Regular Spanish Program

Rancho de Español Language School

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Course description

''The Program''

''At Rancho de Español we use the most efficient program to learn Spanish which is the communicative method which emphasizes conversation without neglecting grammar area.''

4 hours each day and 20 hours of spanish instruction per week.

''We feel that it’s necessary to teach grammar since is such an important aspect to help each and every student achieve greater skills, so that the student can communicate effectively in Spanish. We also believe that teaching grammar must be fun in order for the student to learn easier and faster. The communicative method that we promote in our classroom introduces Spanish grammar to our students little by little, and we reinforce the grammar through live examples and through conversation. All of our teachers are native Costa Ricans.''

''Instruction is entirely in Spanish, and each week a specific grammatical sequence is presented. Our instructors are skilled in blending conversation with grammar to meet the individual needs of the group members. We try to make learning grammar fun.''

''Some of our teachers can communicate in English as well as Spanish, however be aware that they only speak English when it becomes necessary to translate a Spanish phrase or word. We emphasize speaking Spanish at all times. However we have professionals in our school that can help with anything you need, in English if necessary.''

''We have been teaching for many years, which means that we provide our teachers with great amounts of teaching materials that can make the process of learning Spanish easier for the foreign students. We provide our teachers with materials such as bilingual flash cards, posters, audiotapes, Costa Rican newspaper articles that enhance great discussions, and also a video room to enhance your Spanish knowledge. In our classrooms we use newspaper articles to discuss current events, cultural activities and worldwide news, all in Spanish.''

''This exercise provides the students with an opportunity to broaden their vocabulary and become part of a Spanish-speaking society, as in real life.''

''At Rancho de Español we are really serious about making your learning process and your stay successful and quite enjoyable.''

''Small, homogenous groups are formed, maximum four students per group. Students will have a new instructor every two weeks of the program, to give them the opportunity of listening to different accents. Frequently, they will be moved from one group to another during the program to maintain smooth functioning and maximize individual progress.''

''Programs run from one week to the length of time you want, depending on your objective. If the goal is to survive in a Spanish speaking country we recommend a four week immersion course. If your goal is to speak Spanish more fluently, then we recommend an eight or twelve week program.''

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

Class times

Morning session
08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Break
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Morning session
10:30 AM - 12:30 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 Alajuela.

Class size

Average 4 students
Maximum 4 students

Student age

Age range 6 years old and older
Average 21 years old
(24 in the summer)

Certificate

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

Photos

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  • Bananas at School Garden 19/63
  • Entrance to Rancho de Español Language School 20/63
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reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 2 reviews
5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"Excellent teacher, delicious food, very comfortable accommodations"

Paula MacKenzie, student from USA

My teacher, Lourdes, was fantastic! I learned so much from her. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff at El Rancho were very nice and welcoming. My room was huge and very comfortable. I didn’t like the location of the school however. I couldn’t go walking as the cars drive like crazy and there were no sidewalks.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
17 Apr 2023 - 28 Apr 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Worn out, but wonderful"

Larry Letzer, student from USA

The classes were one on one with a very talented and caring teacher. It was totally a Spanish immersion course. No English was spoken unless after three attempts to make me understand a phrase or concept, she would give the answer in English. The class room was on a private "finca" with classes in little screened-in huts large enough for four people. There was a chalk board, four chairs, and the sound of a river rushing just beneath our classroom. My class ran from 8-10 with a half-hour break, then 10:30 to noon. Walked the 300 meters to my house for lunch then back to school at 1:30 until three PM. This was 5 days a week.

There were no activities as I was the only student in the school. However, the parents of my host family were my age and took me on a two day excursion to a resort on my weekend there. The parents and the host family were fabulous. I now consider them to be close friends. In the house which is very modern, I had a private room and a private bath. (Cold water only) It was like being in the Army again. Deja Vu. The school did offer me some tours on the weekend, but I had a friend who lives there and wanted to spend the time with him and his family.

The host family lived right next door to the woman's parents and were so accommodating. They made me feel as part of the family.

The location of the school requires one to take a bus or taxi to the city (Alejuela) which is about 20 miles away. It is very conducive for learning, but to get anywhere one either has to walk nearly a mile to the nearest restaurant or take a bus or taxi. I became ill one day and Manuel, the school director drove me to a pharmacy to have my blood pressure taken. It was normal and they said I was dehydrated. I bought some Gatorade and Manuel bought me a couple of coconuts to drink the milk. 30 minutes later, I was fine.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
3 Nov 2014 - 14 Nov 2014
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Manuel González, School Director at Rancho de Español Language School responded to this review.
14 April 2015

Hi Larry,

Thank you for sending your kind words! We truly appreciate it when customers take time out of their busy days to provide us with some open and honest feedback about our products and services.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to let us know how you feel about our services. We appreciate your visit and truly love to work in order to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Best regards,

Manuel González
Director

housing

Housing

El Rancho offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

£ 178
weekly
Age range: 3 years old and older
Location: Outside the city center of Alajuela
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry, tV room, and 24/7 supervision
Distance to school: 5 - 15 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
£ 178
HOSTFAMILY

Many students and their parents wonder, "what is a home stay?", "what kind of home?", "what kind of people?", "where are these homes?". You will actually stay in their living quarters and can become a part of the family. Their homes are clean and ordinary. These are Costa Rican families who truly welcome you. They will do everything in their power to please you.

There is hardly any English spoken but you will learn your Spanish much faster when there is no other choice. It becomes fun and a challenge. Costa Rican food is delicious and there is always the smell of good cooking and coffee. This family cooks three meals a day that is if you are hungry. At first three meals might seem like a lot of food but around two days later when class is almost over you will be looking forward to those meals.

Usually you will walk to the school , which is within the area. The entire area of Guácima is within walking distance. When you start out in the morning, it is a pure delight. Everyone greets you, "Buenos días" even though they have never seen or met you before. It is the right thing to replay, "Buenos Días". You will note that people in Costa Rica work hard with difficult circumstances but still manage to greet you with a sincere smile and a kind word. As you continue your stroll towards the school you can take note of some beautiful white cows with long floppy ears.

At the end of your stay, you will become quite attached to your "Costa Rican family". However if you are not pleased, then changes could be made. Everyone's culture is different and the best method in learning a language is to learn the culture. You will receive these valuable assets with your host family at Rancho de Español.
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 Alajuela 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

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Rancho de Español Language School staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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