Intercultura Language School and Cultural Center

Intercultura is a language and cultural center devoted to achieving linguistic proficiency in the context of cultural immersion and intercultural education. We seek to cultivate global awareness and cooperation through the sharing of cultures and languages. We believe that participation in our program teaches not only a new language, but also effective tools for communication and understanding in the constantly evolving world culture in which we live. “Learn the language, live the culture”

Heredia- Intercultura is located in the colonial city of Heredia, approximately 20 minutes by bus from the capital city of San José. Known as the "City of Flowers," (reputedly more for its beautiful women than for its vegetation!), Heredia and its surrounding areas provide all the conveniences of a medium-sized city in an environment which has escaped, to a large extent, the normal urban problems affecting the capital. It is home to the National University, and an important cultural center for Costa Rica. Furthermore, much of Heredia has managed to retain a typical Latin American "pueblo" feel despite increasing modernization. The colonial church and it's plaza are still a favorite meeting place for Heredia's inhabitants, old and young. Samara-The beach itself is a favorite vacation spot for Costa Ricans ("Ticos"), and enjoys a multicultural diversity provided by the visitors from other countries. Located on the northern Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, Sámara boasts 5 km of white sand lined with palm tress, in a protected coral reef bay. The tranquil ocean is ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling and surf/boogie boarding. For the adventurous, Isla Chora is a short kayak or boat trip away, and there you may snorkel or simply sunbathe on this uninhabited island's deserted beach.

The primary goal of Intercultura is to teach you the Spanish language in a warm yet intellectually challenging environment. Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish, using the Communicative approach, providing students from all over the world with a complete and intensive learning experience. Our professors have advanced university degrees and teaching certification, and we are accredited through the US university system, offering undergraduate credit to those interested. The quality of our programs is among the highest in Costa Rica and Latin America, as evidenced by our references: We have been selected to receive students from Duke University, the World Health Organization (WHO), Fulbright Commission teaching programs, the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), University of Washington, the European Commission, the Costa Rican Consulate in the US, Colorado University, Collège de Maisonneuve, HEBO (Holland) and mor

Homestay- Students stay with local families. Included in the homestay is, private room (unless otherwise requested), breakfast and dinner, laundry. All homestays are within walking distance from school. Homestays are great way for students to practice their Spanish and live inside Costa Rican culture. Hotel- We are glad to help students make hotel or apartment arrangements in Heredia. In Samara we offer students a 5 night hotel stay for the same price of a homestay. Hotel stay does not include meals, laundry or weekend stays. The hotel does offer air-conditioning, hot water, pool and a balcony.

Latin dance and cooking classes are held on-campus in Spanish. Yoga classes in Samara are given in English. In Samara fire dancing class, African dance, hula hoop, self-defense, turbo jam, and others are offered on a rotating basis. Tours to Costa Rica's amazing natural wonders are organized according to student interest. Day and weekend trips are available at wholesale student prices.