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Group Course - 20 Lessons

Expanish Costa Rica

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Special offer

10% discount for some courses from 1-52 weeks until 30 Jun 2026 Show details »

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Course description

DESCRIPTION
In our Group Course of 20 lessons, students will develop language skills in an interactive
group setting. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention from the professor in a
relaxed and comfortable environment, allowing students to be fully immersed in the Spanish
language. Rapidly enhance your language proficiency!
QUICK FACTS
● 20 group lessons per week
● Begins every Monday
● For complete beginners to advanced students
● Minimum of 1 week, maximum of 44 weeks
● Maximum of 12 students in group classes (8 students in Costa Rica)
● Schedule-mornings or afternoons
● 1 lesson 50 minutes
LESSONS BREAKDOWN:
● 16 General Spanish Lessons
Spanish class: Lexicon, Grammar, Auditory, Conversation, Intercultural Dynamics.
● 2 Project Sessions
Applied projects in the classroom aimed to practically apply knowledge through
teamwork, culminating in a final result and a shared objective. Examples include: creating
a tourist guide for a city, creating and presenting a debate, holding a trivia contest about
the Hispanic world.

[email protected] | expanish.com

● 2 Spanish in Action Sessions
An immersive experience outside the classroom (e.g., in a shop, market, or bakery) where
students practice Spanish in real-life situations. The duration of the activity is adapted to
the group’s level.
* In Costa Rica, the lesson breakdown is 16 General Spanish lessons + 4 Project Sessions. Spanish
in Action sessions are not offered.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 50 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
02 Aug 2026, 15 Aug 2026, 15 Sep 2026, 01 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026, 01 Jan 2027

Class times

You can choose from the following class times:

Morning session
08:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Sámara.

Class size

Average 6 students
Maximum 8 students

Student age

Age range 16 years old and older
Average 30 years old
(22 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
Read more...
school

School description

The Spanish program in Costa Rica is designed to meet the needs of learners from all ages
who want to experience the real meaning of “Pura Vida”. Offering high-quality language
instruction combined with experiences immersed in the easy vibes of the beach town of
Sámara, in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, our classes focus on practical communication
skills, while guided activities to explore nature and the local culture immerse participants in
the Costa Rican lifestyle.
Social activities, such as hikes, group meals, latin dance lessons (salsa, merengue, bachata),
and yoga sessions with locals; provide unique settings to practice Spanish and build
connections. With experienced instructors and a vibrant learning community, this program
ensures a rewarding and memorable experience for all participants.

Year opened
2026
Number of classrooms
7

Accreditations

Facilities

  • Social Activities
  • Cultural Trips
  • Eating Area
  • Free Internet
  • Wireless Internet
  • Studying Area
  • Sports Activities

Teacher qualifications

Native Spanish speakers
All
Teachers with Spanish teaching certification
All
Teachers with college degrees
Over 50%

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at Expanish Costa Rica varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 30. In the summer, the average age is 22.

teaches students from all over the world, including:

USA
17%
Germany
15%
Switzerland
15%
Netherlands
12%
Brazil
10%
UK
5%
Other
26%

School holidays

School holidays
02 Aug 2026, 15 Aug 2026, 15 Sep 2026, 01 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026, 01 Jan 2027

School location

Sámara is a perfect combination of Costa Rican culture, the sea, a chill atmosphere, local
food, surf and yoga. Sámara is a small beach town in Costa Rica that remains local, without
any fast food restaurant chains, or heavy tourist waves. The result is a town full of passion,
with many outdoor activities.

Take a video tour

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photos

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housing

Housing

Expanish Costa Rica offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

N/A
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Location: Sámara
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, free internet, tV room, and other
Distance to school: 5 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 03:00 PM
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
N/A
DESCRIPTION
Homestay accommodation offers students the chance to experience daily life in a Costa
Rican home while practicing Spanish in a warm and welcoming environment. Living with a
local family is the best way to immerse yourself in Tico culture and enjoy meaningful
conversations over two daily meals. Students may choose between a single or double room,
always with a shared bathroom.

QUICK FACTS
● Single or double rooms in carefully selected homestays in Sámara.
● Hosts can accommodate special diets, allergies, and non-smoking preferences.
● Shared bathroom (used by the family and/or other students).
● Half board included (breakfast and dinner every day).
● Free Wi-Fi guaranteed.
● Bed linens and towels included.
● One load of laundry per week included; the host will coordinate the laundry day directly
with the student.
● Due to the all-year warm weather in Sámara, most homestays do not have hot water.
This is very common in coastal areas in Costa Rica. Students who choose this option
must be open to the possibility of not taking hot showers during their stay. Hot water is
really not necessary in Sámara.

WE RECOMMEND THIS OPTION FOR THOSE WHO...
● Want to practice Spanish at home as much as possible.
● Are looking for a full cultural immersion in Costa Rican daily life.
● Prefer to live with a local family in a safe and supportive environment.
● Are open to adapting to household routines, meal times, and local customs.

LOCATION OF HOMESTAYS
All homestays are located in and around Sámara, one of the most welcoming and safe
beach towns in Costa Rica. Students will stay within a reasonable distance from the
school and main services, ensuring easy access to beaches, supermarkets, cafés, and
transportation. Families are selected based on comfort, safety, and their interest in
cultural exchange.

MATCHING STUDENTS TO A HOST
Students will be asked about allergies, dietary restrictions, pet preferences, and other
needs during the booking process. These details help us place each student in the most
suitable homestay. Additional requests, such as wanting to stay closer to the beach or
with a family of a certain profile, will be considered whenever possible but cannot be
guaranteed.

WHO WILL STUDENTS LIVE WITH?
Students will live with a local Costa Rican family, which may be a couple, a single host, or
a household with or without children. Hosts are friendly, supportive, and committed to
cultural exchange, helping students adjust to life in Sámara. Some homes may host more
than one student at a time, meaning students

Homestay - 2-person shared room - Breakfast and dinner - 2 students must book together

N/A
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Location: Sámara
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, free internet, tV room, and other
Distance to school: 5 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 03:00 PM
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
Restriction: 2 students must book together
N/A
DESCRIPTION
Homestay accommodation offers students the chance to experience daily life in a Costa
Rican home while practicing Spanish in a warm and welcoming environment. Living with a
local family is the best way to immerse yourself in Tico culture and enjoy meaningful
conversations over two daily meals. Students may choose between a single or double room,
always with a shared bathroom.

QUICK FACTS
● Single or double rooms in carefully selected homestays in Sámara.
● Hosts can accommodate special diets, allergies, and non-smoking preferences.
● Shared bathroom (used by the family and/or other students).
● Half board included (breakfast and dinner every day).
● Free Wi-Fi guaranteed.
● Bed linens and towels included.
● One load of laundry per week included; the host will coordinate the laundry day directly
with the student.
● Due to the all-year warm weather in Sámara, most homestays do not have hot water.
This is very common in coastal areas in Costa Rica. Students who choose this option
must be open to the possibility of not taking hot showers during their stay. Hot water is
really not necessary in Sámara.

WE RECOMMEND THIS OPTION FOR THOSE WHO...
● Want to practice Spanish at home as much as possible.
● Are looking for a full cultural immersion in Costa Rican daily life.
● Prefer to live with a local family in a safe and supportive environment.
● Are open to adapting to household routines, meal times, and local customs.

LOCATION OF HOMESTAYS
All homestays are located in and around Sámara, one of the most welcoming and safe
beach towns in Costa Rica. Students will stay within a reasonable distance from the
school and main services, ensuring easy access to beaches, supermarkets, cafés, and
transportation. Families are selected based on comfort, safety, and their interest in
cultural exchange.

MATCHING STUDENTS TO A HOST
Students will be asked about allergies, dietary restrictions, pet preferences, and other
needs during the booking process. These details help us place each student in the most
suitable homestay. Additional requests, such as wanting to stay closer to the beach or
with a family of a certain profile, will be considered whenever possible but cannot be
guaranteed.

WHO WILL STUDENTS LIVE WITH?
Students will live with a local Costa Rican family, which may be a couple, a single host, or
a household with or without children. Hosts are friendly, supportive, and committed to
cultural exchange, helping students adjust to life in Sámara. Some homes may host more
than one student at a time, meaning students
student-residence

Student residence Pura Vida - Single-person room - No meals

N/A
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Address: Expanish - 200 meters West of Banco Nacional , Sámara, Province of Guanacaste 50205, Costa Rica
Location: In the city center of Sámara
Housing type: Student residence (on-campus)
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, air conditioning, garden, and other
Distance to school: 1 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 03:00 PM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
N/A
DESCRIPTION
Expanish offers a student residence, located in the center of Sámara, right next to where
classes are taken and just a 4–5 minute walk from the beach. Student Residence can
accommodate 1 to 2 students per room, include a private bathroom in each room, and
outdoor spaces surrounded by nature.
This is a great housing choice for students who want an independent atmosphere while
staying close to restaurants, activities, nature, and other Expanish students living on the
property.
QUICK FACTS
● Private Single rooms with ensuite bathroom
● Twin Shared rooms with ensuite bathroom (Twin rooms are shared with another student
of the same gender, unless two students book together)
● Only 3–4 minutes walking from Sámara Beach and the town center
● Natural setting with private garden, sitting areas, and outdoor shower
● Limited availability

Sámara, Costa Rica | [email protected] | expanish.com

WHAT’S INCLUDED
● Bed linens & towels
● Common areas
● Swimming pool
● A/C & Wi-Fi

STUDENT RESIDENCE LOCATION
The student residence Pura Vida is located right in the heart of Sámara. Students enjoy easy
access to the beach, supermarkets, restaurants and the main activity areas all within a few
minutes walk.

Student residence Pura Vida - Single-person room - No meals

N/A
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Address: Expanish - 200 meters West of Banco Nacional , Sámara, Province of Guanacaste 50205, Costa Rica
Location: In the city center of Sámara
Housing type: Student residence (on-campus)
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, air conditioning, garden, and other
Distance to school: 1 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 03:00 PM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
N/A
DESCRIPTION
Expanish offers a student residence, located in the center of Sámara, right next to where
classes are taken and just a 4–5 minute walk from the beach. Student Residence can
accommodate 1 to 2 students per room, include a private bathroom in each room, and
outdoor spaces surrounded by nature.
This is a great housing choice for students who want an independent atmosphere while
staying close to restaurants, activities, nature, and other Expanish students living on the
property.
QUICK FACTS
● Private Single rooms with ensuite bathroom
● Twin Shared rooms with ensuite bathroom (Twin rooms are shared with another student
of the same gender, unless two students book together)
● Only 3–4 minutes walking from Sámara Beach and the town center
● Natural setting with private garden, sitting areas, and outdoor shower
● Limited availability

Sámara, Costa Rica | [email protected] | expanish.com

WHAT’S INCLUDED
● Bed linens & towels
● Common areas
● Swimming pool
● A/C & Wi-Fi

STUDENT RESIDENCE LOCATION
The student residence Pura Vida is located right in the heart of Sámara. Students enjoy easy
access to the beach, supermarkets, restaurants and the main activity areas all within a few
minutes walk.
apartment

IONA Studio apartment - 1 to 3-person shared room

N/A
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: Iona Café - 250 meters west of Banco Nacional, Sámara, Province of Guanacaste 50205 , Costa Rica
Location: In the city center of Sámara
Housing type: Private apartment
Room type: 3-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, air conditioning, garden, and other
Distance to school: 1 - 2 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 03:00 PM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
N/A
DESCRIPTION
Expanish offers studio apartment options, located in the vibrant center of Sámara, right next
to where classes are taken and just a 4–5 minute walk from the beach. Studios can
accommodate 1 to 3 students and include a fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, and
outdoor spaces surrounded by nature.
This is a great housing choice for students who want an independent atmosphere while
staying close to restaurants, activities, nature, and other Expanish students living on the
property.

QUICK FACTS
● Private studio apartments for 1–3 students
● Fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom
● Only 3–4 minutes walking from Sámara Beach and the town center
● Natural setting with private garden, hammock, and outdoor shower
● Limited availability
● Suitable for students 18+ (minors allowed only with an accompanying adult)

WHAT’S INCLUDED
● Bed linens & towels
● Fully equipped kitchen (fridge, microwave, gas stove, utensils)
● Private garden with hammock
● Daily IONA Coffee included
● A/C & Wifi

APARTMENT AMENITIES
● Full kitchen
● Private bathroom
● Private walled garden
● Outdoor shower
● TV
● Access to the on-site coffee ranch and tidal river behind the property
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. The school is also not authorized to issue documents to support your visa application. If you need a visa, you have to apply for a visitor or tourist visa on your own.

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Sámara based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Expanish Costa Rica staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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