METHODOLOGY: CPI

In 1991, the director of CPI, Romy Morales, decided that her 25 years of experience as a Spanish professor both for the Peace Corps and in schools specialized in teaching Spanish as a second language provided her with the expertise to serve those foreigners wishing to embark upon an adventure, experience another culture and learn a second language. Ms. Morales created CPI to meet the demands of individuals, organizations and companies at a time when borders are more fluid, the economy is becoming increasingly more globalized and when knowing a second language, especially Spanish, is of great importance.

Ms. Morales continues her studies on educational issues through participation in seminars offered by the Spanish Cultural Center of Costa Rica. She utilizes her qualifications and extensive teaching experience to develop and maintain the highest possible educational standards at CPI; this is revealed through the quality of the instructional materials (all texts have been developed at CPI) and effective teaching staff.

CPI's teaching staff consists of professionals with university training and experience in teaching Spanish as a second language. The teaching staff is accredited with the Costa Rica Ministry of Education. In addition, Ms. Morales is authorized by the International Testing and Training Program to administer the ACTFL exam. This exam is accepted by various North American universities and allows students to receive credit for their classes at CPI. Students also have the option of taken the FSI exam, which is recognized by the Peace Corps and other international agencies.

CPI's method emphasizes conversation and provides the students the opportunity to speak Spanish from their first moment in class. We tailor our programs to the academic goals of the student. The professors are open to teaching survival skills and grammatical structures which are most important to students. Mastering difficult concepts is facilitated by the small class size (Average of 2 students, 4 maximum).

CPI's teaching methodology is based on daily conversations derived from the interests of the students. The conversations are guided by the professors and are supplemented by oral and written exercises as well as other activities in which the students can practice what they have learned. CPI's programs are designed for students of different levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) with time periods of 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. The 4, 6, and 8 week programs are complete, structured course and are directed toward the specific needs of the students. The 2 week beginner program is a course in "survival" Spanish.