Learn Spanish in San José

Study Spanish with Languages Abroad!

Learn Spanish in San José with Languages Abroad and immerse yourself in the heart of Costa Rica's vibrant culture. As the capital city, San José offers the perfect blend of language learning and exploration, surrounded by lush landscapes, rich history, and a welcoming local community. Our Spanish courses are designed for all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced, with experienced, native-speaking instructors ensuring an engaging and effective learning experience. Students will have ample opportunities to practice their Spanish in real-world situations-whether interacting with locals at lively markets, ordering traditional Costa Rican food at a café, or visiting iconic landmarks like the National Museum or the Teatro Nacional.
Beyond the classroom, San José is a gateway to Costa Rica's incredible natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes, national parks, and tropical rainforests offering endless adventure. By studying Spanish in San José, students not only achieve their language goals but also gain a deep understanding of Costa Rican culture and daily life.
Learning Spanish in San José with Languages Abroad is an enriching experience that combines education, cultural immersion, and unforgettable travel experiences.

Start your adventure in San José with Languages Abroad today!


Learn Spanish

Experience exceptional Spanish language education at a centrally located school in San José. Benefit from expert teachers and engaging lessons, and enjoy a welcoming learning environment that provides the community spirit, individual support and practical resources needed to grow and excel. Choose from a variety of course options and begin your Spanish language journey with us today!

San José Spanish School

Our school is located in the town of San Pedro, just 2.5 miles from the cente of the capital city, San José. There are plenty of amenities including bars, restaurants and shops in the surrounding area of the school. This quiet location is a ten minute bus ride from downtown San José, providing you with the best of both worlds.

  • 17 Classrooms
  • Computer Lounge and WiFi
  • Average age: 17-40
  • Nationality mix: USA, Asia and Europe

San José Spanish Courses

All of our teachers are friendly, experienced, and qualified. Your classes will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar, and general comprehension skills. Teachers often facilitate classroom discussions by using role-playing and games, and our teachers also incorporate current events and cultural materials into the curriculum to help make classes more interesting and relatable.

  • Open to all language levels, A0-B2
  • Placement test on the first Monday morning of class
  • Minimum age 16
  • Flexible course length (1 week minimum)
  • Classes held Monday to Friday
  • Language Certificate provided at end of course

  • DELE Exam Preparation Course available (Duration: 8 weeks): Start Dates: Mar 31, May 18, Sep 29. Exam Dates: May 23, Jul 17, Nov 21 (exam fees not included). Max. 10 students per class
  • Receive transferable credits for your course:
    Undergraduate Credit Through Brookhaven College

Standard Spanish Classes:

  • 20 group lessons per week (4 lessons daily)
  • Maximum 10 students per class

Intensive Spanish Classes:

  • 30 group lessons per week (6 lessons daily)
  • Maximum 10 students per class

Private Spanish Classes:

  • 10, 20 or 30 group lessons per week (2, 4 or 6 lessons daily)
  • 1 student per class

Spanish Youth Immersion Camp

  • Only for younger students aged 12-21, with daily activities and weekly excursions.
  • Standard: 20 group lessons per week (4 lessons daily, 45mins each)
    • Intensive: PLUS 4 private lessons per week

Live & Learn Spanish

  • Study and live in the home of your own personal teacher.
  • Flexible hours - 15, 20, 25 or 30 private lessons per week.
  • 1 student per class
  • To find out more about this homestay pathway, consult our Live & Learn homepage or contact us.

Accommodation in San José

Welcome to your home away from home in San José! Choose from comfortable university accommodations or stay with a welcoming host family in this lively and diverse city. Whether you prefer the convenience of living on campus or the enriching experience of a homestay, we ensure a safe, enjoyable, and immersive stay to complement your language learning journey.

Self-Catering Apartment

Facilities

Apartments are located about 20-30 minutes from the school and are shared with other students.

Apartments are co-ed, however, bedrooms are same-gender.

The apartments include a well-equipped kitchen, shared bathroom and living areas.

They vary in location, size and number of bedrooms, but expect to share with 2 - 4 other students.

Both basic and comfort apartments are available.

Room Options

  • Single room (SR)
  • Double room (DR)
  • Self-catering

Studio Apartment

Facilities

These private studio apartments are located about 15-20 minutes away from the school.

They are large and comfortable and have a bedroom, a kitchenette and a bathroom.

Double rooms can only be booked for two students travelling together.

Room Options

  • Single room (SR)
  • Double room (DR)
  • Self-catering

Host Family Accommodation

Living with a local host family is the best way to immerse yourself fully in the language and culture. All our families are carefully selected and regularly visited to ensure high-quality standards. We choose only those with a genuine interest in international exchange.

All meals included within the homestay - you can also help out and learn the local cuisine first-hand in the process!

Our host families are spread throughout the region and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so book early to get the best locations!

Find general information here about staying with a host family. If you have any specific queries, please don't hesitate to contact our team!


After Class Activities in San José

After class in San José, Costa Rica, students can explore the bustling Mercado Central, where they can practice Spanish while browsing local crafts and trying traditional Costa Rican dishes. They can relax at the beautiful La Sabana Metropolitan Park, perfect for a stroll, a jog, or simply enjoying nature. For a cultural experience, visiting the Teatro Nacional offers an opportunity to admire its stunning architecture or attend a performance. Students can also visit the National Museum to learn about Costa Rica's rich history and culture.

  • Mercado Central - Students can immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture by exploring this lively market, sampling local foods, and practicing Spanish with vendors. (Explore Mercado Central, cultural markets in San José for students)

  • Teatro Nacional - This iconic theater offers stunning architecture and a rich cultural experience, where students can attend performances or guided tours. (Visit Teatro Nacional, cultural landmarks in San José for students)

  • La Sabana Metropolitan Park - Ideal for outdoor activities, this expansive park provides space for jogging, relaxing, or enjoying the fresh air after class. (Relax at La Sabana Park, outdoor activities in San José for students)

  • National Museum of Costa Rica - Housed in a historic fort, this museum allows students to explore Costa Rica's history, archaeology, and culture. (Discover the National Museum, educational attractions in San José for students)

  • Jade Museum - Students can learn about pre-Columbian history and admire one of the world's largest collections of jade artifacts. (Visit Jade Museum, historical attractions in San José for students)


Dates & Prices

Start your Spanish language journey!

San José is probably one of the best places you can go if you consider yourself a connoisseur of coffee. Not only can you find some of the best beans grown here, but also a rich variety of flavors.

It'll help to know some Spanish as well before you attempt to order a cup of the country's famous brew. Languages Abroad is proud to be able to teach students Spanish in this amazing city and we hope you enjoy it as much as a double espresso to go!

Please use the interactive shop below to select your preferred course, how many weeks you'd like to study and your ideal accommodation type. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Checklist

Registration Fee: $200

Accommodation Placement Fee: $200

Airport Transfer: $150 per way (Optional)

Insurance: $30/week

Notes

The school will be closed on all public holidays.

All enrollments require a non refundable $400 usd deposit to ensure space in our program.