The Mesoamerica Language Program (MLP) is a department of the Institute for Central American Studies (ICAS), which is dedicated to the cause of peace, justice and the well-being of the people and land of Central America.The objective of MLP is to provide an affordable, conversationally oriented Spanish learning experience. Our program is designed to enable the student to converse in a short period of time, thus providing the possibility of communicating effectively and gaining a deeper understanding of Latin American culture. The methodology focuses on developing areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. While grammar is studied, students are encouraged to understand and express, rather than to analyze the grammatical concepts. Teachers are native Spanish speakers.
We offer an intensive Spanish program at all levels. Classes meet four hours daily, Monday through Friday. Small classes of 2 to 5 students ensure attention to each student's individual needs. Regular sessions will begin: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, Mar. 1, Apr. 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sep. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Nov. 29. However, when special classes or schedules are required, the director will coordinate the program and dates with the student. Morning or afternoon sessions can be arranged.
Students who wish to receive academic credit for work completed at ICAS should obtain permission from the appropriate officials at their university before beginning classes at Mesoamerica. ICAS will grant a certificate , or a transcript, indicating the number of class hours completed, an overall grade for performance, and the units of credit for each 15 hours of study in class).
We are also able to cash checks, change money, sell stamps, mail correspondence,plan excursions, make reservations, etc. for our students.
We are conveniently located near the University of Costa Rica in San Pedro, easily accessible from the greater San Jose area.
ICAS observes the following national holidays: Jan 1,Holy Thursday and Good Friday, April 11, May 1, July 25, Aug. 15 and Sept. 15. No refunds will be given for those days. We will be closed between December 24, 1999 and January 5, 2000.
Why Choose Mesoamerica?
My choice of a language school was based on several factors:
1. An intensive program of many hours of language instruction per week.
2. Reliable, experienced, interested teachers.
3. A cooperative, stimulating and accommodating atmosphere conducive to learning.
4. And a reasonable price. Mesoamerica has more than adequately met these requirements.
"Each instructor has years of experience teaching Spanish, and is an enthusiastic motivate to learning. The staff at Mesoamerica provides a friendly, helpful atmosphere. In addition, the library of books magazines and newspapers in English and Spanish focusing on Latin America are a stimulating addition to the language instruction."Jennifer Jackson
"Mesoamerica provided a top-notch academic course and an overall fantastic experience. My instructor was excellent, and patient .My daughter and I could not have felt more welcome in our homestay.The kind and gracious manner of our hosts made our adjustment into a different culture very easy : a beautiful family in a beautiful country"Elaine Harvey
"The teachers are skilled, well prepared and creative in their methods. The staff is very helpful and encouraging.My wife and I were quickly and accurately placed in classes appropriate for our level. There were two to four students in each class, which provided the opportunity for very careful instruction and lots of practice. We studied for three months.
The institute arranged an absolutely outstanding homestay for us, with a gracious and wonderful young family. They obviously work well with these families, which creates a very positive experience.
If you are looking for a language school in Costa Rica, I recommend you choose Mesoamerica. You will be in one of the very best programs available."
The Rev. Boyd Stockdale
Homestays
Homestays enhance the student's language and cultural assimilation and are highly recommended to enrich the learning experience.We are happy to arrange living accommodations with Costa Rican families.The homestay provides a private room, breakfast, dinner and laundry service.
Survival Spanish for Tourists
A six-hour program, which includes lunch, emphasizes the essential phrases and conversation that will make a visitor's stay more enjoyable and beneficial. Tips concerning travel and local customs are also given. The cost for this package is $60.
General Costs for Language
Study
| Classes: | 1 week |
$315.oo |
| Classes: | 4 weeks |
$1155.oo |
| Private Lessons: | $15/hour |
| Materials: | $10 |
| Homestay: | $100 weekly |
A deposit of $50 for classes and $50 for the homestay is to be pay at least two weeks before classes begin. In the case of late registration, the deposit must be pay at least one day before the program begins ( classes and homestay). Deposits are refundable up to one week before classes begin. The program cost must be paid in full on the first day of classes; no refunds will be made after classes begin. We offer 10 % discount after the first month.
In addition to the
Spanish-language
Program ICAS offers:
Study abroad programs for high school and university students: inter-term, quarter and semester programs. Courses offered: Environmental Science, History and Politics of Central America, Intercultural Studies, Spanish and Cultural Heritage. We arrange housing with Costa Rican families for all participants, contract the professors, plan the field trips and excursions (all contacts, reservations, etc.), arrange the local transportation and oversee all aspects of the program.
Six-month internships on a minimum half-time basis for qualified university students and graduates to work on our monthly news magazine, Mesoamerica. As researchers and writers for Mesoamerica interns gain valuable experience in journalism and Central American studies while living in a Spanish-speaking culture. Interns must have a good command of the English language and a working knowledge of Spanish.
International Service Learning Programs - a 30-day Colibrí Adventure, a regularly scheduled program during the months of June-August, for high school and college students.
Colibrí Adventures is part of an on-going project in Costa Rica to form an Interoceanic Biological Corridor, stretching from Central Pacific Conservation Area to the La Amistad International Park. With watershed restoration as a unifying theme, studies include:
Mesoamerican geography, culture and history. Communication and language skills. Sustainable development and the relationship between health, education, agriculture, industry, tourism, etc. Government policy, especially environmental legislation. Conservation - tropical forests and hydrology, field work, and citizen participation in monitoring groups.
Contact Information:
Print out this handy form, fill it out and send it to us!
E-mail:
|
HOME | | Educational |
| Write CRHP |