What we like about the school
- 5 locations, all offering the same Spanish program
- Unique eco classroom (outside)
- Small class sizes
- Excellent rating of teaching quality
- Hotel / Hostel accommodation very close to school
- Top rated school facilities
Spanish by the River
- The school was founded in June 2002 and is located a little outside of the typically 'tico' town of Turrialba. The school offers an incredible view of the lush green surroundings, including the active Turrialba volcano. Classes are often held on the balcony, from where you can spot exotic birds like toucans, hummingbirds and many other tropical animals.
- The language school Spanish by the River was founded in Turrialba, Costa Rica in 2002.
- Address: Barrio El Recreo, 42-7150 - Turrialba, Costa Rica (see on map)
- Legal name / parent company: Spanish by the River, SA
- Tax registration ID: CPR3-101-320172
- Covid-19 Status: School currently open
Covid-19 related security measures that are taken by Spanish by the River
Our hostel is open at 50% capacity and we need to comply with general measures like hand washing, using gel and having information in posters about handwashing, how to cough/sneeze and how to greet. It is not clear if we can already teach face-to-face but we only teach virtually currently.
It is not possible to do adventure trips like rafting, ziplining, salsadancing and neither is it possible to do volunteer work.
Accreditations and Quality seals
“You will not regret coming to study in Turrialba for a bit, live the real Tica experience and immerse completely! ”–Ingrid Lommers,Director of Spanish by the River
School Size:
Facilities
Kitchen for student use
Microwave for student use
Fridge for student use
Library
Movie rental
Movie room
Games room
Lounge
Garden
Balcony / terrace
Student support desk
Copy machine
Printer for student use
Soccer field / football pitch
Free coffee
Free WIFI
Classroom equipment
Ample natural light in all classrooms
Number of classrooms:
10Number of public PC workstations:
1Our price includes
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- 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
Course material:
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Average number of students
- Adult courses in summer: 40
- Adult courses throughout the year: 20
- Junior courses in summer: 10
- Junior courses throughout the year: 10
Average age of students
- in summer: 20 years
- throughout the year: 25 years
- Read our recommendations for students over 30.
Average number of levels
- Adult courses in summer: 6
- Adult courses throughout the year: 6
Minimum age of students
- 15 years
- 6 years for specific Junior courses
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):
25
2
2
20
10
25
15
Optional airport transfer
Best arrival airport is SAN JOSE - SANTAMARIA.
Juan Santamaría International Airport:100 US$ pick up
200 US$ return (both ways)
Days without class
In 2021 (including national and regional bank holidays): 01 Jan. 2021, 01 Apr. 2021, 02 Apr. 2021, 11 Apr. 2021, 01 May 2021, 25 Jul. 2021, 02 Aug. 2021, 15 Aug. 2021, 15 Sep. 2021, 01 Dec. 2021, 25 Dec. 2021.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Full number of lost classes are made up
Spanish Courses
General Language
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 300 285 | 585 556 | 855 813 | 1110 1055 | 1360 1292 | 1610 1530 | 1860 1767 | 2110 2005 | 2360 2242 | 2610 2480 | 3110 2955 |
Starting dates
Every Monday.
General course schedule
6 daily lessons of 55 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 - 19:00
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 19:00
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 225 214 | 435 414 | 630 599 | 810 770 | 985 936 | 1160 1102 | 1335 1269 | 1510 1435 | 1685 1601 | 1860 1767 | 2210 2100 |
Starting dates
Every Monday.
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 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 - 19:00
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 19:00
Student comments
Silvano: "Customers rather than students."
Lessons per week: 25
| Max. group size: 6
285 US$ per week
More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 300 285 | 585 556 | 855 813 | 1110 1055 | 1360 1292 | 1610 1530 | 1860 1767 | 2110 2005 | 2360 2242 | 2610 2480 | 3110 2955 |
Starting dates
Every Monday.
General course schedule
5 daily lessons of 55 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 - 19:00
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 19:00
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 225 214 | 435 414 | 630 599 | 810 770 | 985 936 | 1160 1102 | 1335 1269 | 1510 1435 | 1685 1601 | 1860 1767 | 2210 2100 |
Starting dates
Every Monday.
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 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 - 11:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 19:00
Morning: 8:00 - 11:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 19:00
Private
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 160 152 | 310 295 | 450 428 | 580 551 | 710 675 | 840 798 | 970 922 | 1100 1045 | 1230 1169 | 1360 1292 | 1620 1539 |
Two-to-one semi-private lessons delivered to two students of the same language level.
Starting dates
Every Monday.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 225 214 | 435 414 | 630 599 | 810 770 | 985 936 | 1160 1102 | 1335 1269 | 1510 1435 | 1685 1601 | 1860 1767 | 2210 2100 |
Starting dates
Every Day.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 300 285 | 585 556 | 855 813 | 1110 1055 | 1360 1292 | 1610 1530 | 1860 1767 | 2110 2005 | 2360 2242 | 2610 2480 | 3110 2955 |
Starting dates
Every Day.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 360 342 | 700 665 | 1020 969 | 1320 1254 | 1620 1539 | 1920 1824 | 2220 2109 | 2520 2394 | 2820 2679 | 3120 2964 | 3720 3534 |
Starting dates
Every Day.
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 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 - 19:00
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 19:00
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 240 228 | 465 442 | 675 642 | 875 832 | 1075 1022 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Two-to-one semi-private lessons delivered to two students of the same language level.
Starting dates
Every Monday.
Language Plus Activity
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 350 333 | 685 651 | 1005 955 | 1310 1245 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
This course consists of the intensive Spanish course of 30 lessons and 3 yoga classes per week. Price does not include transportation to and from yoga centre.
Starting dates
Every Monday.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 275 262 | 535 509 | 780 741 | 1010 960 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
This course consists of the standard Spanish course of 20 lessons and 3 yoga classes per week. Price does not include transportation to and from yoga centre.
Starting dates
Every Monday.
Note: All courses offered by Spanish by the River, Turrialba can be reserved online with LanguageCourse.Net. In case a course is not listed above, just let us know.
Lesson duration: 55 minutes
Individual classesSingle individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 15 US$. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Comments about courses:Course price is reduced to USD 175 per week when booking over 4 weeks, but the course must be in the same location for the entire duration.
2% tax not included in the price
Accommodation
| weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 175 | 350 | 525 | 700 | 875 | 1050 | 1225 | 1400 | 1750 | 2100 | 175 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
Price per person
13% tax not included in the price
Price extra night:
25 US$
(Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy:
Single room.
Includes:
TV, Phone, Daily cleaning, Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Kitchen, Breakfast & 1 meal, Shared bathroom.
Age of students:
Minimum age of students: 0| weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 154 | 308 | 462 | 616 | 770 | 924 | 1078 | 1232 | 1540 | 1848 | 154 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
Price per person
13% tax not included in the price
Price extra night:
22 US$
(Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy:
Single room.
Includes:
TV, Phone, Daily cleaning, Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Kitchen, Breakfast, Shared bathroom.
Age of students:
Minimum age of students: 0| weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 196 | 392 | 588 | 784 | 980 | 1176 | 1372 | 1568 | 1960 | 2352 | 196 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
Price per person
13% tax not included in the price
Price extra night:
28 US$
(Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy:
Single room.
Includes:
TV, Phone, Daily cleaning, Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Kitchen, Breakfast & lunch & dinner, Shared bathroom.
Age of students:
Minimum age of students: 0
| weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 168 | 336 | 504 | 672 | 840 | 1008 | 1176 | 1344 | 1680 | 2016 | 168 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
Price per person
13% tax not included in the price
Price extra night:
24 US$
(Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy:
Single room.
Includes:
Phone, Daily cleaning, Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), No meals, Shared bathroom.
Age of students:
Minimum age of students: 0| weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 210 | 420 | 630 | 840 | 1050 | 1260 | 1470 | 1680 | 2100 | 2520 | 210 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
Price per person
13% tax not included in the price
Price extra night:
30 US$
(Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy:
Single room.
Includes:
TV, Phone, Daily cleaning, Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Kitchen, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), No meals, Private bathroom.
Age of students:
Minimum age of students: 0| weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in US$ | 245 | 490 | 735 | 980 | 1225 | 1470 | 1715 | 1960 | 2450 | 2940 | 245 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per room
Price per room
13% tax not included in the price
Price extra night:
35 US$
(Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy:
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together).
Includes:
TV, Phone, Daily cleaning, Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Kitchen, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), No meals, Private bathroom.
Age of students:
Minimum age of students: 0Student comments
Poul: "It was a room at the school, so the location was great and I would stay there again. We were in a period with a lot of rain and relatively cold weather (the local host, teacher, taxi driver caught colds), which meant that it was virtually impossible to get anything dry. We are also not so used to cockroaches, but understand that it virtually impossible to avoid in that area. One easily doable improvement would be bedside lamps. "
Accommodation extras:
- Breakfast supplement for Hostels: USD 6 (per person per day).
- Laundry included in Homestay price. 13% tax not included in the price
- Breakfast supplement for Hostels: USD 6 (per person per day).
- Laundry included in Homestay price. 13% tax not included in the price
Reviews
4.7
Overall school rating
11 authentic reviews from students who reserved with usLocation of the school
4.2
Organisation
4.5
Facilities
4.2
Social activities
4.1
Course quality / Progress in language
4.8
Value for money
4.6
Accommodation
Homestay
4.7
Shared Flat (apartment)
---
Other
4.5
What students liked about Spanish by the River, Turrialba
Poul56 years
“The classroom on the deck that's due to the hillside, resided mid height among the trees with may visiting birds and butterflies was outstanding. The teacher was very good in observing what we knew and did not know, and adapting the lessons accordingly. Very impressive.”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
Detailed review
City/place
4.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
5.0
Accommodation
Homestay
4.0
Hostel
4.0
Shared Flat (apartment)
4.0
Additional information
Insider tips about what future students should not miss: With four hours a day it is hard to do any sightseeing beyond the school using public transportation, so if that is a desire, a rental car is a necessity.
Other comments: The evening events with the local community were great.
Patricia
“I appreciated that they could adjust to my personal preferences.”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
Detailed review
City/place
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
Accommodation
Homestay
4.0
Other
4.0
Shared Flat (apartment)
4.0
Additional information
Insider tips about what future students should not miss: The experience is greatly enhanced by staying with local family.
Ellen52 years
“It was beautifully located at the side of a mountain.”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
Detailed review
City/place
4.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
5.0
Accommodation
Homestay
5.0
Hostel
5.0
Shared Flat (apartment)
5.0
Crista75 years
“My teacher was terrific and I learned a great deal.”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
Detailed review
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
5.0
Accommodation
Homestay
5.0
Other
5.0
Shared Flat (apartment)
5.0
Additional information
Insider tips about what future students should not miss: Use flash cards as a teaching aid for beginners especially.
Other comments: The staff was friendly and helpful.
Philipp27 years
“Location and view, ambience, teachers”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
Detailed review
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
5.0
Accommodation
Homestay
5.0
Other
5.0
Shared Flat (apartment)
5.0
- What is the best price for a course at Spanish by the River, Turrialba?Spanish courses at Spanish by the River start at 152 US$ for Sepcialized - Semi-Private 10 course with 10 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.
- What is the most popular accommodation offered by Spanish by the River?The accommodation Homestay is the most popular among all our clients of Spanish by the River
- Is airport pickup offered by Spanish by the River?Yes. The school offers pickup from Juan Santamaría International Airport (100 US$)
- What is the number of students per class at Spanish by the River?Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Spanish by the River varies from 1 students (Specialized - Private Spanish (10) ) to 6 students (Intensive Spanish)
- What is the qualification of the teachers at Spanish by the River?50% of teachers at Spanish by the River hold a university degree. 80% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
- Which countries are students of Spanish by the River from?The highest Nationality percentage at Spanish by the River comes from Germany with a 25% representation, followed by students from Switzerland (25%) and Holland (20%).
- Is this price lower than booking directly with the school?Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
- Spanish by the River offers courses for which ages?Spanish by the River offers courses from 15 years to 99. Average age is 20 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.
FAQ about Spanish by the River, Turrialba
Calculator | Reservation
Share:![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
"Excellent" 4.5/5
909 reviews*
* of LanguageCourse.net on Trustpilot
Travel with your friends
Spanish by the River Turrialba Language School | 11 Reviews
https://www.languagecourse.net/school-spanish-by-the-river-turrialba.php3
Do you know someone in particular with whom you would love to explore life in Turrialba? Just tag them in your post to Facebook or send them a link to this page in a message or email.
Other Spanish schools
Spanish schools in Costa Rica
- Heredia (1)
- Jaco Beach (2)
- La Flor (1)
- Manuel Antonio (1)
- Nosara (1)
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (2)
- Samara (1)
- San Jose (5)
- Santo Domingo de Heredia (1)
- Tamarindo Beach (2)
- Turrialba (1)
Spanish schools in the rest of the world
- (1)
- Argentina (12)
- Australia (1)
- Austria (1)
- Azerbaijan (1)
- Bolivia (1)
- Brazil (1)
- Canada (4)
- Chile (5)
- Colombia (10)
- Cuba (4)
- Czech Republic (1)
- Dominican Republic (2)
- Ecuador (17)
- England UK (6)
- France (4)
- Germany (6)
- Greece (1)
- Grenada (1)
- Guatemala (4)
- Honduras (2)
- Hong Kong (1)
- India (1)
- Ireland (1)
- Italy (8)
- Jamaica (1)
- Latvia (1)
- Malta (1)
- Mexico (21)
- Morocco (1)
- Panama (7)
- Peru (6)
- Scotland (2)
- South Africa (1)
- Spain (159)
- SPAIN (1)
- Switzerland (1)
- Tunisia (1)
- Turkey (1)
- Uruguay (4)
- USA (3)
- Wales (1)
Comparison of all schools in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica (18)
