Our teachers are the backbone of our program and our walking credentials. We couldn't be prouder of their skills, their background and their professionalism.

Here, take a more personal glimpse--beyond their already well-established talent in the classroom--into the lives of our fascinating friends and find out which teacher:

• has a penchant for practical jokes?

• has the most secret admirers?
• knows something about practically everything?
• as a degree in tourism?
• Can tell you how to build a dream house?

Browse through the following pages for pictures and bios of some of the people who keep ILISA electric!

Francisco Estevanovich has been with us since 1990. He has a degree in Spanish linguistics, literature and master in Spanish second language.
Francisco’s classes are characterized as very dynamic, engaging and with no time to sit back. Participation 200%.

~"Hours and hours I spent talking with Francisco and I enjoyed every single moment, since he's not only an excellent teacher whose explanations are perfectly clear and well-structured, but he also transmits an amazing enthusiasm and motivation, which allows his students to feel and experience the latinamerican way of living. During my time with him I learned - besides communicating in spanish fluently - so much about the country and culture of Costa Rica and its neighbouring countries. He is a human encyclopedia!" ~

Marie-Cristine Kaptan, Switzerland

Carlos Rojas has been with us since 1990. Although his original studies are archeology and cultural anthropology, teaching is what he likes to do most. He has a master´s degree in teaching Spanish as a second language.~

~"ILISA has many strengths, none more important than the flexibility of the teaching staff. Carlos Rojas teaches Spanish, but it's his professionalism and willingness to tailor classes to the needs of the student that makes him and ILISA special. With newcomers to language study, he is most patient and entertaining; with advanced students his attention to detail and extraordinary academic background give him the ability to provide classes based on Costa Rican archeological research, history of language, scuba diving, classic Hollywood movies, world music, or Shakespeare's plays...whatever keeps the student's interest and provides a basis for learning Spanish. "~

Kay Wineforder, United States

Tatiana Marenco has a Bachelor degree in History and Spanish. She has been with us since 1997 and has been teaching a lot of students here at ILISA. Prepare yourself for a lot of talking, because this is the way Tatiana teaches Spanish to her students.

~"I felt excited to come to class each day because Tatiana expressed interest in the topics I enjoyed discussing. She is great! Professional, friendly, helpful, supportive – I felt Tatiana was genuinely interested in helping me learn. "~

Bill Clements, United States

Maria Eugenia Quesada has been teaching Spanish, as well as French to foreigners for over 20 years now. She has a bachelor degree in French, a master’s degree in French literature both at the University of Costa Rica as of that in Paris, Sorbonne University. She has been teaching at places all over the world. ILISA’s students generally love her positive, encouraging attitude which inspires them to perform at their best ability.

~“Maria’s attitude is great! She is really helpful! Above that she is patient with us.”~

Melissa Perkins, United States

Karen Calvo has bachelor diplomas in Spanish Philology as well as Classic Philology. Above that she is finishing a master’s degree in Latin American literature.  When teaching her students she mainly seeks for a way to adapt to their student’s interests to be able to motivate them the best she can. She believes in teaching by routine, by putting a structured grammar part in her classes, a part in which students learn how to pronounce well, and a part in which they learn about culture so that they can obtain knowledge about Latin America in general.

Diana Martinez has a bachelor degree in philology, and she will finish her master’s degree on Latin American literature at the University of Costa Rica in June 2012. She is always busy with several projects and what she likes most about teaching at ILISA is getting to know her students, as well as their interests and by talking about this improve their Spanish. Students generally love her enthusiasm.

In order to get acquainted with everybody as quickly as possible, please 'meet' our office staff.

Julio Salas is our young and energetic director. He has already accumulated 14 years of experience as an entrepreneur and holds a master's degree in engineering. Julio is very proud of offering a high quality learning experience to each and every student at ILISA and successfully works towards maintaining ILISA as the best Immersion Program in Costa Rica since its inception in 1987. Although his parents are from Panama, Julio is as tico as the gallo pinto and enjoys getting to know the students, is passionate about computers and his favorite pastime is playing with his young son.

Hellen Rojas is the cornerstone of ILISA Spanish language training program. She takes credit for selecting, training, motivating and evaluating our extensive staff of language trainers. She implements ILISA’s vision that our trainers are our most important asset. If we take good care of them, they’ll take good care of you. As the program director, her supervision dictates that classes are always dynamic, enjoyable, and effective.

Mirka Vavrova is our Enrollment Coordinator. She will answer all your questions regarding registration and anything else you would like to know before and during your stay here at ILISA.

Dennis Orlando Quirós Leiva  is our Spanish supervisor. Dennis studied in the fields of educational informatics, teaching, literature and communications. He has been working for Ilisa since 2005.

Marino Retana is the person that will pick you up at the airport. He will provide you your first information and bring you to your accommodation. He is very sympathetic and, as a taxi driver, can bring you anywhere in the future as well.

Manuel Brenes is ILISA’s accountant since August 2002. He hopes you will enjoy your stay at ILISA. He Enjoys playing football, basketball and spend time in the mountains. In the mountains his favorite activity is trout fishing.

Adriana Leon and Scarleth Morales are ILISA´s receptionists, they can help you with any questions about the city, tours we have, how to travel by bus, the country itself, money exchange and payments.

Johanna and Evelyn Esquivel are ILISA's maintenance workers, they work hard to keep the building immaculately clean....in fact, its been known for the spotless glass doors in the office to sometimes cause us problems!