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All Spanish schools in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
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Spanish by the SeaPuerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Pay less than booking at the school
Price at School 164US$
From 156US$ per week
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3.8

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Overall school rating of Spanish by the Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Ranked #1 of 1 Spanish schools in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
School
Location of the school
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Facilities
2.9 

Rating: 2.9/5.0

Social activities
3.0 

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Organisation
3.3 

Rating: 3.3/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
3.9 

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Value for money
3.3 

Rating: 3.3/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Other
3.0 

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

(1)
Students 18-30 years
3.8 

Rating: 3.8/5.0

(8)
Students 31-49 years
3.5 

Rating: 3.5/5.0

(2)
Students 50+ years
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

(3)
What we like about the school
  • 5 locations, all offering the same Spanish program
  • Unique eco classroom (outside)
  • Set in a lush tropical garden of fruit trees and hammocks.
  • Hotel / Hostel accommodation very close to school
How we create the points regarding what we like/dislike about a school

Location: Spanish by the Sea Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is located in the naturally rich town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The school is situated within a 5-minute walk of the coastline and has beautiful beaches, outstanding forests and everything a student may need in terms of bars and supermarkets close by. The area is popular for surfing and scuba diving, with attractions such as the Jaguar Rescue Centre, the Sloth Sanctuary and various wildlife reserves, also local to the school. The school's tropical garden and hostel offer students a unique backdrop for furthering their Spanish studies. Local shuttle buses run between San José to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

School facilities: The facilities of Spanish by the Sea Puerto Viejo de Talamanca are unique. Situated so close to the jungle and surrounded by nature, the school has a large open garden with tropical trees and plants. Its classrooms take place outside in the open air, promoting a generally friendly and relaxed atmosphere throughout the school. In addition to the garden space, the school also provides a lounge area, movie room, library, free parking, kitchen use for students and free WIFI throughout.

Social and Cultural: The school offers a wide range of activities and excursions such as trips to local indigenous reserves, the Sloth Sanctuary, Wildlife Reserves, Hiking trails, Snorkelling, River kayaking, surfing and much, much more!
  • The language school Spanish by the Sea was founded in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica in 2012.
  • Legal name / parent company: Spanish by the River, SA
  • Tax registration ID: CPR3-101-320172

Spanish Courses

General Language
Private
Language Plus Activity

Information for all courses offered by Spanish by the Sea

Comments about courses

Spanish and activities courses are subject to availability and prices may vary throughout the year.

Lesson duration
55 minutes
School's administrative fee
25.00 US$
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 28 Mar 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 01 May 2024, 25 Dec 2024.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Full number of lost classes are made up
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via email.

Lessons needed per Spanish language level

Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Our price includes

  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
Note: All courses offered by Spanish by the Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca can be reserved online with LanguageCourse.Net at a lower price than what you pay when booking directly at the school or at the school's website. In case a course is not listed above, just let us know.

Videos & Photos

  • Spanish by the Sea - General School Video1/1
  • Lesson outside in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
    Lesson outside in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca1/5
  • Teaching station Spanish by the Sea
    Teaching station Spanish by the Sea2/5
  • Learning Spanish outside at Spanish by the Sea
    Learning Spanish outside at Spanish by the Sea3/5
  • Students and teacher in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
    Students and teacher in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca4/5
  • Studying Spanish while enjoying beautiful views in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
    Studying Spanish while enjoying beautiful views in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca5/5

Spanish by the Sea

Accreditations and Quality seals
Preferential Terms in Case of Visa RefusalOTEIMA
Spanish teacher qualifications
50% hold a university degree
80% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Students should arrive at 8:00
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee If you already attended previously a course at Spanish by the Sea and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoEurocard - logoAmerican Express - logoBank Transfer - logo

General school facilities

  • Kitchen for student use

  • Microwave for student use

  • Fridge for student use

  • Library

  • Movie room

  • Lounge

  • Garden

  • Balcony / terrace

  • Printer for student use

  • Free coffee

  • Free WIFI

  • Free parking

  • Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)

  • Facilities for islamic students

    • Available area to pray at the school

    • Facilities to wash feet before praying

  • Classroom equipment

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    Number of classrooms: 4

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
In summer: 15
Throughout the year: 5
Minimum age of students
15 years
6 years for specific Junior courses
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
Average age of students
In summer: 25 years
Throughout the year: 25 years

Top student nationalities

Age of students

Airport transfer

Best arrival airport is SAN JOSE - SANTAMARIA.
More information about airports around Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and how to get from the airport to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on your own here on our Puerto Viejo de Talamanca page.

Visa Documents

Nationals from Costa Rica do not require a visa for travelling to Costa Rica and attending a language course.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.

Leisure activities

activity possibledistance from school
Dancing0.5 km
Diving5 km
Horse riding-
Swimming1 km
Windsurfing2 km
Yoga-

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

Not offered

Adults - Paid activities

Yoga class USD 6
Cooking class USD 10
Art class USD 10
Music class USD 10
Horseback riding USD 40 (3-4 hour tour with transport included)
Mountain bike tour USD 50 (half-day tour)
Canyoning and canopy USD 75 (half-day tour with transportation and lunch/snack included)
Salsa class USD 6

Accommodation

Ratings of Spanish by the Sea compared to ratings of all schools in Costa Rica

 Spanish by the Sea Puerto Viejo de TalamancaAverage of all other schools in Costa Rica
Overall school rating3.8

Rating: 3.8/5.0

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Location of the school4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Facilities2.9

Rating: 2.9/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Social activities3.0

Rating: 3.0/5.0

4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Organisation3.3

Rating: 3.3/5.0

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Quality of teaching3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Value for money3.3

Rating: 3.3/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Homestay3.6

Rating: 3.6/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Shared flat3.6

Rating: 3.6/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Student opinions about Spanish by the Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Liked
Classes take place outside in the shade between palm trees, other exotic plants and hummingbirds. The teachers are very committed and can be approached if you have any questions or problems beyond Spanish.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

City/place
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Other comments The dorm is unfortunately quite small and somehow uncomfortable. The accommodations with private rooms (private bath or shared bath) are perfect (But of course also more expensive ..)! There is always the option to book a hostel in Puerto Viejo, almost everything can be reached on foot within 5-15 minutes. If you want to live far away, you can rent or buy a bike.
Course: Standard Spanish - 3 weeks
18. Feb. 2019
Liked
Cute teacher (Elmer) and good location. Nice that the teachers are up for weekend-/ day trips
Insider tips about what future students should not miss Discover the surroundings.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

City/place
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Other comments Sometimes a somewhat clearer structure would have been better. 2 hour lesson might mean that your teacher is 10 minutes late and you have a 10 minute break so you effectively do have shorter lessons.
Course: Standard Spanish - 7 weeks
13. Mar. 2017
Liked
The flexibility of the school and the close proximity to the beach and the village.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss Visits to the waterfalls, National Park and a day trip through the jungle.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

City/place
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Hostel
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Course: Intensive Spanish [Spanisch] - 12 weeks
27. Nov. 2018
Liked
Good teachers and good tours and activities outside of class hours.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss The dormitory at the school was not the best but it works if you only stay there for a week. For longer stays I would recommend choosing your own room, host family or another hostel.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

City/place
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Hostel
2.0

Rating: 2/5.0

Course: Standard Spanish [Spanska] - 2 weeks
2. Feb. 2018
Liked
The great teachers
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

City/place
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Hostel
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Course: Standard Spanish - 3 weeks
7. Mar. 2017
Liked
Our teacher
Insider tips about what future students should not miss Bigger rooms
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

City/place
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities
2.0

Rating: 2/5.0

Other comments Very good !
Course: Standard Spanish - 1 week
5. Jan. 2018

Map  

Calle 219A, in front of Hostel Kalunai - 165-7040 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Loading map content

Questions and answers about Spanish by the Sea

  • The Spanish course with 4 lessons in a group course corresponds to 2 hours of private lessons if no one else has the same level. 1 lesson lasts 55 minutes. Lessons take place between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Scheduling preferences may be honored but not guaranteed.
    Richelle, from Spanish by the Sea - Nov 24, 2022
  • In Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, the school offers homestay accommodation.
    Ana Carolina Dos Santos, LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 02, 2023
  • There are no activities included unfortunately. But there are activities that can be booked at the spot like surfing, diving, yoga. Through whatsapp with our director this can all be booked. If interested we will send the list!
    Richelle, Administration from Spanish by the SePuerto Viejo de Talamanca - Aug 16, 2023

FAQ about Spanish by the Sea,

  • The school Spanish by the Sea is accredited by all states for the Bildungsurlaub Program. Please note that you will have to book a course with 30 lessons per week. Just let us know what your chosen dates are and we will send you more information.
    Richelle Lankhaar, Reservations team from Spanish by the Sea - Nov 28, 2022
  • The accommodation Homestay is the most popular among all our clients of Spanish by the Sea
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Spanish by the Sea varies from 1 students (Specialized - Private Spanish 10) to 6 students (Intensive Spanish)
  • 50% of teachers at Spanish by the Sea hold a university degree. 80% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at Spanish by the Sea comes from Switzerland with a 30% representation, followed by students from Netherlands (30%) and USA (30%).
  • Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
  • Spanish by the Sea offers courses from 15 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.

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Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca city attractiveness rated by our students:
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

More information about Puerto Viejo de Talamanca including climate data and events on our Puerto Viejo de Talamanca page with a list of all 1 Spanish schools in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
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