FAQ: CPI

PROGRAM QUESTIONS
HOST FAMILY QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS

Why should I study in Costa Rica?

There are many different countries in the world where one can study Spanish. Costa Rica, however, offers some unique advantages. Costa Rica is known around the world for its stable, democratic form of government. After abolishing its army in 1948 this peaceful nation decided to spend a large portion of its national budget on education and health care. Costa Rica also offers a wide variety of climates. In Costa Rica , you can visit a mountain volcano in the morning and then enjoy the sunshine at the beach in the afternoon. Flamingo is a quaint beach town with a distinctive rural feel. "Guanacastecos", or people from Guanacaste, are well known for their warm hospitality. Due to the fact that the school is on the beach, this location, like Monteverde, is an excellent choice for those who wish to combine language study with a vacation.

Why should I study at CPI?

CPI is a family run school that provides the best combination of intensive language study, warm family atmosphere and a safe location in all three locations Heredia , Monteverde and Flamingo.

Who typically attends C.P.I.'s language immersion program?

People of all ages come to C.P.I., from teenagers to retirees, with the majority of C.P.I.'s students being university students and professionals (ages 19-55). C.P.I. attracts students from many different backgrounds and parts of the world.

What is the recommended length of stay? How many hours of instruction do you recommend?

This depends on the goals and backgrounds of the individual students. We do, however, recommend a minimum study period of two weeks. The 5 1/2 hour program is offered for those students who desire additional practice in conversation.

How many levels of Spanish are offered?

C.P.I. offers 9 levels of Spanish: 3 beginner (basic beginner, intermediate beginner and advanced beginner), 3 intermediate (beginner intermediate, intermediate, and advanced intermediate), 2 advanced and 1 superior.

Does C.P.I. have experience with advanced students?

Many advanced students have studied with us in the past and we are experienced in working with their special needs. If there are no students at the advanced level at the time in which the advanced student attends the school then C.P.I. will provide the student with individual instruction without an additional charge.

Is one on one instruction possible?

A student can receive one on one instruction if s/he so desires. The cost is $75 extra per week in addition to the cost of the regular program. Depending on availability, those students who want one on one instruction may need to study in the afternoons during the high season (January- February and May-August).

Do I have the same professor every week?

No, each week students change professors in order to expose them to different expressions, vocabulary, accents and teaching styles.

When can I start?

You may start classes on any Monday.

Can children study?

As a general guide, children older than 15 may study in the regular program. For younger children, a different schedule may be recommended depending on the child's maturity level. We have experience teaching children as young as 5 years old.

How does dividing my time between the three locations work?

Students have the option of dividing their time between each of our campuses: the Monteverde cloud forest, San Joaquín, Heredia and Flamingo beach in order to experience the diversity of Costa Rica. Time can be divided by week; however, due to the lengthy bus rides to both Monteverde and Flamingo, if a student does wish to study at each location, we recommend spending the first week in San Joaquín.