You may be wondering, "What is it like? What will the real experience be? What kind of students join ILISA?" Read about the experiences of people who have been here on our 'students talk' page.

Philip Cline

Grade A+: ILISA exceeded all my expectations. Words can’t express my satisfaction with their facilities, staff, flexibility in scheduling, attention to detail and of course the effectiveness of their language training. The extent of my language ability before coming to ILISA was “hello,” “goodbye” and “thank you.” In 12 weeks, we covered all the rules of Spanish…language structure, verb tenses, etc. I was so satisfied with their training and my progress, I returned for 8 more weeks of instruction. This turned my knowledge from a basic understanding of the rules of grammar and structure, and it became a working language…reading and oral comprehension and verbal fluency. I learned more Spanish in 20 weeks in Costa Rica than I would have learned in 4 years in a university setting in the states (at a fraction of the cost). I am planning on finding a way to return every year for further instruction; it is definitely one of the most economical ways to spend a month in a foreign country while making it more valuable than “just” a vacation.

El aula afuera el aula: (The class outside of class). To give a glimpse of the school’s flexibility and desire to tailor their training with student´s interests was we had opportunities to have class outside the classroom. My classmates and I decided we would like to explore a coffee plantation, the National Jade Museum, visit a governmental agency (Ministry of Immigration) and take the PADI Open Water SCUBA course in Spanish. The school incorporated our desires into an instruction plan. An instructor accompanied us on these field trips and it definitely enhanced our understanding of the story behind the story at times he had insights the tour guides didn't provide.

Flexibility: The school and professors were willing to accommodate my desire to explore Costa Rica outside San Pedro and San José on weekends was incredible. Because I had private instruction in the afternoons for two hours every day, I was able to take classes for 2.5 hours Monday through Thursday and have Friday afternoons off. When there were no other students at my level so I had private instruction in the mornings as well, this provided me with three day weekends so I could explore the vast biodiversity of Costa Rica…beaches, volcanoes, national parks.

Mi Familia Tica: At 48 years-old, I debated (internally) with living under someone else´s roof and considered getting an apartment (many are available in the area). I am so glad that I chose the homestay option. My family had 10+ years of experience hosting students from all over the world. During the five months I lived with students from the Netherlands, Nigeria, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, Japan and the United States. Breakfast and Dinner provided two additional hours of language immersion every day. I dare you to try and find: Two Meals, Private Room, Shared Bath, Laundry and Cleaning Services for less than $30.00 a day…it can´t be beat! Oh, and then there´s the additional language experience and the opportunity to make new friends—PRICELESS.

Scott Christofferson

Scott's primary motivation for studying Spanish was his love of the language and travel, although the encouragement of his Spanish-speaking friends and the hope that it might open up greater opportunities on the job were also factors. He had taken an intensive Spanish program at Yale while studying law but recognizes that "you have to maintain your skills." After taking the bar exam he had some time off before returning to consulting work at McKinsey so he started looking on-line for an immersion program abroad.

Scott reviewed language school websites, then narrowed the decision to several schools. "Your website is in a league of its own, but even better, it was backed up by a very responsive registrar. I asked a lot of questions and would often get an answer the same day. Once I asked about the student composition at ILISA and I got an Excel spreadsheet back with graphs and everything. Pretty cool." Since Scott was an advanced student, he was concerned that the program might not offer classes for higher levels. "I checked out your reference list and the feedback of former students helped me make my final decision for ILISA.

Scott continues, "I really enjoyed the study program. I had previously seen almost all the grammar stuff, so my main goal was to improve my fluency and build my vocabulary, especially in the area of business, management and finance. I took the Group-4 plus program and my afternoon teachers would bring articles and stories about topics of my area interest and skillfully, almost playfully, create a very effective learning process. For homework, I would read the newspaper business section and bring my own articles to class. Time flew by!"

"Of course, I also learned new grammar structures like the imperfect subjunctive but the real improvement is my enhanced fluency and vocabulary: Before, I could watch a TV program in Spanish and understand only snippets. Now I can really follow them. I think that's a very good result for 4 weeks of study."

Ray Wilson

Before choosing Costa Rica and ILISA I talked to my friends, did an extensive web search and exchanged a lot of e-mails with different schools. It boiled down to just a couple of programs, but without a doubt ILISA offered the most impressive program with the right "Can Do!" attitude in response to all my questions and requests.

From my first e-mail until the time I finished the program, the administrative staff was terrific at making my stay a total success. Whether it's about your homestay, your class schedule or your weekend travel plans, there is someone available to give you an experienced hand. The classrooms, meeting rooms, on-campus restaurant and computer labs are all conducive to learning Spanish. And, being in San Pedro, you can get to just about anywhere in the country for the weekend.

The professors, a different one each week, are all top-notch professionals with years of experience. They work hard and have a lot of fun in helping you learn and improve your Spanish from whatever level you begin. I had absolutely no prior training and in 5 weeks I was amazed at my progress.

Hank M. Goldberg

I just wanted to thank you all and let the staff at ILISA know what a great experience I had attending your program in Costa Rica. The quality of the instructors, the lesson plans, and the learning environment were all superlative. Unfortunately, I was not able to stay as long as I would have liked. However, in only two weeks, I was able to significantly advance my Spanish language skills. As a Deputy District Attorny with Los Angeles County, speaking Spanish is now almost an essential.

Also, the homestay experience was excellent. The family was exceptionally nice, and they greatly enhanced the learning process. thanks again.

Edward Alexander

I spent thirty years as a Naval Officer, in Nuclear Submarines, and after retirement went back and got a Ph.D. in mathematics. I now teach at the University of Arizona. I guess that gives me a little more life experience, and a somewhat more demanding attitude towards things. I am learning Spanish because it is useful in Tucson, and I teach content courses to pre-service elementary teachers. I am interested in the teaching and learning of mathematics.

The teaching at ILISA, albeit of a different subject, is impressive. The first step is placement; what you learn builds on what you know. My class is challenging but not overwhelming -- they were right on target. By design there's a new teacher every week. People express themselves just a little differently, and the change improves your comprehension. The transition was flawless. Without being told, I know the two teachers did a meticulous turnover. Teaching is a carefully crafted enterprise here. There is a lot of conversation, and so we make a lot of mistakes. Their treatment is creative; the territory around the mistake is explored until the student develops a clear picture of the linguistic structure, so that the same mistake is less likely in the future.

And it is fun! There are afternoon trips to interesting places, all in Spanish, and you walk away saying, "Hey, I understood that!!!" The home stay, people, society, sights, music, natural surroundings are all about what the brochure said. I've made empanadas in someone's home, danced salsa, been to a family birthday party. I'll go home with lots of great memories, and much more Spanish than I came with. ILISA has my unqualified recommendation.

Jeffery Hansen

Hi, my name is Jeff Hansen, I'm a former student at ILISA. I was looking over the responses from former students of the school and just wanted to send a quick 'me too' regarding my experience.

I also had the life experience I will never forget! The country, the culture, the people, my instructors, (oh how they suffered with me), and the school as a whole. I think of the experience and the people that made it the best with fond memories and dream of a time when I can return to continue my studies.

I was able to return to my police duties and relate with Latinos in a much improved fashion and am repeatedly called to assist my fellow officers with obtaining information. I would recommend this school to anyone for the 'total experience.'