Rancho de Español Language School
Guacima de Alajuela, Costa Rica, Alajuela, Alajuela 215-4005, Costa Rica
Rancho de Español Language School
The Program
At Rancho de Español we use the most efficient program to learn Spanish which is the communicative method which emphasizes conversation without neglecting grammar area.
5.5 hours every day of spanish Instuction. 4 hours in the morning and 1 1/2 hours of only conversational spanish practice in the afternoon!
We feel that it’s necessary to teach grammar since is such an important aspect to help each and every student achieve greater skills, so that the student can communicate effectively in Spanish. We also believe that teaching grammar must be fun in order for the student to learn easier and faster. The communicative method that we promote in our classroom introduces Spanish grammar to our students little by little, and we reinforce the grammar through live examples and through conversation. All of our teachers are native Costa Ricans.
Instruction is entirely in Spanish, and each week a specific grammatical sequence is presented. Our instructors are skilled in blending conversation with grammar to meet the individual needs of the group members. We try to make learning grammar fun.
Some of our teachers can communicate in English as well as Spanish, however be aware that they only speak English when it becomes necessary to translate a Spanish phrase or word. We emphasize speaking Spanish at all times. However we have professionals in our school that can help with anything you need, in English if necessary.
We have been teaching for many years, which means that we provide our teachers with great amounts of teaching materials that can make the process of learning Spanish easier for the foreign students. We provide our teachers with materials such as bilingual flash cards, posters, audiotapes, Costa Rican newspaper articles that enhance great discussions, and also a video room to enhance your Spanish knowledge. In our classrooms we use newspaper articles to discuss current events, cultural activities and worldwide news, all in Spanish.
This exercise provides the students with an opportunity to broaden their vocabulary and become part of a Spanish-speaking society, as in real life.
At Rancho de Español we are really serious about making your learning process and your stay successful and quite enjoyable.
Small, homogenous groups are formed, maximum four students per group. Students will have a new instructor every two weeks of the program, to give them the opportunity of listening to different accents. Frequently, they will be moved from one group to another during the program to maintain smooth functioning and maximize individual progress.
Programs run from one week to the length of time you want, depending on your objective. If the goal is to survive in a Spanish speaking country we recommend a four week immersion course. If your goal is to speak Spanish more fluently, then we recommend an eight or twelve week program.
Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities
Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.
Average | 4 students |
Maximum | 4 students |
Age range | 14 years old and older |
Average | 21 years old (23 in the summer) |
"Rancho de Español is a school specialized in the education of Spanish as a second language. We emphasize the improvement of conversational skills of our students, reinforce grammatical knowledge and motivate the utilization of new vocabulary every day."
"We can specially design each course to meet the specific needs of the age and intentions of individual students. We offer Intensive and regular Spanish courses which include either a homestay program or on-campus lodging, cultural activities such as Latino dancing classes and Costa Rican cooking classes. At the end of your class, you will be able to return to your home to practice what you have learned by speaking with and listening to your Costa Rican family who only speaks Spanish. This opportunity will allow you to master Spanish more quickly."
"Why Choose To Study Spanish in Costa Rica? "
"Immersion is the best way to learn Spanish in Costa Rica as a second language. Here, we have the staff and the experience to help you progress quickly and enjoyable in your study of Spanish. In
addition, Costa Rica provides the cultural and social environment to make an ideal setting for a great
Spanish study abroad experience!"
El Rancho has partnerships with the following universities and colleges in Costa Rica. You can gain full or conditional acceptance into one of these institutions.
The nationality and age mix at Rancho de Español Language School varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 21. In the summer, the average age is 23.
El Rancho teaches students from all over the world, including:
Why Study At Rancho de Español?
• Rancho de Español is located in La Guácima de Alajuela, a small village 18 miles northwest of San
José, capital of the country, and about ten minutes away from the international airport, Juan
Santamaría. In this authentic town, people speak only Spanish, the families preserve the real “tico”
lifestyle and enjoy hosting foreigners.
My teacher, Lourdes, was fantastic! I learned so much from her. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff at El Rancho were very nice and welcoming. My room was huge and very comfortable. I didn’t like the location of the school however. I couldn’t go walking as the cars drive like crazy and there were no sidewalks.
Show details » Read more...The classes were one on one with a very talented and caring teacher. It was totally a Spanish immersion course. No English was spoken unless after three attempts to make me understand a phrase or concept, she would give the answer in English. The class room was on a private "finca" with classes in little screened-in huts large enough for four people. There was a chalk board, four chairs, and the sound of a river rushing just beneath our classroom. My class ran from 8-10 with a half-hour break, then 10:30 to noon. Walked the 300 meters to my house for lunch then back to school at 1:30 until three PM. This was 5 days a week.
There were no activities as I was the only student in the school. However, the parents of my host family were my age and took me on a two day excursion to a resort on my weekend there. The parents and the host family were fabulous. I now consider them to be close friends. In the house which is very modern, I had a private room and a private bath. (Cold water only) It was like being in the Army again. Deja Vu. The school did offer me some tours on the weekend, but I had a friend who lives there and wanted to spend the time with him and his family.
The host family lived right next door to the woman's parents and were so accommodating. They made me feel as part of the family.
The location of the school requires one to take a bus or taxi to the city (Alejuela) which is about 20 miles away. It is very conducive for learning, but to get anywhere one either has to walk nearly a mile to the nearest restaurant or take a bus or taxi. I became ill one day and Manuel, the school director drove me to a pharmacy to have my blood pressure taken. It was normal and they said I was dehydrated. I bought some Gatorade and Manuel bought me a couple of coconuts to drink the milk. 30 minutes later, I was fine.
Hi Larry,
Thank you for sending your kind words! We truly appreciate it when customers take time out of their busy days to provide us with some open and honest feedback about our products and services.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to let us know how you feel about our services. We appreciate your visit and truly love to work in order to make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Best regards,
Manuel González
Director
Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying Spanish in Alajuela. These homes are often between 5 - 15 minutes away from the school by public transport. Families usually offer affordable meal plans that allow you to sample the local cuisine. If you have special requests or diet restrictions (because of religion or health reasons), please let us know in advance. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Learn more about homestay housing
It is possible to live in a rented apartment during your study in Alajuela, but this tends to be more expensive. El Rancho provides some assistance with apartment rentals or you can rent an apartment on your own. Learn more about apartment housing
We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. The school is also not authorized to issue documents to support your visa application. If you need a visa, you have to apply for a visitor or tourist visa on your own.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Alajuela based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.
Have questions? Get answers from Rancho de Español Language School staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
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