Expanish: Intensive Spanish Language (Summer) Costa Rica

Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction:	Spanish	Click here for a definition of this term Class Status:	1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior, 5-grad student, 6-other
Housing Options:	Dormitory, Homestay	Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study:	Spanish
Program Type:	Study Abroad	Minimum GPA:	2.5

Study Abroad for a Month in Costa Rica

Pura Vida meets real Spanish progress.

Enjoy the beautiful beach of Samara while improving your Spanish. As the perfect place for a short-term study abroad program, you can't go wrong choosing to learn Spanish abroad in Costa Rica.

Intensive Spanish Study

Improve your Spanish fast with 24 contact hours per week. Local professors tailor lessons to your level and goals.

Life in Costa Rica

Life here is all about Pura Vida. Enjoy your time to the fullest, all while living a relaxed, tranquil day to day.

Credit You Can Use

Earn up to 6 U.S. university credits in one month. Courses are accredited and designed to meet U.S. higher ed standards.

Afternoon Classes, Morning Adventures

Classes run in the afternoon, leaving mornings free for beach time, surfing, and exploring Samara.

Spanish Credits & Courses

Academic Breakdown

You'll take one Intensive Spanish Language course at the Expanish Study Center in Samara. Classes are held Monday through Friday, totaling 24 contact hours per week, from 2:30 to 6:30 PM.

6Total US Credits

24Contact Hours per Week

Mon-FriClass Days

4Weeks

Academic Structure

Course components:

20 hours of General Spanish, building practical skills in grammar, conversation, listening, reading, and everyday communication
4 hours of Intensive Academic Writing, focusing on essay structure, argument development, formal language, and grammatical accuracy

Courses are offered at Elementary, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, and Advanced levels, so this program works for students who want to move beyond basic conversation and prepare for upper-level coursework in Spanish.

Program Eligibility

Open to students of all levels, from beginner to advanced
No prior Spanish required, placement testing determines your course level
Full-time enrollment across coursework required for the program term
Official transcripts issued for all coursework completed

Transfer Credit

Expanish partners with a U.S. school of record, guaranteeing easy transfer credit to your home university
Official transcripts issued for all coursework completed
Coursework is designed for straightforward transfer to U.S. institutions

Explore Samara & Our School

A beach town classroom.

Spanish courses meet in the afternoons, leaving your mornings free for beach time, surfing, and exploring Samara before class.

IONA Cafe School

Classes meet at our local study center in central Samara, where you can return to practice with locals and classmates outside class hours.

Native Teachers

All of our Spanish professors are locals and natives, focused on real daily usage and practical communication skills.

Morning Adventures

Hikes to secret beaches, dance classes, yoga sessions, and welcome tours run mornings before Spanish classes.

Student Housing

Homestay in Samara

Our school in Costa Rica offers an immersive homestay experience, so students are guided by locals and offered an especially immersive introduction to the community. For detailed program fee information, visit our Costa Rica Intensive Month program page.

Homestay

Stay with a Costa Rican host family and enjoy true cultural immersion from the moment you arrive. Ideal for students who want to practice Spanish every day while enjoying a welcoming, authentic home atmosphere.

Single room or double room
Shared bathroom (used by the family and/or other students)
Half board (breakfast and dinner) every day
In and around Samara, reasonable distance from school
You live with a local Costa Rican family, couple, single host, or household, with or without children, and possibly other students

Hear From Our Students

Pura Vida, unforgettable memories.

"I love the environment created by the people working there, everyone was very sweet and welcoming. I loved coming to Expanish after class to eat or do homework."

Sarah MarinUniversity of California

"Truly the best experience and was more than I could've ever imagined. An amazing and unforgettable experience that you will not regret at all."

Jake HolguinUSA

"One of my favorite parts about studying abroad was living with my host family. Expanish did a really good job pairing me and my friend with them."

Broc RenicksUniversity of Mobile, Alabama

Plan Your Summer

Dates & Fees

Term	Dates	Duration	Credits
Summer	Late May - Late June	4 Weeks	6

For confirmed application deadlines and full program fees, visit our Dates & Fees page. Scholarships available: see our Financial Aid page.

Good to Know

FAQs About Studying Spanish Abroad in Costa Rica

Why learn Spanish in Samara instead of a big city?

Samara offers a quieter, more immersive setting where students can practice Spanish daily in a close-knit community.

What is the lifestyle like during a summer in Samara?

It's relaxed and outdoors-focused, with time spent between classes, the beach, and local activities.

Is Samara good for beginners learning Spanish?

Yes, the slower pace and friendly environment make it ideal for building confidence.

What activities can I do outside of class?

Students often enjoy surfing, yoga, and exploring nearby nature.

How immersive is the experience in a small beach town?

Very immersive. Students interact with locals regularly, which helps reinforce language learning.

Ready to make Samara your summer?

Submit your application, then get accepted and pack your bags.

Apply Now

Questions? We're Here.

Contacts

Study Abroad Programs Manager

Lily Judge

Applications, enrollment, and general program questions for the Costa Rica Intensive Month program.

lily.judge@expanish.com

Costa Rica Study Center
250 Oeste Banco Nacional, 50205 Samara, Costa Rica

USA Phone
+1 202 600 9810

General Inquiries
expanish.com/contact-spanish-school

Programs : Brochure