International Spanish School of Costa Rica (Inc.)

Join us for Spanish immersion classes in beautiful Costa Rica. Study Spanish in a school that is  different and makes a difference, and enjoy all that Costa Rica's natural wonders have to offer.

If you are really interested in learning Spanish, want truly conversational classes, and personalized attention at reasonable prices then try ISSCR for a unique language learning and cultural experience.  

About the Directors

 San Jose and School Location

Located in the vicinity of downtown San José (Costa Rica's Capital) and near the University of Costa Rica Campus in San Pedro. ISSCR is directed by Rafael Borbon and Wesley Diehl, and offers a genuinely different option in studying total immersion Spanish courses.

One thing thst makes ISSCR different is being a ' boutique '
school, that is a small school where we work with small numbers of students at a time in order to offer personalized attention and ensure the high quality of the teaching.

Something else that  sets us apart from others is our original methodology and being student oriented, where what really matters to us are our students and providing them with a satisfactory and rewarding learning, as well as cultural experience. We hold classes in a relaxed, homey, peaceful and pleasant atmosphere rather than the traditional classroom, and students are also able to work at their own pace.

Years of experience teaching Spanish led us to create a school that reflects our philosophy and experience as teachers who enjoy our work, and that provides students with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and enjoyable classes in which students' progress in producing Spanish becomes evident.

We consider our school as “people friendly”, where students are important to us as people and not just as a business, also welcoming people from all walks of life. Being as flexible as possible with students in different aspects is also important, and social conscience is a concept we like to apply to all those involved with the school.

Our courses are based on each student’s language needs, what some students call ‘custom made’ classes, rather than rigid or pre-fixed levels. Lessons are truely conversational, using real-life language and topics of interest to students. We evaluate where each student needs to start and what to focus on. Groups are no larger than 3 people, or are one-on-one whenever possible. Our conversational practical focus allows students to learn in a non-stressful, efficient manner. Specialized Spanish is also available , i.e. medical Spanish, as well as legal and economical terminology.  

ISSCR, now in alliance with Casa Abierta B and B, also allows those who would like so the convenience of lodging and having class at the same accommodations.

Or the option of homestay with a local Costa Rican family that lives relatively close to the school, allows for first hand contact with the culture and extended real-life language practice. Plus the opportunity to make new friends and relations, thus enriching the student’s experience.

About the Directors

Rafael Borbon G. A Costa Rican native was born and raised in San Jose the capital of Costa Rica. His superior education studies were at the University of Costa Rica and he speaks English and Italian proficiently.

Wes Diehl, born in North Carolina, in the United States of America, has lived in Costa RIca for over 25 years and has done high school as well as superior school studies in Costa Rica including la Universidad Estatal a Distancia and the Colegio Universitario de Cartago. Besides speaking fluent English and Spanish, he also speaks Italian and Portuguese.

San Jose and School location

Map Costa Rica	Map Central Valley of Costa Rica

 

ISSCR is located to the east of Costa Rica's Capital San José, near the University of Costa Rica(UCR) campus in San Pedro.

The school is suitably located in the vicinity of downtown San José in a tranquil, safe, neighborhood, within walking distance to museums,restaurants, bars, shopping areas and supermarkets, the University of Costa Rica and other educational/cultural centers, gyms, parks, and other recreational areas. (Just a 20 minute walk to downtown San José and a 5 to 10 minute walk to San Pedro and the UCR. There is good public transportation, making it easy to reach the transportation hubs in San José for the buses to most tourist destinations around the country.

San José is in the Central Valley, about a 30 minute drive from the Juan Santamria International Airport, surrounded by beautiful mountains and several nearby volcanos. It has a mild climate, with daytime temperatures usually in the 70's (°F) or 20's (°C) and nights slightly cooler.