Spanish Launch Experience

Classes are held Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (48 hours in small group classes) Plus it is optional to have 12 hours of classes in the afternoons. Weekends and the afternoons are open for volunteering, tours, gym, extra activities, attending the VQC Mission church service.

Choice of preferred accommodations by doing either:

HOMESTAY

Students live with a Christian homestay family during their studies. They are emailed a profile of the family before arrival. The homestay families are either within walking distance or a short bus ride away from CISA. All meals & laundry are included. (From Monday to Thursday, lunches are eaten at CISA).

Cost:

$185.00 / week

HOSTEL

Students are able to meet and build friendships with fellow classmates by sharing a house. They also have the convenience of making their own dinner (breakfast & lunch are provided by CISA) in the communal kitchen, wash & dry their own laundry. (From Monday to Thursday, lunches are eaten at CISA).

Only available during the Summer months (June-August)

Cost:

$118.00 / week

CISA HOUSE RENTAL

An economical option for families, the CISA Rental House is available for those who would like the benefit of living within a Spanish speaking community, but also have the convenience of maintaining their privacy and family routine. Meals and groceries are responsibility of students. Hired help is available for an extra fee.

Cost:

$205.00 / week

On the first day of school, students will be given an Orientation package, schedule, forms and time to discuss questions with the Program Coordinator about the area, homestay, classes, etc.

After the Orientation class, students will go with a guide to have a tour of the surrounding areas. This is to become familiar with the bus system, locate banks, stores, etc.

As part of the Orientation, students do a Spanish diagnostic test in order to determine their level of Spanish and with that information are placed with the appropriate teacher and class.

The Spanish Bible class is for students to be able to practice their listening and conversation skills while discussing Christian values and topics from the Bible.

Students are able to have hands on experience learning about, preparing, followed by eating, Costa Rican typical dishes. Our most popular CISA class!

For those interested in volunteering with the Voz Que Clama Mission, guidance will be provided to help students be placed in an area of service that most interests them (ESL, VBS, hammer & nail work, Sports, Arts, serving the indigenous in the mountains, Sunday School)

Students will be assessed by the CISA Director at the mid-term point and at the end of term to determine students progress and to ensure their learning goals are being met. The Recommendation Report is given at the end of the term as a take home tool for knowing how to continue developing their acquired Spanish skills.

Students can feel safe to bring their laptop and use the wireless Internet provided at CISA. There is a desktop computer available for student usage as well. The homestay families do not have Internet.

All materials are provided to students (texts and handouts) throughout the term. Upon completion of the term, students have a ‘graduation’ and receive a certificate, which details the amount of Spanish class hours.

Students can be rest assured that they can contact the Program Coordinator (English speaking) at any time to discuss any concerns or questions they have during their Immersion Experience. The Coordinator is available to guide and provide insight on the cultural differences and how to best integrate and maximize one's time at CISA.

Minors (younger than 18 yrs) who study at CISA without their parents or guardian, are expected to follow CISA's policies by following extra supervision. They are to be at their homestay by 6:00 pm every day and are always to be with an adult when outside CISA.

Students will be picked up at the San Jose airport and brought directly to their homestay. The driver will hold a sign with the student’s name and will be waiting at the exit doors of the airport.