I was not sure what to expect when I arrived at the Costa Rica Learning Academy. But I know now. The immersion is tempered with English so you never feel overwhelmed as you learn. I enjoyed the school in San Jose. The teachers are knowledgable, dedicated, and gear the program to the needs of the individual. At the school the learning was more intense and focused. That is where I excelled and became more confident to challenge myself. For me, I could have done the entire program there, with afternoon excursions to different museums etc. But then i never would have experienced the diversity that is Costa Rica. This is where the Road Scholar guide is so important. A difficult job that flowed smoothly because of his expertise. Since the teachers travel with you, the learning continues in a variety of ways. And yes, I sang karaoke in Spanish! How can you not enjoy learning while watching a volcano shoot plumbs of steam or monkeys shouting in the treetops? I will take a more intense learning program, maybe at the beach one day! I learned, I played, I make friends and new "family" members. YES, kudos!

The Spanish language course in Costa Rica, is an excellent instructional program for anyone interested in improving their conversational skills. I found that the 10 day intensive curriculum helped me immensely. Mixing the instruction with touring opportunities in Costa Rica was really enjoyable. The teachers are experienced, energetic, and committed. The only real downside to the course is that the first four days are at the school's facility in San Jose. It's a nice facility and they fed us well besides, but spending 4 days in San Jose is sort of a waste of time when there are so many other more interesting places to visit in Costa Rica. I recommend moving the first 4 days to some other site with natural attractions.

My wife and I enjoyed the program, but it is not as intense as the discontinued Cuernavaca program. (We have done 6 other Elderhostel Spanish language programsn as well as several non-Elderhostel programs.) The instructors are young, well trained, and enthusiastic. The CRLA makes a great effort to make the program entertaining. The trips to the Arenal Volcano and Sarapiqui were worthwhile, although heavy rain precluded seeing much of the volcano area. Accommodations and meals were good. Overall, it is a well rounded language and sightseeing program -- relaxed Spanish review with an introduction to Costa Rica.