Spanish Launch
Unlock your Spanish Potential
Spanish Launch Experience
1 week-2 Months ($320/week)
The Spanish Launch Experience was created for students who carry a deep passion for the Spanish language but only have a short window of time to study. Many people assume that coming for just a few weeks won’t make a real difference—but the opposite is true. With the right structure, environment, and support, even a short stay can build a strong foundation, spark confidence, and motivate students to continue their lifelong journey with Spanish.
The Spanish Launch Experience is an intensive program designed for learners at any level who want to maximize their progress through concentrated classes, daily immersion, and meaningful cultural experiences. Whether you’re beginning your first steps or advancing existing skills, this program helps you move forward quickly while discovering Costa Rican life from the inside out. Students may enroll for any length between 1 and 8 weeks, depending on their schedule and language goals.
Class schedule:
Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (16 hours/week, in small group classes, up to 5 people).
Optional classes in the afternoons:
- Intensive lessons -One-on-One – 4hrs extra/week
- Tico Food Experience (Cooking Class) – 1 hr/week
- Cross-Cultural Missions Class – 1 hr/week
- Natural Fitness Adventure Class – 1-3 hrs/week
- Medical Terminology Class – 4 hrs/week
- Spanish for Teachers – 4hrs/week or more
Weekends are open for tours, extra activities, and attending the Mission church service.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a standard for language proficiency. Here’s a rough idea of what you might expect in 1-2 months:
Expected Progress in 1-2 Months of Immersion (from Zero):
| Time at CISA | Likely CEFR Progress | What Students Will Likely Be Able to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 First 4 weeks of immersion | A1 → Early A2 | Learn survival Spanish: greetings, introductions, numbers, daily routines, essential community vocabulary, and simple present tense. Begin to understand common phrases used in homestays and basic interactions with locals. |
| Month 2 Building a foundation | Solid A2 | Handle everyday situations such as buying food, asking for directions, describing needs, talking about family, preferences, weather, and schedules. Begin communicating simple past and future ideas. Hold short but real conversations with locals (with repetition). |
*Progress assumes active daily immersion (homestay, classes, homework, and regular use of Spanish). Individual results may vary based on motivation, previous experience, and personal effort.
What They’ll Be Able to Do by A2 (High-Beginner/Pre-Intermediate):
| Level | Skill Category | What Students Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Solid A2 High-Beginner / Pre-Intermediate | Speaking | Can handle short conversations about daily life, family, food, routines, preferences, schedules, and simple past/future ideas. Can ask and answer basic questions with growing confidence. |
| Listening | Understands slow, clear Spanish on familiar topics. Can follow homestay conversations, classroom instructions, and everyday interactions with some repetition. | |
| Reading | Can read simple texts such as short stories, menus, schedules, messages, signs, and beginner news articles. Understands the main ideas with some unknown words. | |
| Writing | Can write short paragraphs about personal experiences, daily routines, preferences, weekend activities, and future plans using present, past, and simple future structures. | |
| Real-Life Abilities | Can navigate markets, ask for help, talk to bus drivers, order food, set up appointments, participate in church activities, and communicate needs clearly in the community. |
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 on 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.
Request your personalized budget
At CISA, we understand that every student has a unique schedule and specific needs during their time with us. That’s why we create personalized budgets for each client. Please fill out the form below with your information, and our team will contact you shortly to provide a customized estimate and answer any questions you may have.
