Location
  • Costa Rica
Subject Areas
Latin American Studies Linguistics Service Learning

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
350
Price Details
This price range is based on one week in the Spanish Immersion Program. It includes 20 hours of intensive classes, course materials, a weekly itinerary with extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, movie showings, trips, independent activities, and language exchanges to ensure that you will practice Spanish constantly during your time with us. With every week of class, the price goes down, so the more you study, the better deal you get. For example, four weeks of study is just $325 per week, and eight weeks is just $290 per week!
Our Private Spanish classes, on Skype or in person, are $30 per hour, but students who purchase a package of 20 hours get 20% off.
May 13, 2019
Nov 23, 2020
2 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Our Spanish Immersion Program is perfect for serious students who want progress quickly, experience authentic Costa Rica off the beaten path, and make a difference in the local community. We offer intensive Spanish courses with highly-trained teachers, homestays with local families, cultural activities, bilingual events, volunteer opportunities, and more!

In one week, students are able to advance one level and speak with fluency, accuracy, and confidence. The immersion program is available year-round, starting each Monday and ending the following Friday. Students can sign up for one week minimum. There are 15 courses in our program from beginner to advanced, and each course has grammar focuses, conversational themes, TPRS storytelling, and Survival Spanish chapters.

We also offer private Spanish classes at our school in downtown Liberia, on Skype, or in a private home at a beach in the Peninsula Papagayo. Our classes are fun, interactive, and conversational.

This program is no longer offered. View more programs from Instituto Estelar Bilingüe.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 42 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.95
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.95
  • Safety 5
Showing 33 - 40 of 42 reviews
Default avatar
Sharai
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience!

I learned so much at Instituto Estelar and it was just a fantastic experience for me. My Spanish improved a ton, I made new friends, I saw super awesome places, and I learned a lot about Costa Rica! I loved my teachers, my host family, and the staff was awesome too! Highly recommended!

What would you improve about this program?
More trips!
23 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Marikay
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Everything I Wanted

The school has a well-rounded curriculum that includes evidence-based language learning techniques, and in-vivo cross-cultural awareness. The homestay and regular interaction with all kinds of Costa Ricans was really a highlight for me. I was a little timid about doing a homestay but I am so glad I took advantage of the opportunity. This experience was everything I wanted it to be.

24 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Miriam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

This school is great!

I want to thank the staff and administration of Instituto Estelar Bilingue for the great Spanish classes and cultural learning opportunities. I hadn't studied Spanish in a class for about 39 years, and I really improved a lot. My teacher was excellent and we used a variety of activities to help me learn. I am a professional language teacher and I can attest to the fact that this school is great, is lots of fun, and creates really effective learning experiences.

24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Greta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Unique Experience!

Studying Spanish at Instituto Estelar Bilingue is a unique experience. The school has international students learning Spanish and Costa Ricans learning English in the same colorful environment. I was an English teacher at the school for over a year and thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Spanish program, volunteer opportunities, and weekly language exchange events. Living among and learning from Costa Ricans is both linguistically and culturally beneficial to a living abroad experience. I highly recommend studying Spanish in Costa Rica, and Instituto Estelar Bilingue is the perfect place for a thoughtful and fun language exchange!

24 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Lisa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly Recommended

The school is a great place for learning Spanish and English and your learning can be endless here. The staff makes learning easy and fun. There are many ways to learn. I am impressed with everyone here and would highly recommend it to anyone learning a new language of Spanish or English.

What would you improve about this program?
It was a little too intensive for me, but it's because I was working and taking the 20-hour course.
24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Neil
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience I've had

This was my second experience of a Spanish language program, and it was by far the best. Bethany made me feel really welcome and went out of the way to accomodate me at short notice. All the staff were helpful and friendly. I particularly liked the intercambios that were organised with students of a similar ability from Costa Rica. If you want to study Spanish in Costa Rica then Instituto Estelar Bilingue is the place to go. Liberia is a lovely venue. A small quiet city with everything you need.

24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Solid program at Estelar

Loved the academic level of Instituto Estelar. I wish the materials of this high quality were in some other schools - shame it's only one institution. I was the advanced level student and that's the point everyone struggles to get the level better, when you can already converse. Our teacher Rosa really made us work. Proud of her :)

25 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Zoe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Experience

Instituto Estelar helped me become more confident in my Spanish language abilities. The intercambios were a great way for me to use what I learned in my advanced course. The cooking class, artesan class, and dance class were also fun ways to practice. The teachers were always open for questions. Overall, I am looking forward to returning!

24 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers