Ilisa Language SchoolSan Jose, Costa Rica
Pay less than booking at the school
5.0
Overall school rating of Ilisa Language School, San Jose
Ranked #8 of 7 Spanish schools in San Jose
School
Location of the school
4.0
Facilities
5.0
Social activities
4.0
Organisation
5.0
Course
Quality of teaching
5.0
Value for money
5.0
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 Costa Rica
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
How we create the points regarding what we like/dislike about a school
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.
- The language school Ilisa Language School was founded in San Jose, Costa Rica in 1981.
- Legal name / parent company: Language Express S.A
- Tax registration ID: 3-101-554159
- Abbreviated name of school: ILISA San Jose
Spanish Courses
General Language
Group 4 Plus ![Recommended Spanish course]( "Recommended Spanish course")
30 lessons per week
|
4 students (max)
Offer! from
510US$ 485US$
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | |||||||||||
| Price at school Our price | 510 485 | 1020 969 | 1530 1454 | 2040 1938 | 2550 2423 | 3060 2907 | 3570 3392 | 4080 3876 | 5100 4845 | 6120 5814 | 510 485 |
This is a combination of the Group-4 program plus 2 hours of private tutoring in the afternoon (13:15-15:15). In the afternoon classes, special attention will be given to your particular needs and interests.
No new grammar structures are presented, but if you wish, old ones are reviewed. The emphasis of the afternoon class lies in improving your proficiency and extending active vocabulary.
For special interest groups, such as international aid workers, teachers, therapists or company employees, afternoon private classes can be tailored according to your needs and interests.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays, and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Course specific data
Starting dates
Every Monday
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
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 15:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 4 / Average: 3
Group 4 ![Popular Spanish course]( "Popular Spanish course")
20 lessons per week
|
4 students (max)
Offer! from
265US$ 252US$
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | |||||||||||
| Price at school Our price | 265 252 | 530 504 | 795 756 | 1060 1007 | 1325 1259 | 1590 1511 | 1855 1763 | 2120 2014 | 2650 2518 | 3180 3021 | 265 252 |
This is the most popular of our Spanish courses. You will be placed in a class with students of a similar ability level. With a maximum of four students per group, your participation is assured and progress guaranteed.
Classes are given from 08:00 to 12:00 with a 20-minute break at 10:00.
This program offers you a lot of Spanish instruction while still allowing you enough free time for other activities.
In the rare event that we are unable to place you in a group class due to differing skill levels, we shall instead provide 3 hours of individual tutoring.
Course specific data
Starting dates
Every Monday
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
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Minimum required student age
4 years
Students per class
Maximum: 4 / Average: 3
Private
Private Lessons 20
20 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
Offer! from
510US$ 485US$
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | |||||||||||
| Price at school Our price | 510 485 | 1020 969 | 1530 1454 | 2040 1938 | 2550 2423 | 3060 2907 | 3570 3392 | 4080 3876 | 5100 4845 | 6120 5814 | 510 485 |
If you have very little time available or have specialized language needs, you may prefer to concentrate on Spanish in one-to-one tutoring sessions.
They offer private classes for 4 or 6 hours a day. This program is available for every level and follows the same scheduling as the Group-4 and Group-4 Plus programs. Visits can be scheduled related to a certain profession when you start your study.
The emphasis of this program lies in improving general language skills and, depending on your needs, building skills and vocabulary specifically related to your profession. Included is a language competence report covering listening and reading comprehension, writing and speaking skills, and if applicable, professional speaking skills.
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
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Minimum required student age
12 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Information for all courses offered by Ilisa Language School
Comments about courses
If no suitable group course is available, a reduced number of private lessons will be offered.
Lesson duration
60 minutes
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 25 US$. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 06 Apr 2024, 07 Apr 2024, 10 Apr 2024, 01 May 2024, 24 Jul 2024, 02 Aug 2024, 14 Aug 2024, 03 Sep 2024, 15 Sep 2024, 01 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024.
01 Jan 2024, 06 Apr 2024, 07 Apr 2024, 10 Apr 2024, 01 May 2024, 24 Jul 2024, 02 Aug 2024, 14 Aug 2024, 03 Sep 2024, 15 Sep 2024, 01 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024.
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
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 Organized activities
- 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 Ilisa Language School, San Jose 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.
Ilisa Language School (ILISA)
Accreditations and Quality seals
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)
First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 7:45
Student gender mix
45% male / 55% female
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
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: 20Number 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
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
4 years for specific Junior courses
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
Top student nationalities
Age of students
Airport transfer
Juan Santamaria International Airport:
35 US$ one way
More information about airports around San Jose and how to get from the airport to San Jose on your own here on our San Jose page.
Visa Documents
Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 90 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.
Leisure activities
| activity possible | distance from school | |
|---|---|---|
| Ballet | | - |
| Baseball | | - |
| Basketball | | 1 km |
| Cooking | | - |
| Cricket | | - |
| Dancing | | - |
| Field Hockey | | - |
| Football (soccer) | | 2 km |
| Golf | | - |
| Horse riding | | 30 km |
| Ice Hockey | | - |
| Mountainbiking | | - |
| Music | | - |
| Rugby | | - |
| Sailing | | - |
| Squash | | - |
| Swimming | | 2 km |
| Table Tennis | | - |
| Tennis | | 5 km |
| Volleyball | | - |
| Yoga | | 1 km |
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
some museums, parks, art galleries, concerts
Adults - Paid activities
movies, theathers, adventure, concerts
Student opinions about Ilisa Language School, San Jose
Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Amos
68 years
“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. ”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
City/place
3.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
4.0
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 252 US$ for Group 4 course with 20 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.
- Is airport pickup offered by Ilisa Language School?Yes. The school offers pickup from Juan Santamaria International Airport (35 US$)
- 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 students (Private Lessons 20) to 4 students (Group 4 Plus)
- What is the qualification of the teachers at Ilisa Language School?100% of teachers at Ilisa Language School hold a university degree. 50% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
- 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%).
- Is this price lower than booking directly with the school?Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
- Ilisa Language School offers courses for which ages?Ilisa Language School offers courses from 4 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 35 for the rest of the year.
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"Excellent" 4.8/5
1.168 reviews
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Ilisa Language School San Jose Costa Rica | Pay Less
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San Jose
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 7 Spanish schools in San Jose.
