What They’ll Be Able to Do by B2 (Upper – Intermediate)

Level	Skill Category	What Students Will Be Able to Do
B2 Upper-Intermediate / Independent User	Speaking	Communicate confidently and spontaneously with native speakers on a wide range of topics. Explain ideas in detail, support opinions with arguments, debate respectfully, and narrate events with accurate use of past, present, and future tenses.
	Listening	Understand extended speech, group conversations, sermons, presentations, workplace communication, and most TV or YouTube content—even when spoken at natural speed—especially on familiar or moderately complex topics.
	Reading	Read and understand articles, news, devotionals, short stories, ministry resources, academic-style texts, and detailed instructions. Identify opinions, arguments, main ideas, and supporting details.
	Writing	Write clear, well-structured texts such as emails, reports, reflections, testimonies, essays, and narratives. Connect ideas logically, express viewpoints with confidence, and adjust tone for different audiences (formal/informal).
	Real-Life Abilities	Participate fully in church activities, community projects, volunteer work, and everyday life without needing translation. Handle unexpected situations, navigate travel, manage administrative tasks, and build deep connections with native speakers.

Learning Process at your Own Pace

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) provides a general guideline for how language proficiency is measured and how much progress can typically be made within a certain period of study. However, language learning is a highly personal process—progress depends on each student’s unique abilities, learning style, motivation, and dedication. At CISA, we recognize that every learner is different, and we focus on helping each student advance at their own pace, maximizing their potential through personalized instruction and real-life immersion.

CISA Curriculum

The CISA curriculum was designed by the Directors and is structured into multiple levels to support progressive learning. You will receive a textbook that corresponds to your level and class placement. As you progress through the book—and depending on the length of your stay—you may move on to the next level and textbook during your time at CISA.

Teaching Approach:

If you have specific goals (e.g., learning vocabulary related to medicine, education, business, ministry, or missions), your class can be customized to fit your learning needs. The textbook serves as a guideline, but teachers also incorporate:

Handouts

Homework

Additional teaching tools and activities

First Day at School

Arrival Time: Please arrive by 8:00 AM on your first day.

Spanish Assessment: You will begin with a Spanish language assessment to determine your current level.

Note: Children will not be assessed and will begin their classes immediately.

Based on your assessment results, you will be placed in a class that best matches your Spanish level. You will also receive a CISA Spanish Workbook.

Class sizes are small—typically between 2 to 5 students.

The first few days serve as an evaluation period. If it becomes clear that your skill level is higher or lower than initially assessed, we may move you to a class that better fits your needs.

Your first day also includes an Orientation session, where you’ll receive your schedule, tour the facilities, and have time to ask questions.

Helpful Hint: Bring your own notebook or workbook to take extra notes during class.

Turrialba Tour

During your first week, this program includes a Free Turrialba Tour —usually scheduled on the first Monday. You will take a guided bus tour of Turrialba to help you get to know the area and key locations.

Tour Details:

• The tour begins at the main bus stop in Tuis.
• On the way to Turrialba, you’ll pass through La Suiza, a nearby town with a pharmacy, grocery stores, bank, and other useful services.
• After arriving at the main terminal in Turrialba, you’ll explore the city on foot. You’ll visit and become familiar with important places like:
  • Central Park
  • Banks
  • Coffee shops
  • Grocery stores
  • Other local landmarks

Currency Exchange Information:

• You’ll have the opportunity to exchange U.S. dollars to Costa Rican colones.
  • If you plan to use a bank teller, bring your passport.
  • If you’re using an ATM, your Interac card should work.
  • Helpful Tip: It’s usually faster and easier to use an ATM, as bank lines in Costa Rica can be quite long.
• After the tour, you’ll return to Tuis and your homestay via the bus.

Helpful Hint:

To save time, bring your passport with you to CISA that morning, so you don’t need to return to your homestay to pick it up before the tour.

Coffee Tour

As part of your CISA experience, you’ll enjoy a free visit to Café Misión, a local coffee plantation located in the school campus. Café Misión is a mission initiative that produces high-quality Costa Rican coffee while supporting the local community through sustainable practices and fair employment.

Tour Details:

During the tour, you’ll walk through beautiful coffee fields, learn about the coffee-growing process from seed to cup, and discover how Café Misión combines traditional methods with modern techniques to create an exceptional product. You’ll visit the roasting area, see the drying patios, and enjoy the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee.

Of course, no coffee tour would be complete without tasting! You’ll sample different varieties of Café Misión’s signature coffees while learning how to recognize flavors and aromas like a true barista. This experience not only teaches you about one of Costa Rica’s most iconic exports but also connects you directly with the families and values behind every cup.

School Credits

Students who wish to earn university or high school credit for their Spanish studies at CISA must present our official curriculum to the Spanish Department of their home institution. Each university or school determines the number of credits that can be awarded based on our curriculum and the length of the student’s program at CISA.

To begin this process, please email us before enrolling so we can send you a copy of our curriculum and a certificate of enrollment confirming the exact study period at CISA. Your institution will then review the materials and determine credit eligibility according to their academic policies.

Coordinator Guidance

Students can feel confident reaching out to the International Logistics Manager & Coordinator (English-speaking) at any time during their Immersion Experience.

The Logistics Manager is available to:

• Address any questions or concerns
• Offer guidance and support
• Provide insight into cultural differences
• Help you integrate smoothly and make the most of your time at CISA

Certificate and Graduation

At the end of your time at CISA, you will participate in a small graduation ceremony to celebrate your accomplishments.

All students gather together to honor the graduating student.

The graduating student is also invited to share reflections and thoughts about their experience.

You will receive a CISA Certificate, which includes the total number of hours you studied.

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