Standard Spanish Program Information

A person can study at thousands of Spanish language schools throughout Spain, Mexico, Central and South America as well as the United States. So why study the language with AEC Spanish Institute? In two words, “our teachers”. They are the overall umbrella for the entire AEC Spanish language program. They are the glue and soul of AEC’s varied and proven featured programs. As Costa Rican nationals they bring a great pride and caring to their work. Each teacher is accredited through the University of Costa Rica in second language development. Every teacher is constantly improving and building their second language skills through our own Director of Education. Nora Garcia, Director of Education with a Master degree in second language, oversees the education of our entire staff at all three of the campuses. The inception for the language program was through the University of Texas Spanish program. AEC has permission to use the renowned copyrighted "University of Texas’s Spanish Immersion Program” and its accompanying manuals and study guides. With nine levels of Spanish taught from beginner to advanced, each student’s progress is AEC staff’s greatest concern.

When evaluating a language school, being a college accredited program should be one of the first aspects when researching the school. Without accreditation then one is lead to ponder the capabilities and overall competency of the language program. AEC Spanish Institute is accredited by Brookhaven College in Dallas, Texas. This institution is accredited by SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. These are undergraduate, degree seeking Spanish credits for college and university students wanting to fulfill their institutions Spanish requirements. With an accredited language program at AEC Spanish Institute this speaks volumes for the staff and teachers that support and make this language program succeed.

The Standard four hour Language program at AEC Spanish Institute is four complete hours of language a day. Class hours in Turrialba and Arenal are from 8:00am to 10:00am and from 10:30am to 12:30pm. There is a half-hour break in the middle and classes are no larger than four students. In Dominical they start and end an hour later and the maximum class size is six students. Each week all will also have the option of participating in three different afternoon activities: Latin Dance and Cooking classes and one half-day excursion. The Intensive 4-hour + Private has the same group schedule in the morning, followed by two hours of private lessons Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for a total of 28 class hours a week.

For added value there is also The Deluxe Adventure Spanish Program. This program combines all of the standard options listed above with a number of additional excursion and perks. Every weekend students will experience a different full day excursion. In addition to extra adventure tours, students also receive the airport pick up package, laundry and a half-hour of Internet access per day.