C.P.I.   THE MOST COMMONLY   ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I study in Costa Rica?
There are many different countries in the world where one can study Spanish. Costa Rica, however, offers some unique advantages. Costa Rica is known around the world for its stable, democratic form of government. After abolishing its army in 1948 this peaceful nation decided to spend a large portion of its national budget on education and health care. Costa Rica also offers a wide variety of climates. In Costa Rica , you can visit a mountain volcano in the morning and then enjoy the sunshine at the beach in the afternoon.

Why should I study at CPI?

CPI is a family run school that provides the best combination of intensive language study, warm family atmosphere and a safe location in all three locations Heredia ,  Monteverde and Flamingo.

Who typically attends C.P.I.'s language immersion program?

People of all ages come to C.P.I., from teenagers to retirees, with the majority of C.P.I.'s students being university students and professionals (ages 19-55). C.P.I. attracts students from many different backgrounds and parts of the world.
 

A class in CPI Monteverde

What is the recommended length of stay? How many hours of instruction do you recommend?  This depends on the goals and backgrounds of the individual students. We do, however, recommend a minimum study period of two weeks. The 5 1/2 hour program is offered for those students who desire additional practice in conversation.

C.P.I. offers 9 levels of Spanish: 3 beginner (basic beginner, intermediate beginner and advanced beginner), 3 intermediate (beginner intermediate, intermediate, and advanced intermediate), 2 advanced and 1 superior.

Does C.P.I. have experience with advanced students?

Many advanced students have studied with us in the past and we are experienced in working with their special needs. If there are no students at the advanced level at the time in which the advanced student attends the school then C.P.I. will provide the student with individual instruction without an additional charge.

Is one on one instruction possible?

A student can receive one on one instruction if s/he so desires. The cost is $75 extra per week in addition to the cost of the regular program. Depending on availability, those students who want one on one instruction may need to study in the afternoons during the high season (January- February and May-August).

Do I have the same professor every week?

No, each week students change professors in order to expose them to different expressions, vocabulary, accents and teaching styles.

When can I start?

You may start classes on any Monday.

Can children study?

As a general guide, children older than 15 may study in the regular program. For younger children, a different schedule may be recommended depending on the child's maturity level. We have experience teaching children as young as 5 years old.

How does dividing my time between the three locations work?

Students have the option of dividing their time between each of our campuses:  the Monteverde cloud forest, San Joaquín, Heredia and Flamingo beach in order to experience the diversity of Costa Rica. Time can be divided by week; however, due to the lengthy bus rides to both Monteverde and Flamingo, if a student does wish to study at each location, we recommend spending the first week in San Joaquín.

HOMESTAY

What are the families like?

All of the families are carefully screened and are accustomed to housing foreign students. The families are very patient and go out of their way to help the students learn Spanish. Our families are diverse - young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. We always do our best to accommodate students' wishes concerning homestay families. If the students do not state a preference we typically place them with couples of the same age group. The majority of the homestays are within walking distance of the school. If the homestay is more than a 25 minute walk from the school, we will pick up the student and bring them to classes.

In terms of the standard of living of the host families, all are middle class by Costa Rican standards. Students will find a simpler way of life than to which they are accustomed to, especially in Monteverde and Flamingo. However, Costa Rica is not a typical developing country and many homes have the same consumer items which are found in North America and Europe. All of the homes are clean and students have a room of their own.
 

Who is my family?  Often students will ask about their host family prior to their arrival. Due to our attempts to make a good match between students and families we do not place students with families until a few days before the student arrives.

 
Can families, spouses or travel companions stay in the same homestay?

C.P.I. does place students together upon request; however, because students tend to learn Spanish faster when not in constant contact with friends/spouses ( due to the tendency to speak in their native language) it may be to your advantage to live in separate households.

Gifts for the family?

Some students wishing to bring a small token of appreciation to their family ask what is appropriate . We recommend something that is particular to your area of the world. Other popular gifts have been items for the kitchen (tea towels, pot holders, etc.) and candies. Families do not expect gifts so do not feel obligated to bring anything.

How long may I stay in my homestay?

You may enter your homestay the Saturday prior to your first Monday class and must leave the Saturday after your last Friday class.

I am a vegetarian, can the family accommodate my needs?

Yes, the host families are accustomed to cooking for vegetarians.

GENERAL

Location of C.P.I. and safety issues in San Joaquin, Monteverde and Flamingo
 

San Joaquin  San Joaquín de Flores is a town just close enough to San José to enjoy the benefits of a big city, yet far enough away to maintain a sense of serenity outside the traffic and tension of San José. This distance allows students to experience Costa Rican culture as well as full immersion in the language as only Spanish is spoken in this town.
	Monteverde  Monteverde offers the students the opportunity to visit the famous surrounding forests and undertake a variety of other exciting activities while studying Spanish. Monteverde is the ideal location for an educational vacation. Safety need not be a concern in towns where CPI has its campuses. Students should be on their guard on buses, at bus stations and while in San José.
Flamingo  Flamingo is a quaint beach town with a distinctive rural feel.  "Guanacastecos", or people from Guanacaste, are well known for their warm hospitality.  Due to the fact that the school is on the beach, this location, like Monteverde, is an excellent choice for those who wish to combine language study with a vacation.

 
How do I get to school on the first day?
If you live in walking distance, your host family will show you how to get to school the first day.

In Heredia, if you live more than a 25 minute walk from the school we will pick you up at a predetermined location.

In Monteverde, those who live in the town of Santa Elena will receive transportation in the morning from in front of the bank.

In Flamingo, students placed with families in Potrero and Brasilito will picked up at a central location in the mornings.

This will be my first time in Costa Rica, how do I get around?

On the first day of class we give an orientation to the students to discuss many important points which will make your transition into the culture easier (what to expect in the homestay, safety precautions, etc.) as well as topics related to the school (the services provided by the school, the schedule, etc.). The talk supplements the orientation packet given to the student when they arrive.

How much money do I bring? Also, I have heard that changing money at the bank is time consuming, is that true?

For those students in the homestay program, additional expenses include: entertainment, travel and souvenirs. Restaurants range from cheap to expensive but on average a good meal at a decent restaurant costs $10 per person without an alcoholic beverage. A beer costs about $1.50 and comes with a boca (a free appetizer) in a bar. Week-end trips vary depending upon where you go but, in general, a nice hotel costs about $50 per night. Much cheaper, simpler accommodations can be found for around $10 per night. Public transportation is very reasonable and generally is less than $10 round trip.

Yes, often there are long lines in the bank but at C.P.I. we provide you with the service of changing your traveler's checks at the bank once a week to relieve you of this time consuming task.

What is the best way to communicate with my family and friends back home?

At C.P.I. you have access to e-mail ($10 for the duration of your stay). If you would like to send a fax you can do so at the local post office. You may have letters sent to C.P.I.'s address but it is good to remember that letters typically take 2 weeks to arrive from North America. DHL is also an option if you need something sent quickly.

What if my plane is delayed, will I still be picked up at the airport?

Yes, we are in contact with the airport and know the exact arrival time of your flight. If you arrive after 11:00 p.m. or if you are Monteverde bound we will take you to the local bed and breakfast (the cost is $14 per night) and the following day we will take you to your homestay in San Joaquín or the bus stop to Monteverde or Flamingo, respectively.

What kind of volunteer opportunities are available?

Since C.P.I.'s schools are in three diverse locations volunteer opportunities vary according to location; however, in the majority of cases we can find you a position in your field or area of pursuit. If you inform us of your particular interest prior to your arrival we can investigate the possibilities.  Please click here for more information about  VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES .

For more information, rates and reservations: Costa Rica Travel ExchangeTM! 1-800-256-0124 123 David Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 or e-mail us at: CostaTravl@aol.com