MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission at Escuela Latina is to educate students in the Spanish language using innovative classroom methods and cultural interaction. we place students with families and arrange stays, where they will feel sufficiently immersed in both the culture and language. This approach helps students develop effective communication skills and obtain an objective knowledge of the culture, customs and traditions of the country. Through community projects, we also give students the opportunity to leave feeling like they've made a difference.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTES FOR VOLUNTEER WORK

All student volunteers are required to complete a minimum of 2 weeks Spanish study at Escuela Latina before going to work in the field. It is preferable but not necessary to have an intermediate to advanced Spanish level before entering the program, however; we will accept those with a strong beginner to intermediate level if they are able to demonstrate this proficiency. Student volunteers wishing to participate in our rural program must commit to a minimum of two weeks in the field (this is in addition to 2 prior weeks of Spanish study).

SETTING

Escuela Latina is located in Barva, one block from the central plaza which is anchored by a baroque-style church and surrounded by tradional adobe buildings. The school offers five classrooms, an office, kitchen, and an open-air verandah overlooking an interior garden with places to study or just relax away from the noise of the streets. At all times of year, Escuela latina has Costa Rican students learning English and attending other school activities, giving you, the Spanish students, opportunities to practice your Spanish and get to know some of the locals.

STAFF

Although the staff at Escuela Latina speaks Spanish with all incoming students, both directors speak English as well and are available to assist you in making travel or other plans in English if necessary. The co-directors of the school are also instructors and maintain a high level of involvement in the quality and evaluation of all classes.

All of our teachers at Escuela Latina have university degrees in Spanish and teach their classes entirely in Spanish. We have chosen them keeping high standards of knowledge, creativity, experience, and enthusiasm in mind. The teachers also all have a strong intuitive sense of how Spanish as a second language is learned, and with this knowledge provide rewarding and complete language experiences for the students.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

At the time of publication, US and Canadian students need only a valid passport to enter Costa Rica and are granted a stay of 90 days. Most tourist from European and Asian countries also need only a passport and are granted 90 days, but a few, including France, are only granted a 30 day time-limit. Tourist are charged the equivalent of about $18 US in taxes to leave the country, Check with the Costa Rican consulate in your area for more information.

We offer to all students free airport pick-up. we ask that you fax or call with your flight information at least one week in advance.

REFERENCES

Feel free to call the following former Escuela Latina students; they'll be glad to tell you about their experiences with us.

USA
MELISSA MORLEY, spanish teacher (360) 894 4134
TRACY HICKS, bilingual teacher, (415) 661 8641
BRIAN PETERSEN, environmentar science student, (208) 882 1207
JAPAN
KAORI KONUMA, student, international business 81 3 34 25 7057
GERMANY
Stephanie Dürr, 0711 / 566757
SWITZERLAND
URBAN LUCHINGER, 0041 1 984 10 15
NORWAY
MARGRETE TAGHOLDT, 155 25 4686
DENMARK
ANNE-METTE JOHNSEN, home 45 38 34 1441 work 45 39 75 7575

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Escuela Latina de Lenguas

P.O. Box: 203-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
Tel. USA: (970) 242-6960 / 242-6967
E-mail: eslatina@amerisol.com