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.
Our 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.
