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 COSI IN BRIEF |
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 We offer the unique possibility of combining Spanish classes in the city with classes at Manuel Antonio National Park (beach and rainforest).
We offer personalized attention in a warm, professional and friendly atmosphere. |
| Our teachers are experts at teaching Spanish to students of all skill levels. |
Classes are taught in mini groups of eight students maximum. The average during most of the year is two-three students per class. |
| Students can receive
college credit for their classes at COSI. |
| We organize cultural activities and
tours at reasonable prices. |
| We pick students up at the airport at no extra cost. |
| Students who are interested can participate in volunteer work and Internships programs with local organizations. |
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| OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF |
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They are highly trained to provide classes that are relaxing, fun-filled, and effective. All the teachers have studied at the university level and several of them have degrees in linguistics as well as teaching certifications. The main role of the teacher is to be a motivator and a facilitator rather than a lecturer, so that the student is able to express his or her individuality while relating to others in Spanish. |
Our staff has participated in ACTFL-OPI (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages - Oral Proficiency Interview) workshops and some of them are OPI Spanish official testers. |
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| LOCATION & MAPS |
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| San José |
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In the city, the school is located between San Pedro and Zapote, in a safe, quiet suburb of San José which is about a ten minute bus ride from downtown. The exact address is: San José, Zapote, de Radio Columbia 50 metros oeste y 300 metros sur. |
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| Manuel Antonio |
In Manuel Antonio, we are located across the street from the Manuel Antonio escuela pública. |
Location of Manuel Antonio office |
Aerial picture of school Facilities |
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| TRANSPORTATION |
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In Costa Rica, there are public buses that go virtually everywhere. From COSI, there are buses that run to downtown San José every ten minutes from 5 A.M. to 11 P.M. In the evening, it is easy to take a taxi (about US$2 from downtown to COSI). In Manuel Antonio, public buses run every half hour and it is easy to get a taxi. |
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GENERAL INFORMATION |
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| Methodology |
Learning Spanish at COSI is exciting, efficient and very relaxed. Our methodology is based on the modern communicative approach emphasizing conversation; however, we are flexible and recognize each student's particular learning needs. Students will learn the language by using it in practical situations, facilitating their ability to think in Spanish. The classes are well-organized and follow daily lesson plans. All teachers plan their day's classes in advance, in order to incorporate each student's particular needs.
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| Books and materials |
We have developed our own grammar books, workbooks and teaching materials to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. The books and materials to be used in class are included in the fee. |
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| Class size |
Classes normally consist of two or three students. It is rare that a class size reaches the maximum of eight students. In the event that there is no group at the student's same level, we provide private tutoring for 3 hours per day for the same price as the group program. |
| Learning level |
We have teachers who are experts at teaching Spanish to students who range from beginner to those with "near native" competence. We also work with visiting Spanish teachers who want to refresh their language skills. |
| Class duration |
| A class is equivalent to 55 minutes. |
| Starting dates |
Spanish lessons start every Monday all year-round. The homestay can start any day. In special cases, if it is not possible to start on a Monday, students can start later in the week. |
| Length of stay |
Students can attend classes for as long as they wish, although the minimum is one week. For students who are participating for only one week, we recommend taking private tutoring which will let us give them more personalized attention during their brief stay with COSI. |
| National holidays |
The school is open all year round except for January 1st, Good Thursday and Good Friday during Easter, May 1st, and December 25th. Classes are made up for the days in which the school is closed. |
| Cultural programs |
Merengue and Salsa dance lessons are also offered once a week. There are visits to museums, presentations of movies and other cultural activities which change every week. Students can also participate in cooking classes. Once a month, students bring typical dishes from their country to share. |
| A word about our students |
Our students come from all over the world, especially from the USA, Europe and Asia.
For a list of student references, or to find the name of a COSI student near you, click here. |
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