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Spanish Language Schools in Costa Rica

Central America’s eco-and-adventure capital is ideal for those looking to learn Spanish abroad while immersing themselves in the pura vida lifestyle. From beaches to rainforest and jungles to lakes, jaw-dropping opportunities and language-learning activities are endless in Costa Rica. When you’re not busy learning Spanish in Costa Rica(in Tico style, of course), you’ll be able to check out wildlife, sample Caribbean cuisine, visit hot springs or Arenal Volcano, and go white-water rafting. But you could just as easily lounge in a hammock, pour yourself some fresh maracuyá juice, and fall in love with a country boasting freedom, peacefulness, and endless zip-lining.
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49 Spanish Language Programs in Costa Rica

Top Rated Program Language Schools in Costa Rica 2025

MAXIMO NIVEL

9.49

633

Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel offers the most intensive and professional Spanish immersion program in Latin America. Our Native Spanish Program emphasizes oral communication and integrated skills development to truly help build your Spanish language proficiency - this is a great immersion experience! Our native-speaking Spanish teachers are highly qualified professional instructors with years of experience. Our Tandem Conversation program pairs Spanish program participants with our local English students for free conversation practice.

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EF Education First

7

2

EF - Language Abroad

Step beyond the classroom and into the world with EF Language Abroad. Our immersive programs combine academic excellence with life-changing cultural experiences in 11 stunning global destinations across 8 countries and 7 languages. Whether you’re a high school student eager to explore the world, a college student preparing for international studies or simply seeking global fluency, EF offers customizable programs that meet your goals and fit your schedule. You will learn a new language better and faster in fun and interactive classes alongside new friends from around the globe. After class, explore the city through planned activities like cooking classes, city tours, student parties, and more. Over the weekend, travel with EF staff to neighboring cities and countries to practice your language skills with locals and see the sights. You have the power to tailor your journey—whether you’re testing your limits in an intensive track, earning career credentials, or preparing for major exams. You’ll develop language skills faster, gain global experiences, and return equipped for the next step. Earn transferable college credit through our partner in education, The University of Montana.

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Kaya Responsible Travel

9

1

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

RECRUITING FOR 2023 Kaya's learn Spanish program in Costa Rica offers a unique Spanish immersion language course that enable students to learn the language and at the same time experience Costa Rican culture. While Spanish instruction is the focal point of all academic classes, you will have the chance to engage with Latin dance classes as well as cooking classes to practice and improve your speaking, dancing and cooking skills outside of the classroom. There are ten levels of instruction which we currently offer students: Beginner I, II & III; Intermediate I, II & III; Advanced I, II, & III, as well as specialized Spanish courses for medical, legal or business professionals, Spanish teachers, etc. Students will be placed in the appropriate level, according to your proficiency as determined by a written test and an oral evaluation. All of our classes are offered in small groups, with an average of 3 or 4 and a maximum of 6 to a class. Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Intercultura Costa Rica

10

8

Spanish + Cultural Immersion - Beautiful Beach & City Campus

Learn Spanish and immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture at one or both of our two unique locations – Samara Tropical Beach Campus and/or Heredia Historic City Campus. Study Spanish in small, dynamic groups with students of all ages and nationalities. Live with a Costa Rican family or in a student apartment. Learn to dance salsa and bachata, cook local foods, learn to surf or do yoga. Travel to volcanoes, beaches & rainforests; make friends for life. Our caring and experienced staff & professors provide you with support every step of the way. Standard Group Immersion Course: 4 hours a day, Monday - Friday (20 hours a week) Private/Semi-Private Spanish Lessons: 10 to a maximum of 20 hours per week Intensive Spanish Course: Add a maximum of 5 private lessons per week to your standard group classes We offer a series of 18 courses designed by curriculum specialists, using interactive small groups in an environment of total cultural immersion. Our professors are dynamic, experienced, native speakers with minimum a BA, teaching certification and/or MA in Spanish as a Second Language. All are trained in the communicative approach, ensuring a fun and enjoyable learning experience!

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Greenheart Travel

9.5

2

Teen Language Camp in Costa Rica with Greenheart

Learn and improve your Spanish skills through full language and cultural immersion on Greenheart Travel’s summer language camp program in San Jose or Manuel Antonio! We welcome teen students of all skills, including beginners! Live with a Costa Rican host family and make friends from around the world, all while learning about the country and culture of Costa Rica. Program at a glance: - 15 morning classes a week (3 classes per day for 50 minutes each) - Schools in 2 locations — San Jose & Manuel Antonio - Classes are taught by native-speaking teachers who specialize in teaching Spanish as a foreign language - Written tests are given on the first day of class to determine the appropriate level: Elementary, Intermediate, or Advanced - Lessons involve speaking, listening, reading, and writing in lively and informal small classes

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Arcos Journeys Abroad

9.73

63

Spanish Language & Costa Rican Culture

Immerse yourself in the Spanish language of Costa Rica, the happiest country on the planet! Live like a true local in the traditional town of Atenas. Set in a tropical paradise, you will take Spanish classes in open-air classrooms on an orange and mango farm. Classes are small in size and perfect for truly learning the language. Gain a new level of confidence in your Spanish skills while toucans fly overhead. Live with a carefully selected homestay and enjoy home-cooked meals. The program is rich in activities and outdoor adventure. Experience the thrill of a zip-lining through the rainforest and the rush of white water rafting. Travel to Arenal Volcano, soak in hot springs and swim in the pool of a spectacular waterfall. Visit Manuel Antonio beach and the national park, which is full of native wildlife. Play soccer as well as participate in an art workshop, cooking class, and dance class while in Atenas. This program includes volunteering, which is a great way to use your Spanish skills while giving back to the community. Multiple summer sessions are offered. All levels of Spanish are welcome.

The National Registration Center for Study Abroad

0

0

Intensive Language Program in San Jose, Costa Rica

The NRCSA Center in San Jose offers exciting programs of instruction in the Spanish language. Its short term courses of two, three and four weeks are very popular among visitors to the country. The team of instructors are both professional and experienced. Located in a quiet, upscale residential area, the school's campus is but a 20-minute walk from downtown San Jose. It has comfortable, sunny classrooms, surrounded by green areas with a vista of mountains as the backdrop. The program is open to people of all ages. Students of the institute vary from high school and university students to diplomats and retirees who wish to keep active.

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Enforex - Spanish in The Spanish World

0

0

Learn Spanish in Latin America with Enforex

Learn Spanish in Latin America with Enforex and discover a country blessed with a vast array of natural wonders. Choose your destination and learn Spanish with Enforex in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, or Bolivia. Our schools are located in the very center of the cities. That means you will be close to many conveniences and a lot of exciting things to see and do just outside the classroom. Buses and the metro system make it easy to travel anywhere in the city. We believe that students learn best when they are in charge of their own learning, which is why we tailor our Spanish courses to individual needs and are constantly upgrading our content. We develop action-oriented activities, place a strong emphasis on "real-life" situations, and constantly adjust projects and classes to fit each learner's needs and skill level. Our Spanish schools are specially designed and equipped with the facilities necessary for the best Spanish learning experience. Your progress is guaranteed through a carefully prepared curriculum and the expertise of our teaching team. You can also learn Spanish in Spain or online – in the comfort of your home or anywhere in the world!

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

10

1

Learn Spanish & Volunteer 2 or 4 weeks

The lively beach town of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica is world famous for surf breaks across pristine, uncrowded, and seemingly endless beaches. After surfing and sunbathing are over for the day, it's time for Spanish lessons and volunteering! – The town comes alive with funky surf shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightspots for every taste and budget. Your experience will be based at ‘Jakera Jungle Surf Camp’, where we have created a jungle paradise complete with a swimming pool overlooked by a rich tropical forest bursting with wildlife, including red squirrels, howler monkeys, and tiny magical hummingbirds. We are a 5-minute walk from the cool cafes, bars, and shops that line the 6km stretch of road and beach that make up Playa Santa Teresa/Playa El Carmen. Throughout the volunteer projects – approximately 20 percent of your time will be turtle conservation – you’ll assist in preserving precious ecosystems and help local people raise their quality of life. However, there is still free time to enjoy a great social life and participate in the many other activities to be enjoyed here.

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Language Vacation

0

0

Spanish Language Course and Immersion in San Jose

Learn Spanish in San Jose, the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. Located in the Central Valley, San Jose is one of the youngest capital cities in Latin America and the center for national government, political, economic activity, and the major transportation hub. Located in a quiet suburb of San Jose only 10 a minute ride from the city center and University between San Pedro and Zapote.

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Global Work & Travel

0

0

Study Spanish in Playa Samara, Costa Rica

Learn Spanish the authentic way by studying Spanish in Costa Rica. Learning a language is much easier when surrounded by people who speak it, and helps when you are immersed in the culture it’s a part of. You’ll be heading to Playa Samara, a little slice of paradise right on the world-famous coastline. Loaded with cultural activities, this trip will help you immerse yourself in the Costa Rican lifestyle. Plus, Playa Samara only has a population of around 1,000 people, so you’ll feel like a part of the community, too! Global Work & Travel offers the complete package for those wanting to learn Spanish with a real-world, international experience to go with it. We will get you sorted with all the essentials, from finding the appropriate class for you and securing your accommodation to all the support you need before, during, and after your trip. This trip is perfect for those who want to visit the country, learn the language, and become part of it! Get started today!

Don Quijote

0

0

Learn Spanish in Latin America at Don Quijote

Live "the Spanish way" while learning the language at Don Quijote. Our unique and immersive learning environment helps students reach their full language potential, inside and outside the classroom. We provide a range of courses for all skill levels based on individual needs. We achieve this by taking a personalized and student-centered approach involving instructors and students in the learning process. All our teachers are native speakers who hold university degrees and years of proven experience. We also offer online classes for those who do not have the opportunity to visit our locations. In addition, all students who attend at least 85% of classes during their Spanish course will receive a Don Quijote certificate at the end of the program. Whatever course students choose to enroll in or which skill they need to hone, we guarantee success at Don Quijote. Pick an ideal course and start a unique Spanish learning journey!

Tico Lingo - Spanish Immersion School

9.88

48

Adult Spanish Immersion Program

Tico Lingo offers the most comprehensive and expertly designed Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica. Our native Spanish professors help students focus on enhancing oral communication and integrating listening and writing techniques to help them achieve true proficiency in the Spanish language. Located in the heart of Costa Rica's Central Valley, in the vibrant city of Heredia, Tico Lingo guarantees significant progress in your language abilities. Our mission is to create a fun, interactive, and engaging learning environment that fosters an understanding of Costa Rican culture and the Spanish language. With our Homestay program, you'll live with nearby families and get to experience the Costa Rican way of life firsthand. We also offer on-site activities like yoga, dance, cooking, and conversational classes, as well as weekend adventure tours! We're young, we're connected, and we're passionate about creating the perfect environment for you to learn Spanish in Costa Rica. We're committed to sparking cultural exchanges on a global level and connecting people from all over the world. So, join the conversation and start learning Spanish with us today!

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Nosara Spanish Institute

9.81

21

Intensive Spanish Program @ Nosara Spanish Institute

Our intensive Spanish program is offered year-round and is highlighted by our 10 and 20-hour intensive Spanish programs, which can also be combined with Surfing or Yoga, or our Family program. At NS, we focus on the communicative approach to language learning, which focuses on communicative competency and strategies so as to be able to use Spanish comfortably and confidently in everyday situations. Our intensive programs are the perfect combination of conversation and grammar. All of our instructors are native speakers of Spanish with University degrees and a combined total of over 25 years of teaching experience. Our campus is located just 500 meters from the ocean in a modern campus with six air-conditioned classrooms, free wi-fi, student lounge and eating areas, and free coffee all day. NSI also offers several accommodation options, including student apartments and homestay options. We invite you to truly experience Nosara with NSI!

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Manuel Antonio Spanish School

10

7

Affordable Spanish Program on the Beach in Costa Rica

This language program includes everything you need to learn, practice, and improve your Spanish in a truly idyllic location. The Standard Spanish Program accepts students aged 18 and above, from complete beginners to advanced speakers. Whether you need to improve your Spanish for professional purposes, prepare for an exam, or are just learning for fun, our team will create the environment you need to succeed. Receive four hours of group Spanish classes per day, Monday to Friday, from 9 am-1 pm. Group classes, with a maximum of six students, are led by professional teachers. In the afternoons, explore the nearby national park and numerous beaches. All of our programs include a complimentary program of activities, access to a swimming pool, snorkels, surfboards, and a tour office to assist you in booking other activities. Throughout the program, you have the option to stay with a local host family for maximum Spanish immersion. The alternative option is an 'on-campus' accommodation at the popular Hostel Plinio.

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Spanish School PURA VIDA - Costa Rica

0

0

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica with Spanish School PURA VIDA

Located in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Spanish School PURA VIDA offers a great place to learn Spanish while enjoying Costa Rica's natural beauty. Our school is surrounded by tropical jungles, beautiful beaches, and national parks along the Caribbean coast. You'll meet students from around the world, join various activities, and learn from dedicated teachers who love what they do. At Spanish School PURA VIDA, we focus on using Spanish in real-life situations. You'll practice with local people, experience Latin culture, and make new friends. Our approach ensures that your time here is educational and memorable, adding value to your travel experience. We offer a range of classes to suit your needs, including private lessons where you can choose your class hours, group lessons with 80 hours of instruction over a month, and online lessons that you can take whenever you're free.

Tamarindo Spanish School

0

0

Study Spanish in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica and experience one of the best adventures while on the right program at Tamarindo Spanish School. Acknowledged as a leading Spanish school in Costa Rica and accredited since 2008 by such a prestigious organization as Instituto Cervantes, we bring over two decades of quality learning to each student through our unique Spanish immersion program. We offer a wide range of language courses including standard, semi-private, and private for beginner and advanced speakers. These are aided with communication tools presented in situations for the benefit of the learner's interaction and everyday contexts. Convenience, as well as leisure in your spare time, is rest assured as restaurants, tour operators, surf schools, supermarkets, and other major businesses almost are within walking distance from the school and the student houses.

Perfect Sunset School

0

0

Join a Surf Camp and Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

Join our Perfect Sunset Spanish camp if you want to learn Spanish in Costa Rica and realize that learning the language is living it and immersing yourself in the culture. Our broad and professional experience has enabled us to develop a teaching system integrated into oral and written comprehension, as well as verbal and written expression. Our professional teachers will help you establish clear learning objectives, especially in the fields of linguistic, communicative, and socio-cultural language. You may also learn new skills that will make your stay even more enjoyable through our combined courses including surf, yoga, music, and free diving lessons.

LSI Education

0

0

Learn Spanish in San Jose, Costa Rica

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica while enjoying the best of both worlds—serene countryside views and the convenience of the vibrant capital city, San Jose. We are one of the longest-established language schools in Costa Rica, located in a tropical garden around 10 kilometers from the center of San Jose and surrounded by verdant pastures, yet with transportation links to the heart of the city. The school is equipped with essential facilities including a reference library, internet access, and a cafeteria, as well as a free bicycle hire for student use. Our staff members and teachers are all highly experienced and friendly.
 Our program is designed to help you get the most out of your course by giving you a chance to practice the language in a real-life situation while experiencing the culture of this beautiful country.

Planet Conservation Volunteers

0

0

Spanish Immersion Program Costa Rica Caribbean

Learn Spanish in one of Costa Rica’s most culturally vibrant and naturally beautiful regions. Our Spanish Immersion Program in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica offers participants a unique opportunity to combine intensive language learning with rich cultural experiences and environmental awareness. Set in a tropical coastal environment surrounded by Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous communities. This program goes far beyond the classroom to immerse you in the daily life, rhythms, and stories of the region.

A Guide to Learning Spanish in Costa Rica

Locations

With more biodiversity than the United States and Europe combined, Costa Rica literally has it all. Couple that with the fact that this Central American country is small, and you’ve got a perfect place to learn Spanish abroad and get in your fair share of adventure travel. 

Costa Rica’s busy, beating heart is its cultural capital, San José. The country’s population is concentrated in San Jose, as well as endless opportunities to quench your museum thirst (some gems include Museo de Oro Precolombino, Museo del Jade, Museo Nacional, and even Museo de Insectos). Venture to Parque La Sabana on Sunday to people watch, stroll through tree-lined, historic neighborhoods, gaze at the neoclassical Teatro Nacional, check out nightlife in El Pueblo, and get a taste for local flavor at the Mercado Central. Its prime location makes San José the jump-off spot to explore volcanoes, river rapids, coffee farms, and much, much more. There’s no shortage of Spanish language schools in San Jose either.

Located in the cloud forest (aka. a rainforest without the tropical temperatures), Monteverde is unmatched in more than just altitude. Settled by Quakers, the towns of Santa Elena and Monteverde are the ecotourism spots that put Costa Rica on the map, and they certainly don’t disappoint. Practice your Spanish, experience lush, green landscapes, and adventure ‘til you can’t no more; there are ecological preserves, wildlife refuges, waterfalls, hikes butterfly gardens, and even bat jungles.

Super close to Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste lies a Costa Rican tourist destination that no one misses. Tamarindo is where the party is at. It’s a surfer’s dream, with sunsets that’ll make your heart drop and restaurants that’ll fill the tummy. As the party-and-surf spot on the northern peninsula, Tamarindo is more developed and attracts all types of travelers. Eat a typical casado on the cheap before hitting up surf breaks to chat in Spanish with the locals.

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Latest Program Reviews

Rigorous Program with Excellent Teachers

December 12, 2025by: Blix Rice - United StatesProgram: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
10

I am so glad I chose Máximo Nivel. It is a challenging program that is very well organized. The entire staff is warm and welcoming. They know the students by name and work hard to ensure you get the best experience. The results you see will depend upon the level of effort you put forth both during and outside of class, but Máximo Nivel gives you the tools and support to make it possible. They offer many opportunities to interact with other students and staff (most are free!), including cooking classes, walking tours, and more. The teachers are excellent at gauging your pace of learning and adapting as much as possible to your needs. The tandem program is a well organized way to get more conversation practice while meeting some amazing people. I look forward to coming back in the future to reinforce my learning and spend more time in this beautiful place.

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