FAQs

1. Begin by submitting a reservation request, telling us which program you are interested in, and your level of Spanish.
2. After we have contacted you and confirmed your program and dates, we will ask you to make a deposit to hold your spot in our class.
3. Last, we ask that you complete a level placement test, to determine which class level you will learn the best in.

In our experience, we have seen that people tend to underestimate how difficult it is to learn a new language. Learning a language takes time and dedication. Students who possess strong language skills in their primary language, or have studied foreign languages before, have a marked advantage. Our Spanish immersion intensive program is highly effective and efficient. Besides following structured programs attached to the most up to date standards for the teaching of foreign languages, it motivates our students to participate in extracurricular activities that involve the use of the language. We have found it is possible to advance an entire level in the matter of a few weeks when there is a balanced combination of dynamic and experienced teachers, interactive classes, plenty of conversation practice, and most important: the student’s willingness to learn.

Our online courses utilize the same approach and curriculum as our in-class courses which focus on the Communicative Approach to language teaching. One of the main components to the Communicative Approach to language teaching emphasizes authentic and meaningful interaction between speakers, just how native speakers use it. To achieve this, we utilize a combination of conversation and grammar (when needed) during lessons. Classes are held 100% online and are taught by our in-house instructors who hold university degrees and have over 50 years of combined teaching experience to ensure professional and engaging online language classes.

Nosara Spanish Institute Spanish programs can be taken as private* or group classes. Classes are held every day Monday through Friday and are divided into 1 hour and 40 minute blocks. Programs can be customized according to our student’s goals or university requirements and can accommodate three 1 hour and 40 minute sessions each day. Our maximum group class size is six students. While Nosara Spanish Institute strives to meet each student’s schedule requests, we are unable to guarantee specific time slots due to the fluctuating amount of students and level requirements we receive each week. Students will always be scheduled according to their Spanish level.

Private classes are offered upon availability. Contact us.

Our students, both in our Spanish and English programs, are varied in terms of age, educational background, careers, and motivation for learning a foreign language. Most of our Spanish students come from North America, United States and Canada, given the geographic proximity; but we also have students from all over the world from countries such as England, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, New Zealand and Australia among others. We work very hard to meet the individual needs of all our students.

Yes, you can. Read our Reservations & Refund Policy carefully. Contact us for assistance.

Costa Rica has two international airports, one in Liberia about 100 km away from Nosara and the other one in Alajuela-San José at about 300 km away from Nosara.
Traveling from San José to Nosara: If you fly into SJ you will most likely need to spend a night there, as local transportation schedules and international flight schedules don´t usually match.
By public bus: The one direct bus to Nosara leaves San José from Terminal 7-10 at 5:30am sharp. The trip takes about 6 hours and the cost is about $10. There are also several buses each day to the nearest larger city, Nicoya, where it is possible to connect and take a local bus to Nosara.
By plane: Sansa Air offers flights from San José and other locations directly to Nosara Airport (NOB).
Shuttle bus or shared taxis can be arranged but availability usually depends on the demand. Please let us know if want help to explore this options.
Traveling from Liberia to Nosara: Flying into Liberia is by far the best option.
A car ride from the airport to Nosara takes about 2 and a half hours.
Transportation on a shared van can be arranged for $50. Shared transportation leaves Liberia Airport around 2:00 p.m. Times may vary according to the number of flights and schedules.
A private shuttle or taxi to Nosara has an approximate cost of $130.

There are two ATM’s in Nosara that accept VISA. One of the ATM’s accepts MASTERCARD, the other one doesn’t. Both ATM’s are attached to full operating banks with cashiers where you can run almost any card and get cash. We always recommend our clients to double check with their banks beforehand to make sure there are no security restrictions of use or to withdraw cash in a foreign country on their credit card.

Learn about our suggested accommodations or contact us for assistance. Please be sure to include the dates of your stay, the number of people, your weekly/monthly budget, transportation requirements and any other special requests.

Citizens of the U.S. and Canada and most European countries may enter Costa Rica with a valid passport. Note that Costa Rican law requires your passport to be valid for at least 90 days after the date you enter the country. Check with your airline or travel agent for more information. If you have any doubts you should check with the applicable Costa Rican Consulate in your country about rules governing entrance into Costa Rica.

Visitors from USA, Canada and most of the European countries can stay 90 days without applying for a visa. To be certain please check with CR consulate or Embassy in your home country about any requirements to visit Costa Rica.

We recommend the following travel insurance provider should the students wish to purchase some before their trip to Costa Rica: Axa Insurance, Tel. 0844 874 0360.

It is a good idea to carry around $100 in cash in smaller bills. Dollars are accepted pretty much everywhere but can easily be exchanged to colones at the bank close to the school. Students should be aware of the current exchange rate (about 500+ colones for every dollar – so 1000 colones is $2, 1500 colones is $3, etc.). Credit cards are accepted in most stores, but street vendors only accept cash. What is the best way to communicate with my friends and family back home? Most students communicate frequently with their family and friends via email or Skype phone calls. Many students bring their electronics. There is free wireless Internet service at the school, so as at most restaurants in Nosara. There are also a couple of internet cafés in Playa Guiones. Please note that most smart phones must be unlocked in order to work in another country. If you need for your regular plan to work in CR you should talk to your cell service provider before arriving to Costa Rica.

Below are a few things we recommend: -Bug repellent (natural if possible) -Headlamp or flashlight -A good book -Journal, notebook & pen -Flip flops -Tennis shoes (for hiking or running) -Soccer shoes (for those who want to play soccer) -Sunscreen -Water bottle -Handy wipes (optional) -Camera and iPod or similar (optional, there is wi-fi available) -Bathing suit(s) -Sarong or beach cover-up -Rash guard or tight t-shirt (for surf lessons) -Yoga clothes (for warm weather for those who want to do yoga) -Sports clothes (for games or sport activities) -Comfortable light weight clothes (like shorts and tank tops to hang out in) -Umbrella or light rain jacket (for afternoon showers) -Medication (if you take a specific medication)

If you bring anything electrical, Costa Rica runs on 110 Volts, 60Hz. If you want to bring 220V equipment, a converter is needed. If you need batteries, bring only rechargeable ones if possible please.

Yes, almost all businesses in Costa Rica, accept U.S. currency.

Costa Rica is safe. Violent crime is very rare in Costa Rica. Nosara is a very healthy community but like any place in the world, is it best to adopt normal precautions and care with your belongings to avoid any possible petty theft.