Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Best Spanish Immersion Locations: Heredia, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is thought of by many as one of the best countries in the world for Spanish immersion. It is by far one of the safest locations in Latin America, and the people are some of the most warm and welcoming in the world. Many Americans have moved to Costa Rica over the years for its magnificent beauty and laid back lifestyle. 

Spanish Abroad  is always happy to recommend the Spanish immersion program in Heredia due to its small town feel and few tourists in the vicinity. This combined with amazing host families and modern amenities, makes the Spanish program in Heredia, Costa Rica one of our most popular Spanish schools overall.

The Spanish school is located in Santo Domingo de Heredia, which is a small residential area located half way between Heredia proper and Downtown San Jose. There is a small central park, some restaurants, banks, and grocery stores, as well as  few other businesses, but the majority of the town is residential housing. In a town of just one hotel, you can really feel immersed by seeing few foreigners around to use English as a crutch. 

This small town feel is welcoming in providing the best opportunity for students to practice their Spanish skills in an everyday environment. Your host family is friendly of course and is very open to your needs as a student studying their language, however local Ticos are quite welcoming to conversation as well. 

Given that you are in a large metropolitan area, you are also only 3 minutes from Down Town San Jose which provides more of the hustle and bustle that you may be looking for in terms of some afternoon outings and activities. However, you can retreat back to the smaller town for a more simple everyday living. 

Being in the center of the country, and having access to several means of transportation, you can easily go on excursions to many different parts of the country. You are only 3 hours from Arenal Volcano or some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. You are also just an hour to several nature parks and areas where you can truly experience the outdoors, which Costa Rica is best known for. There are quick flights from San Jose to parts far north such as Tamarindo Beach on the Pacific Coast or far south with Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean. You can now also catch flights to Bocas del Toro, Panama on Nature Air at an affordable rate. 

The Spanish school in Heredia is world class and has three locations though out Latin America including one in Mexico and one in Ecuador. The instructors and director hold many years of experience and know how to provide the students with a well rounded experience. The school provides afternoon activities when Spanish courses are over including dance or cooking classes, movie nights, fiestas, visits to different areas around the metropolitan area, as well as overnight weekend excursions to major locations of interest. 

With all the bases covered, Heredia, Costa Rica is an easy recommendation as a location for many students to study Spanish in an immersed environment. Continued positive reviews from past students has secured the Spanish school as one of our top choices list when someone asks, "Where should I learn Spanish"? There are many options out there, but if you have not been to Costa Rica yet and want to venture somewhere new, I definitely suggest booking a flight to San Jose! 

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