Immersion Programs
Costa Rica
Intercultura is our partner for more than ten years in Costa Rica: They are located in the colonial city of Heredia, approximately 20 minutes by bus from the capital city of San José. Known as the "City of Flowers," (reputedly more for its beautiful women than for its vegetation!) Heredia and its surrounding areas provide all the conveniences of a medium-sized city in an environment which has escaped, to a large extent, the normal urban problems affecting the capital. It is home to the National University, and an important cultural center for Costa Rica. Furthermore, much of Heredia has managed to retain a typical Latin American "pueblo" feel despite increasing modernization. The colonial church and it's plaza are still a favorite meeting place for Heredia's inhabitants, old and young.
Intercultura's central location within the city gives students easy access to transportation, shops and entertainment. At the same time, the tranquility and natural beauty of the mountains is only a few minutes away by taxi or bus. In the downtown area students are usually no more than a 5 minute walk from a variety of services, including: sports center and olympic-size swimming pool, Internet cafés, gyms, bars, restaurants, discotheques, the National University's theatre and grounds, the International telephone office, clinics and travel agencies.
The province of Heredia is the coffee-growing capital of Costa Rica, where one can still see loaded ox-carts bringing in the beans from the coffee plantations characteristic of the green mountainsides. In the rural villages you will witness a way of life very different to that of the cities, and see vestiges of the old colonial architecture once typical in the entire central valley.
Heredia's proximity to transportation hubs such as the airport and the central bus stations in San José make it an ideal base for your stay here. Easily accessible from the city are the nearby Poás and Barva volcanoes, and Costa Rica's numerous beaches and national parks. Thus, in addition to learning the Spanish language, you may thoroughly explore the country's natural wonders, world renowned for their beauty and biodiversity.
Latin America and Spain
The Latin American Institute is proud to announce a partnership with Spanish Abroad Inc., widely recognized as one of the leading Study Abroad providers in North America. We have teamed up with them to be able to provide our students and clients with the best opportunities to learn Spanish in Latin America and Spain.
Please call us at 716 553 7472 for more information and to register.
