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Ilisa Language School
San Jose, Costa Rica
Average student rating for this school was the best or in the top 20% among all schools <IN_COUNTRY&&>

Avenida 16, calle 59 y 61 - 2050 San Jose - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Five all-weather outdoor classrooms located in the school’s beautiful gardens.
  • The school has its own restaurant for students on the terrace.
  • Best rated school in San Jose
  • Excellent rating of teaching quality
    5.0
  • Top rated school facilities
    4.5
What we dislike about the school
  • Younger students should consider that the average age of students at this school is significantly higher than at most other schools.
  • Nationality mix could be more balanced. 70 of students are from USA

Location: ILISA Language School San José is a Spanish school located in the bustling Costa Rican capital city of San José. Housed in a quiet suburb of San Pedro's "La Granja" neighbourhood, students can enjoy the busy capital of Costa Rica from a slight distance whilst having direct access to the city centre, which is a 40-minute bus ride away. Attractions and sites of interest within walking distance of the school include the Outlet Mall, San Pedro Mall and the Plaza del Sol shopping mall. The University of Costa Rica Campus is also close to the school, ensuring many amenities and social happenings for students nearby.

Course selection: In addition to General Spanish programmes available to students of all levels, ILISA San José also provides one-to-one Executive Spanish, combination programmes of both group and private lessons, and private lessons.

Social and cultural: As the capital city of Costa Rica, San José has many cultural sites and activities for students to enjoy. Such attributes include the museums, theatres, concerts, city tours, the central market, churches and craft churches. There are many eateries and social venues local to the school and the city centre is also just a bus ride away.

Additional information: ILISA San José has supplied language courses for over 40 years.

Spanish Courses

General Language
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) 285 271 570 542 855 813 1140 1083 1425 1354 1710 1625 1995 1896 2280 2166 2565 2437 2850 2708 3420 3249
Starting dates
Every Monday
Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Required minimum language level
Elementary (A2) or higher
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 4 / Average: 3
Lesson duration
60 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) 550 523 1100 1045 1650 1568 2200 2090 2750 2613 3300 3135 3850 3658 4400 4180 4950 4703 5500 5225 6600 6270
Starting dates
Every Monday
Course specific data
General course schedule
6 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 15:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Required minimum language level
Elementary (A2) or higher
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 4 / Average: 3
Lesson duration
60 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) 900 878 1645 1604 2250 2194 3020 2945 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Starting dates
2025: 05 May 2025, 12 May 2025, 19 May 2025, 26 May 2025, 02 Jun 2025, 09 Jun 2025, 16 Jun 2025, 23 Jun 2025, 30 Jun 2025, 07 Jul 2025, 14 Jul 2025, 21 Jul 2025, 28 Jul 2025, 04 Aug 2025, 11 Aug 2025, 18 Aug 2025, 25 Aug 2025
Prices
Course price includes accommodation
Homestay, Breakfast & 1 meal
Course specific data
Possible course durations
1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
Required minimum language level
Elementary (A2) or higher
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 4 / Average: 3
Lesson duration
60 min
Private
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) 430 409 860 817 1290 1226 1720 1634 2150 2043 2580 2451 3010 2860 3440 3268 3870 3677 4300 4085 5160 4902
Starting dates
Every Monday
Course specific data
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
60 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) 570 542 1140 1083 1710 1625 2280 2166 2850 2708 3420 3249 3990 3791 4560 4332 5130 4874 5700 5415 6840 6498
Starting dates
Every Monday
Course specific data
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
60 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) 860 817 1720 1634 2580 2451 3440 3268 4300 4085 5160 4902 6020 5719 6880 6536 7740 7353 8600 8170 10320 9804
Starting dates
Every Monday
Course specific data
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
60 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) 1175 1117 2350 2233 3525 3349 4700 4465 5875 5582 7050 6698 8225 7814 9400 8930 10575 10047 11750 11163 14100 13395
Starting dates
Every Monday
Course specific data
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
60 min

Our prices for Ilisa Language School include

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes

Photos

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  • Group photo
    Group photo10/11
  • Students
    Students11/11

Student opinions about Ilisa Language School, San Jose

5.0
Overall school rating of
Ilisa Language School, San Jose
2 authentic ratings from students who booked with us
School
Location of the school
4.0 
Facilities
4.5 
Social activities
4.0 
Organisation
5.0 
Course
Quality of teaching
5.0 
Value for money
4.5 
Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“Prompt responses, flexibility with scheduling, excellent classroom and building, adaptable teaching approach, teacher patient with a senior-age student.”
“School is suburban though a short bus-ride from downtown. Though here were no after-class activities, the teacher coached as we wandered downtown.”
Details of the review
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“My teacher Gustavo was wonderful! And they were able to accommodate my schedule at the last minute.”
“I wish more people were in the class/school.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: Very good!
Course: Private Lessons [Spanish] - 1 week
Review date: 15. Apr. 2025 by Claire Ihasz McLeod
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of Ilisa Language School compared to ratings of all schools in Costa Rica

 Ilisa Language School San JoseAverage of all other schools in Costa Rica
Overall school rating5.04.4
Location of the school4.04.6
Facilities4.54.1
Social activities4.03.9
Organisation5.04.4
Quality of teaching5.04.6
Value for money4.54.2
Homestay0.04.2
Shared flat0.04.2

Ilisa Language School (ILISA)

Accreditations and Quality seals
Sistema de Acreditación de Centros Instituto Cervantes (SACIC)Preferential Terms in Case of Visa Refusal
Spanish teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
50% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
Student gender mix
45% male / 55% female
Year of school foundation
1981

General school facilities

  • Cafeteria

  • Restaurant

  • Auditorium

  • Garden

  • Balcony / terrace

  • Student support desk

  • Free WIFI

  • Free parking

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

  • Tourist information

  • Assistance with entrance ticket purchases

  • Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs

  • Assistance with organizing transportation

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in some classrooms

    • Air conditioning in some classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 20
    • Number of public PC workstations: 1
Additional comment about facilities of school
In addition to our excellent location, our facilities themselves are unmatched by any language school in the region. Unlike most schools, nearly all of our classrooms are purpose-built, providing optimum conditions for a language school. Our classrooms have an abundance of natural light, are well-ventilated and comfortably furnished. An ample garden and terrace, both with great views, create surroundings where you can relax both during classes and after, to chat with other students, read the newspaper or do homework. Since many schools operate from converted homes, you can’t always take such amenities for granted.

Student Age / Nationality

Top student nationalities
Student Nationality Percentage of students
USA 70%
Japan 10%
Germany 10%
England 5%
Korea 5%
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 14.285714285714%
18-24 years 14.285714285714%
25-34 years 28.571428571429%
35-50 years 28.571428571429%
>50 years 14.285714285714%
The average age outside summer is 10 years higher than in summer.
Average number of students
Adult courses - In summer: 70
Adult courses - Throughout the year: 15
Junior courses - In summer: 10
Junior courses - Throughout the year: 10
Minimum age of students
18 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
Junior courses In summer: 3
Junior courses Throughout the year: 3
Average age of students
In summer: 25 years
Throughout the year: 35 years

Information for all courses offered by Ilisa Language School

Lesson duration
60 minutes
School's administrative fee
200.00 US$
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Comments about courses

If no suitable group course is available, a reduced number of private lessons will be offered.
Inscription fee includes: airport pick up, workbooks, certificate of attendance and cultural activities.

Days without class
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 06 Apr 2025, 07 Apr 2025, 10 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 24 Jul 2025, 02 Aug 2025, 14 Aug 2025, 03 Sep 2025, 15 Sep 2025, 01 Dec 2025, 25 Dec 2025.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Private classes are recuperated or refunded. Same as for nearly all language schools, group classes falling on bank holiday are not refunded and not recuperated.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
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.

Leisure activities

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

Museums, parks, art galleries, concerts

Adults - Paid activities

Movies, theaters, adventure, concerts
activity possibledistance from school
Ballet-
Baseball-
Basketball1 km
Cooking-
Cricket-
Dancing-
Field Hockey-
Football (soccer)2 km
Golf-
Horse riding30 km
Ice Hockey-
Mountainbiking-
Music-
Rugby-
Sailing-
Squash-
Swimming2 km
Table Tennis-
Tennis5 km
Volleyball-
Yoga1 km

Accommodation

Free cancellation up to 14 days before arrival
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 Additional
Week
Price in US$ 315 630 945 1260 1575 1890 2205 2520 3150 3780 315
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Check-in
Sunday
Check-out
Saturday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
No extra nights bookable
Room Occupancy
Single room
Includes
Access to laundry service, Shared bathroom.
Meals
Breakfast & 1 meal.
Minimum age of students
18

Map  

FAQ about Ilisa Language School, San Jose

What is the best price for a course at Ilisa Language School, San Jose?
“Spanish courses at Ilisa Language School start at 271 US$ for Group 4 course with 20 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.”
What is the number of students per class at ILISA Language Institute?
“Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at ILISA Language Institute varies from 1 (Private Lessons 15) to 4 students (Group 4)”
Which countries are students of Ilisa Language School from?
“The highest Nationality percentage at Ilisa Language School comes from USA with a 70% representation, followed by students from Germany (10%) and Japan (10%).”
Ilisa Language School offers courses for which ages?
“Ilisa Language School offers courses from 18 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 35 for the rest of the year.”

PDF brochure / price list of Ilisa Language SchoolView or Send them to your email

Price list 2025
View

Terms of Ilisa Language School

First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 7:45
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoAmerican Express - logoPayPal - logoBank Transfer - logo
Legal name/parent company
Language Express S.A | Tax registration ID: 3-101-554159

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 180 days.
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.
years
Starting date
Course available
Check-in date
Check-out date
incl.
Course material included.
FREE cancellation
FREE changes
Course available on selected date
See availability
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San Jose city attractiveness rated by our students:
3.5 
More information about San Jose including climate data and events on our San Jose page with a list of all 8 Spanish schools in San Jose.
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