Costa Rica has the highest standard of medical care in all of Latin America and is home to a number of high quality medical facilities and teaching centers.

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, has several excellent museums and many of the country's best hotels, restaurants, and nightlife options. The city's other great assets are its location and mild climate. San José enjoys pleasant weather year round and is situated in a broad fertile bowl ringed by jagged mountains, some of which are active volcanoes.

PROGRAM - 20 hrs/week Group & 10 hrs/week Medical Vocabulary Tutorial
The Group Spanish instruction is offered at up to five levels from elementary to advanced. Students are given an evaluation exam upon arrival and are placed in the appropriate group. A team of teachers, working in rotation, will personally guide you in your studies. They will teach you in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. With the assistance of audio cassettes, overhead projectors, video and other visual aids, your team will instruct you in grammar, correct pronunciation and the use of everyday idiomatic language. Classes are small with a maximum of 8 students and often with only 4 or 5 group participants. The small group size assures you individual participation and attention from the teacher.

The Medical Vocabulary Tutorial classes will focus on the words and phrases you use in your daily interaction with patients or will need in your area of work. These are private lessons that progress ot your level and abilities. It provides a chance to work on your personal strengths and weaknesses. You are encouraged to submit a list of vocabulary in advance for use in the class.

LODGING
Homestay families participating in the homestay program have been carefully chosen for their friendliness and willingness to help the students practice Spanish and acquaint themselves with the Costa Rican way of life. The host families are from the Costa Rican middle class and most have had foreign students as guests before. Intensa will make every reasonable effort to match you and your interests with an appropriate family.

Homes are within easy commuting distance from the school. Students will be placed one student per family. The homestay will provide the student with experience in handling real language situations and will help the student acquire insights into local culture and customs, all of which add meaning to the language learning process.

The homestay includes a private room, and laundry service plus a good breakfast and a main meal. Normally, homestays begin on the weekend prior to starting classes. Student lodging with the family begins the day the student arrives in Costa Rica. Other benefits such as weekly laundry service are included.

Other Accommodations - For students wishing alternate lodging arrangements, the school can make reservations at one of several nearby hotels or aparthotels. Please specify class level and amenities desired if this type of lodging is of interest to you. These options are on request and at additional cost.

Non-students (children, spouse) who are accompanying a student can receive lodging and meals with a family during non-peak months. Also, Intensa will attempt to locate day care for children while parents are studying.

ACTIVITIES
Since the NRCSA Center in San Jose also teaches English to Costa Ricans, there is ample opportunity to meet and converse with native speakers. Many students arrange informal conversation exchange sessions.

Weekday tours focus on attractions relatively close to San Jose such as museums, coffee plantations, nearby volcanoes, and botanical gardens. Weekend Tours Offer the best opportunity to visit Costa Rica's tropical beaches and lush national parks. Active volcanoes, white water rivers, rain and cloud forests, coral reefs, and tropical jungles are some other options. Activities are generally available, with transportation and entrance fees payable locally.

We believe that relaxation through recreation is an important ingredient of any intensive study program. Therefore, the school has supplemented the instruction program with a cultural program which includes field trips, Latin American dance lessons, and tours through the lush, green, picturesque countryside and to breathtaking tropical beaches.