This is what former students say about ILISA. If you would like to speak with one of them, check out e-mail and phone reference lists.

Students

• "Being situated in San Pedro, it offers a wonderful combination of culture, college environment, available transportation, convenience, and safety."
  -Mike Schwab, University Student, Jasper, AL

• "Ilisa cares a lot to satisfy its students. Professors and the whole staff are very friendly and helpful. I appreciated the clear rules, punctual beginning of classes, security and cleanliness."
  -Esther Lenhard, University Student, Switzerland

• "I was very pleased with the entire experience at ILISA and Costa Rica. I gained a better grasp of the language and people than I ever imagined possible in 4 weeks. I look forward to returning. I would suggest this experience to anyone who was interested."
  -Rudy Martinez, University Student, NYC

• "The facilities at ILISA are great. The modern, yet tico-style open-air feel is a welcoming buffer for the initial culture shock of the immersion program. The staff is also great, providing a warm, personable atmosphere where everyone knows your name- perfect for those traveling solo."
  -Aisha Mills, Grad Student, Washington DC

• "I love the way I was taught. I love the professors."
  -Mary Kate, Student de Weber State Univeristy, US.

• "Classes were very efficient with, with a comfortable learning environment.  I’m very satisfied with my progress."
  -Brionna Buckman, Student, California, US.

Professionals

- Education -

• "You have a great school and a great program here. I learned a lot last year and even more this time. The professors are professional and friendly. The program is organized and effective in training. The director is very friendly and approachable. The Spanish director and the program specialist are very nice and it was easy to approach them. I love my homestay family. I would highly recommend ILISA to anyone interested in language immersion."
  -Wes Jones, School Counselor, Lawrenceville, GA

• "I appreciated the seamless way the program is run. The staff seems completely on top of things and if I ever had a question regarding ANYTHING someone was always there to help me. I also thought the design of the school building was conducive to relaxation as well as studying. The program was better than I expected!"
  -Deirdre Higgins, Teacher, Los Angeles, CA

• "I've been here twice and enjoyed it both times. I will probably be back again. My Spanish has improved greatly."
  -Keith Skroback, Teacher, Las Vegas, NV

• "I was very happy with all aspects of my time at ILISA. From the first e-mail I sent 3 weeks ago to present, I could not ask for more attention!"
  -Toni Allison, K-12 Teacher, Greeley, CO

• "Everyone at ILISA was very helpful. The program director did a great job placing us in classes. The program specialist helped in too many ways to mention. The office staff was always available. The director was always available at the breaks, and open for conversation. The professors are top notch. I learned a lot from them- about Spanish, of course, but also about Costa Rica and their lives... I consider some of them good friends now."
  -Wendy Skinner, International Student Adviser, Boston, MA

- Journalism -

• "It was a wonderful experience. This is in large part to the kindness of your staff and your teachers. Everyone was wonderful and very helpful. I would recommend your program."
  -Felicia Levine, Journalist, Miami, FL

- Law -

• "I enjoyed most the interaction between the staff and students. It is definitely a positive atmosphere. My family is top notch. They went out of their way to make me feel part of their life. Living with them was the best experience of my life. They opened their home and hearts to me. That is irreplaceable. There was a lot of love in the house. I was really lucky! I look forward to continuing the relationship in the future. Muchas gracias."
  -Bill Lafferty, Coastal Law Enforcement, Norfolk, VA

- Marketing -

• "I thought my experience at ILISA was great. I would recommend the program to friends and family. I think what I liked most about ILISA is the quality of instruction. (The administrative staff) did an outstanding job. My family was very nice and easy to get along with. My only regret is I cannot stay for another month."
  -David Sigler, Risk Management Consultant, Los Angeles, CA

• "Every day, every week, I was amazed by the noticeable progress I made. Not only did I hit a rhythm quickly, but I've been dreaming in Spanish regularly. The quality and diversity of ILISA's staff is exemplary. I really appreciated the varied styles, backgrounds, and interests that helped to animate classes so they were not off-the-shelf drills. The ILISA staff goes the extra mile to customize the teaching process so both the student and the professor are fully engaged."
  -Richard Friend, Management Consultant, Chicago

• "I have taken many types of courses in French, Portuguese, and Spanish, but ILISA seems to get the mix right. The energy level of the teachers in the morning classes is exceptional. The morning classes are the best that I have ever experienced! The coordination and follow-up at the administrative level is excellent. I give very high marks for the efforts of the ILISA staff to make students feel welcome. The social contact may be part of their job, but they do it well. The general cleanliness and maintenance of ILISA is first rate. Kudos to the janitorial, maintenance, and restaurant staff. They are also friendly to the students. Nice ambiance. Keep up the good work!"
  -James Hill, External Relations Officer, Washington DC

• "I loved it! I learned a lot, really enjoyed the openness of the teachers and their hospitality at all times"
  -Paula de Man, Customer relationship manager, the Netherlands

• "This was the third school in as many countries that I've attended, and I can say without a doubt that ILISA is the most professional and successful I've seen."
  -Greg Sutton, Naval Officer, Virginia Beach, VA

- Other Business-

• "I most certainly would recommend ILISA to friends and associates. ILISA is a perfect learning environment for Spanish! Thank you.”
  -Eric Pedersen, Painter and Architect, US

• "A very good experience: focused, pleasant teachers. Good mix of grammar and good conversations. Probably I  can use another week or two. I will recommend ILISA to others."
  -Arjan Hamburger, Embassador from The Netherlands.

• "The teachers were fantastic. The best language instructors I have ever had. The staff were extremely helpful and genuinely interested in the students. The host family was very kind and helpful. I would definitely recommend ILISA."
  -Romelia Hamburger, Esposa del Embassador from The Netherlands.

• "No way it could have been better! We enjoyed every minute of our ILISA experience- Spanish lessons, professors, staff, food, and facilities. You made everything easy and fun! The (homestay) family was fantastic. We felt very welcome and food and facilities were excellent. The enrollment coordinator was especially helpful with suggestions on restaurants, tips on taxis, phone call assistance, and we loved her personality. I would definitely recommend ILISA to my friends. You were able to accommodate all ages and backgrounds and needs. Every professor and class was adjustable and unique. The field trips for the children were appreciated- we simply had a wonderful time."
  -Mary Attick, Co-Owner, Import Business, Conyngham, PA

• This experience was excellent. From the moment the driver picked us up at the airport to the salsa dancing lessons, the experience was unforgettable and one that I truly would like to enjoy again. The staff at ILISA is warm and considerate and always ready to help. Thank you all for providing this experience."
  -James Heyden, Network Analyst, Phoenix, AZ

• "An excellent course."
  -Lars Madsen, Software Engineer, Gentofte, Denmark

- Retired -

• "I thoroughly enjoyed my stay! The professors were well prepared and patient. I enjoyed the cultural activities, the tours, the other students, and the cultural interaction. I will recommend it to friends."
  -Kay Shurden, Retired Therapist/Professor, Macon, GA

• "My trip to Costa Rica was wonderful, and I hope to return next year, or at least in the next two years. I have been to ILISA twice, and both times I met some wonderful people, and the instructors are excellent. They are wonderful teachers and lots of fun. Now I go to the Spanish church as often as possible, and listen to Spanish programs on the television. I am even teaching a beginner's Spanish class one day/week! I am 70 years old and still learning. If I can do it, anybody can."
  -Polly Harrell, Retired Secretary, Morristown TN

• "Instructors: excellent. Building: excellent. People: very courteous and helpful."
  -Margaret Kelly, Retired, US

For a more in-depth look of what kind of students visit ILISA and what they have to say about their experiences, read the student profiles.