Costa Rica country rating by our language course clients:
Overall4.0
Most popular cities for Spanish courses in Costa Rica
Cities ranked by popularity based on booking numbers among our clients
3.7
(26 City ratings)
3.7
(4 City ratings)
4.0
(24 City ratings)
4.4
(14 City ratings)
4.6
(33 City ratings)
Best Spanish schools in Costa Rica by category - age group, leisure/fun
22 language schools in Costa Rica from $269 for a 1 week Spanish course
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Spanish course types in Costa Rica
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General Spanish courses
Generic Spanish courses cover the four main elements of a language: writing, reading, speaking and listening. They are available for all levels.- Learn a Language & Live with Teacher (56) - Offered by Influent
- Standard Spanish Courses for Adults - Costa Rica (46)
- Spanish & Culture - Costa Rica (40)
- Small Group (Max 6 Students) - Costa Rica (17)
- Combi: Group + Private Courses - Costa Rica (15)
- Senior Adult Learners 50+ Years Courses - Costa Rica (10)
- Travelling Classroom - Costa Rica (3)
- Afternoon (1) - Only offered by CPI Spanish Immersion School
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Private Spanish courses
Private Spanish classes are designed as a pack of lessons available in various formations. Students can have their one-to-one lessons in the school or online. -
Spanish plus activity courses
Make the most of your time when studying abroad by adding an extra curriculum experience, such as a sport or cultural activity, to learning Spanish.- Spanish & Surf - Costa Rica (14)
- Spanish & Yoga - Costa Rica (13)
- Spanish & Adventure - Costa Rica (4)
- Spanish & Photography (4) - Only offered by School of the World Surf Camp
- Spanish & Diving (1) - Only offered by Máximo Nivel
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Spanish exam preparation courses
Spanish exam preparation courses are available to help students to advance through the Spanish levels and gain an official certificate on completion.- DELE Preparation Courses - Costa Rica (7)
- TEFL / TESOL (4) - Only offered by Máximo Nivel
- SIELE (1) - Only offered by Influent
- Other Exams (1) - Only offered by Influent
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Junior Spanish courses
Junior Spanish courses have a selection of programmes available for teens or pre-teens to spend their school holidays meeting new people and improving their Spanish. -
Business Spanish courses
Business Spanish classes come as packages of group or private classes, and have been tailor-made for professionals to know the fashionable Spanish used within this field.- Business Spanish Group Courses - Costa Rica (5)
- Business One-to-One (4) - Only offered by Influent
- Medical Spanish - Costa Rica (3)
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Specialty courses Spanish
Teacher training programmes and school trips are just some of the Spanish options students can take in the Specialty category.- School Trips / Groups - Costa Rica (6)
- Spanish Teacher Training (1) - Only offered by CPI Spanish Immersion School
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Work & Study Spanish programmes
Students who are learning Spanish to further their career can choose a Work & Study package consisting of Spanish classes with a volunteering programme or a work placement.- Spanish & Volunteering - Costa Rica (4)
- Internship - Costa Rica (2)
- University (1) - Only offered by Influent
Information about Costa Rica
Costa Rica is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Catch a wave, bathe under a waterfall, or hike through clouds in a mountaintop cloud forest in the dictionary definition of “paradise.” Glide through a rain forest canopy in a floating gondola, soak yourself in waters heated by an active volcano, or watch rare sea turtles and crocodiles. Visit Ticos and enjoy the bountiful biodiversity and the complete contentment that comes with the “pura vida,” the “pure life”of Costa Rica. Don't worry; the beauty of this country is that you can change your surroundings as quickly as you change your mind.
Key facts about Costa Rica
Population: 5,000,000
Capital: San José
Telephone country code: +506
Largest cities in Costa Rica:
- 1. San José: 335,000
- 2. Puerto Limon: 63,000
- 3. San Francisco: 56,000
- 4. Alajuela: 47,000
- 5. Liberia: 45,000
Visa: Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short-term Spanish courses up to 180 days. Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Visa requirements data last updated on 05 May 2025 (Source)
For the most up-to-date visa information, please consult with the embassy or consulate of Costa Rica in your country. List of embassies and consulates of Costa Rica on the official website - Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto de Costa Rica.
Largest international airport in Costa Rica:
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): 15 km. from San José city center
Q&A - Questions about Spanish courses and schools in Costa Rica
Which school is best if I am mainly interested in hiking?
“Academia Tica - Coronado places a stronger emphasis on hiking, with easy access to volcanoes, national parks and cloud forests.”
Robin Rebecca Pietersma, LanguageCourse.Net - May 14, 2025
Do any schools offer walking excursions?
“Yes, three schools offer hiking opportunities. Academia Tica - Coronado focuses heavily on this, Academia Tica - Jacó Beach offers hiking among other activities, and Intercultura Costa Rica - Sámara offers a specific "Nature Hike Samara Trails" tour.”
Robin Rebecca Pietersma, LanguageCourse.Net - May 14, 2025
My daughter is 14 years old but would like to participate in the Young Adult Programme for 15-17 year old students at the end of July. What is the possibility?
“We at LanguageCourse.Net cannot organise flights. We can organise courses, accommodations (depending on the school) and transfers (depending on the school).”
Tanja, Languagecourse.Net - May 08, 2023
Do you have any schools close to the beach?
“At the time of writing, Intercultura Costa Rica in Samara it's the only school in Costa Rica with a beachfront campus. The school provides Spanish language tuition throughout the year.”
Ana Carolina Dos Santos, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 21, 2023
Where is a good place to learn Spanish, go out and surf in Costa Rica?
“In Jaco Beach there is a large beach with perfect waves. Academia Tica is the right language school for you.”
Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 14, 2023
What options do you have for senior students?
“Our partner schools in Costa Rica offer group lessons with students of mixed ages and social activities and excursions.”
Ana Carolina Dos Santos, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 26, 2023
I'm looking for a Spanish programme with 4 hours per day for 2 weeks, on the beach.
“We can recommend you Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish Schools in Samara. This is the only Spanish school in Costa Rica with a beachfront campus.”
Ana Carolina Dos Santos, LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 12, 2023
I am from Turkey and would like to know if I can be accepted.
“The schools accept students of all nationalities, but keep in mind that depending on how long you want to stay in Costa Rica, you may need to apply for a visa, so it is best to contact the embassy beforehand to clear all these doubts.”
Rubén De Haro, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 15, 2022
What are the social activities offered by Intercultura Costa Rica in Samara?
“In Samara, the school offers the following activities: Latin dance classes, yoga, Zumba, cooking classes, city tour, crafts, and films. Excursions can be booked on the spot.”
Ana Carolina Dos Santos, LanguageCourse.Net - Oct 27, 2022
Does Academia Tica have AC in the classrooms?
“Yes, our classrooms have AC in Coronado (San Jose) and Jaco Beach.”
Manuel Al-Ghassani Rodriguez, from Academia Tica - Oct 25, 2022
I am also exploring my options for booking my own accommodation. Does your advice change if you keep this in mind?
“You can certainly book your own accommodation, it won't be a problem at all.
It's not mandatory to book the accommodation offered by the school and we will be happy to help you by booking the language programme only.”
It's not mandatory to book the accommodation offered by the school and we will be happy to help you by booking the language programme only.”
Ana Carolina, LanguageCourse.net - Jun 16, 2022
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish courses in Costa Rica
Are cultural activities offered at the schools? Can you give some examples?
“Yes, examples are:
Academia Tica - Coronado: City tour, mask workshop, art city tour.
Academia Tica - Jacó Beach: Salsa and Latin dance classes, cooking class, tropical fruit class, Latin American film club, cacao plantation experience.
Intercultura Costa Rica - Sámara: Latin dance classes and cooking classes.”
Academia Tica - Coronado: City tour, mask workshop, art city tour.
Academia Tica - Jacó Beach: Salsa and Latin dance classes, cooking class, tropical fruit class, Latin American film club, cacao plantation experience.
Intercultura Costa Rica - Sámara: Latin dance classes and cooking classes.”
Robin Rebecca Pietersma, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - May 14, 2025
How do I decide which school suits me best based on extracurricular activities?
“The best choice depends on your personal preferences. Consider what is most important to you: a strong focus on hiking, a balance between different active and cultural activities, or the availability of structured tours.”
Robin Rebecca Pietersma, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - May 14, 2025
I am 50+ years old. Where is there greater chance for me to encounter peers when looking at the options Monteverde, Heredia and Flamingo?
“You are more likely to meet peers in Monteverde and Heredia than in Flamingo. Keep in mind that this is more likely, but not a guarantee.”
Josué Salazar García, Admissions from CPI Spanish Immersion School - Nov 05, 2024
I know some Spanish words but I do not understand easily the spoken language. What could be my level?
“I would say that you are a low beginner, but do not worry too much! Upon enrollment, the school will send you an assessment test to determine your language level and assign you to the more adequate group for your needs. ”
Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Sep 17, 2024
I am a senior student, do I have to go in a mixed age group?
“We have no group courses exclusively for senior students, but you can book private lessons if you prefer not to study with younger students. ”
Louise Granath, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 11, 2023
Is it possible to do a language course for people over 45?
“Yes, of course! There are a lot of people over 45 who do language travel.
Usually, people over 45 take general Spanish courses. We can check which school has a higher average age, so that there is a greater chance that you will meet peers.
Check out these schools:
- Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish Schools: the average age is 50 in the summer and 40 in the rest of the year.
- Máximo Nivel (Manuel Antonio): the average age is 25 in the summer and 28 in the rest of the year.
- Máximo Nivel (San Jose): the average age is 23 in summer and 28 in the rest of the year.”
Usually, people over 45 take general Spanish courses. We can check which school has a higher average age, so that there is a greater chance that you will meet peers.
Check out these schools:
- Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish Schools: the average age is 50 in the summer and 40 in the rest of the year.
- Máximo Nivel (Manuel Antonio): the average age is 25 in the summer and 28 in the rest of the year.
- Máximo Nivel (San Jose): the average age is 23 in summer and 28 in the rest of the year.”
Robin Rebecca Pietersma, Dutch Consultant from LanguageCourse.net - Apr 01, 2022
Language schools in Costa Rica by city
Stars indicate average city rating by our clients
- Heredia (2 schools) 3.8
- Jaco Beach (2 schools) 4.0
- Manuel Antonio (1 school) 3.6
- Nicoya (1 school)
- Nosara (1 school) 3.8
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (2 schools) 4.4
- Samara (2 schools) 4.6
- San Jose (8 schools) 3.7
- Tamarindo Beach (2 schools) 3.7
- Turrialba (1 school) 3.9
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