Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

CPI, or the Centro Panamericano de Idiomas, is one of Costa Rica’s most important and widely recognized, independent Spanish schools. First established in Heredia, in 1991, by Romy Morales, formerly a Spanish professor for the Peace Corps in Costa Rica, CPI has over 15 years experience offering students a full linguistic and cultural immersion experience.

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CPI Spanish School, Monteverde

The CPI Monteverde campus is located in Cerro Plano, about halfway between Santa Elena and Monteverde. It was opened in 1996, mostly due to student interest in studying in this world renowned center for environmental conservation and sustainable development. In addition to its Heredia and Monteverde campuses, the school opened a third campus at Flamingo Beach, on the North Pacific coast in 2000, giving students the opportunity to combine Spanish study with beach time!

The CPI program offers Spanish study at all levels, from a 2 week basic ‘Survival Spanish’ course, to 4, 6, and 8 or more week, beginner to advanced programs. Students may choose to study at any one campus, or may divide their time between two or even all three campuses.

At all campuses CPI offers high educational standards. All teaching staff are professionally trained, have significant teaching experience and are accredited with the Costa Rican Ministry of Education. CPI’s intensive methodological approach emphasizes conversation, communicative activities and cultural themes, supplemented by grammar instruction and reading/writing exercises.

Classes are tailored to meet the specific academic goals and cultural interests of students. Class sizes are small, ranging from 2 to 4 students, thereby maximizing individual attention. In addition to daily Spanish classes students may participate in a range of optional cultural activities including; Latin dance classes, cooking classes, literature or movie nights and walking tours. Each campus has a well-equipped on-site library, with internet access.

Volunteering

CPI is committed to community development and places volunteers in a range of local conservation and education projects. Students can volunteer either during or after their study program.

Spanish Credits

The CPI programs at Heredia and Monteverde are approved for undergraduate accreditation through the New Mexico State University (NMSU). This is transferable to other accredited universities for U.S students wishing to gain graded credit for intensive Spanish study.CPI can also prepare students for the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Exam.

Accommodation

CPI strongly recommends that students stay with a local Costa Rican family to complement their language study and experience true cultural immersion. The school operates an extensive ‘homestay’ program, offering accommodation in many different types of family environment. Homes are simple but clean and comfortable. All families are carefully screened and accustomed to hosting international students. Students will always have their own bedroom and will receive breakfast, dinner and laundry service. Special dietary requirements can be catered to. For students who prefer alternative accommodation the school offers several private apartments and can make arrangements with local hotels.

Groups

CPI hosts groups of all sizes and ages, from primary school and high school groups to university classes and senior citizens. The school’s groups division will create custom-made itineraries based on location, curriculum and cultural activity requirements and will help with all accommodation, transport and travel arrangements.

For further information about CPI Monteverde see: www.cpi-edu.com/tours/monteverde-cloud-forest-reserve Or contact: Phone: (506) 2645-5441, Fax: (506) 2645-5448.