more opportunity to simply speak Spanish rather than focus on book learning. If I return, it will be in “off-season” when fewer groups of college students reign supreme.

Class time is well-organized and the homestay option adds to the total immersion in Spanish. Other services, such as opportunities to have conversations with other students (language exchange) give students another forum in which to practice what they've been learning. Intercultura's fees are very reasonable, including two meals daily through the homestay. My Mama Tica provided great vegan and gluten meals for me. So, dietary needs can be met for any student who opts for homestay. Faculty, administration and staff all are very friendly, accommodating and professional. Extra-curricular activities made the program feel more like a vacation!

I came to Costa Rica knowing very little Spanish, so the first few days were quite stressful! However, once I got used to the culture and the language, I started to understand more and more Spanish. The Intercultura Spanish classes were very helpful in giving me a good start with useful words for daily life. Living in Costa Rica was wonderful: the weather was always perfect, the people were friendly, and there was a ton of natural beauty to explore. I loved zip lining in Montezuma

I have never studied abroad before in my life, so getting the opportunity to go to Intercultura as my first experience was the greatest treat. The program was set up very wonderfully ! The teachers made the classes as much fun as possible with activities in the park, group improvisation, and games to improve our vocabulary and speaking skills. The weekend excursions were also amazing! I did so many new things that I will always remember. Getting to go zip-lining, rafting, and seeing monkeys all in one month? Can't beat that! Overall, I would do to this program every year if I had the time!

I enjoyed a wonderful two week immersion with the best teacher (Monica), and a welcoming family (Jeannette). Many activities: The Nutcracker ballet at the Teatro Nacional in San Jose, the capital. Two films at the San Jose International Film Festival 2015. Two cooking classes and an coffee planation tour. A weekend at the Parque de Nacional Manuel Antonio with parasailing, jet skis and surfing. And fascinating walks through the towns and cities. Plus I learned the verb endings for past tense and future tense!

Really enjoyed my host family. Mi professora was great. The staff were all very kind and helpful. I should have stayed longer.....only one week. The city is beautiful and very easy to get around. Only problem was if there is rain, you will get wet.