Costa Rican Language Academy CRLA
Costa Rican Language Academy CRLA
Costa Rican Language Academy CRLA
5
About
If you want to learn Spanish in Costa Rica, make sure that you will have an authentic cultural experience.If you wanted to study French in France, wouldn't you prefer that the school be owned by French people? Or if you studied German in Germany, wouldn't you choose a German-run school? The CRLA is one of the few schools completely owned and operated by Costa Ricans and all of our teachers and staff are native Spanish speakers. We will share our culture with you while you learn our language.Excellent resultsWe make sure that you are making the most of your stay and learning Spanish quickly and easily, no matter what your age, background or Spanish skills are. Our practical methodology , innovative books & intimate class size ensures excellent results. We will even offer you extra classes at no cost, if necessary, to ensure that you will achieve your language goals.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
70 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Joe W
Las Vegas, NV3 contributions
Dec 2020
As I am a little older, I was slightly apprehensive about trying to learn a new language; but I'm SO happy I did. The instructor Rodolfo was extremely patient and always in good humor. I explained my reason for wanting to speak Spanish and he tailored the instruction to my goals. We were given instruction books to study along with the verbal lessons.
The school is located in a very nice, safe suburb of San Jose and is close to lots of restaurants, transportation and they really adhere to safe and sanitary protocols with regard to Covid-19.
The facility itself is clean modern and has a very nice outdoor patio garden area as well. The staff was especially prompt and helpful in answering all my questions.
We were placed with a local family for accommodations - and it was inexpensive, clean and our hostess Yinette was friendly and a very good cook. This also gave us a chance to practice Spanish and do our homework in an immersive environment.
I was able to start basic conversations after the first few lessons for ordering food at restaurants and getting directions to get around.
Overall I highly recommend this experience not only to learn but also to travel around the country on the weekends. (Our classes were Monday to Thursday - so we had 3-day long weekends to travel and practice our Spanish).
So much more than just a vacation.
The school is located in a very nice, safe suburb of San Jose and is close to lots of restaurants, transportation and they really adhere to safe and sanitary protocols with regard to Covid-19.
The facility itself is clean modern and has a very nice outdoor patio garden area as well. The staff was especially prompt and helpful in answering all my questions.
We were placed with a local family for accommodations - and it was inexpensive, clean and our hostess Yinette was friendly and a very good cook. This also gave us a chance to practice Spanish and do our homework in an immersive environment.
I was able to start basic conversations after the first few lessons for ordering food at restaurants and getting directions to get around.
Overall I highly recommend this experience not only to learn but also to travel around the country on the weekends. (Our classes were Monday to Thursday - so we had 3-day long weekends to travel and practice our Spanish).
So much more than just a vacation.
Written 24 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BCEM_BAM
Fair Lawn, NJ19 contributions
Oct 2019
I took private lessons for just a few days. My teacher, Rodolfo, was extremely good. He clearly loves his job. In general the school is very good too: it is spacious, very well organized, and all staff members I met were very friendly. I am only sorry I couldn't spend more time there.
Written 17 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear BCEM BAM
So glad to know you had such a great time here at CRLA. We’ll make sure we share this review with don Rodolfo and the rest of our staff
If we can be of assistance with anything else, please let us know and looking forward to having you back here in the near future.
Have a great weekend!
Written 18 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kimjautze
The Hague, The Netherlands32 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
I’ve been to Costa Rica for the beautiful nature but also to improve my Spanish. The CRLA in San Jose is a very cosy yet profesional language school. They have devided the regular language learning levels in sub levels which makes it a perfect fit for every student. The teachers are professional and friendly and the classes are small, so you get a lot of attention and guidance.
Written 2 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kimjautze
Thank you very much for your review!
We are very glad to know that you enjoyed your time here at CRLA.
We look forward to having you back here in the near future and please let us know if we can be of assistance with anything.
Have a great weekend!
Written 3 April 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Byron A
Washington, DC91 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
I did several days of private lessons here and had a great experience! Evelyn and Rose were great teachers and I made a lot of progress. Hasta pronto!
Written 22 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George H.
6 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
I highly recommend going to the Costa Rican Language Academy in San Jose.
Recently, I attended the Costa Rican Language Academy because it is great place to learn the Spanish language from fantastic teachers, to participate in CRLA activities (as Latin dance), to meet students from other countries, to stay with one of their caring local families, and to get assistance in volunteering.
Also, I attended CRLA because I wanted to have a home away from home. And the wonderful staff at CRLA took care of me in many, many ways.
I chose to go to Costa Rica because it is very safe country to visit and because Costa Rica is full of amazing people. The people go out of their way to be nice. (Once I dropped a dollar bill on the floor of a coffee shop. The waitress ran a half block to return the money to me.)
On the weekends, I suggest that you travel to see the natural wonders of Costa Rica, as beaches, tropical plants, volcanoes, wild life, etc. You will find that Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world to visit.
If you want to become immersed into a Spanish program, I encourage you to enroll at CRLA. Believe me, you will love it and return again to CRLA as I did.
George Hartman
Beginning Spanish student
From Chapin, South Carolina, USA
Recently, I attended the Costa Rican Language Academy because it is great place to learn the Spanish language from fantastic teachers, to participate in CRLA activities (as Latin dance), to meet students from other countries, to stay with one of their caring local families, and to get assistance in volunteering.
Also, I attended CRLA because I wanted to have a home away from home. And the wonderful staff at CRLA took care of me in many, many ways.
I chose to go to Costa Rica because it is very safe country to visit and because Costa Rica is full of amazing people. The people go out of their way to be nice. (Once I dropped a dollar bill on the floor of a coffee shop. The waitress ran a half block to return the money to me.)
On the weekends, I suggest that you travel to see the natural wonders of Costa Rica, as beaches, tropical plants, volcanoes, wild life, etc. You will find that Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world to visit.
If you want to become immersed into a Spanish program, I encourage you to enroll at CRLA. Believe me, you will love it and return again to CRLA as I did.
George Hartman
Beginning Spanish student
From Chapin, South Carolina, USA
Written 24 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear George
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are very happy to hear that you had such a great experience at CRLA.
We loved that you felt at home and that you were able to enjoy everything we have to offer at our school and in Costa Rica.
Looking forward to having you back here in the near future.
Thanks and Pura Vida!!!
Written 2 January 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gospelgal1
Redding, CT8 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
My friend Eileen and I spent last week in San Jose and had an in incredible experience learning Spanish at CRLA. We were both interested in learning for different reasons but only booked 1 week as we were questioning whether at our ages (both 71) we would be capable of learning a language and if we would be comfortable as students. Much to our delight we not only learned a lot but we LOVED being with the younger students and felt very much at home. Boris, our teacher, was outstanding! He was so encouraging to everyone and his command of English was amazing. He knew all the nuances and helped us to express them in Spanish. Also, he was “divertido” and made the learning very enjoyable. We hope to come back next year, perhaps for 2 weeks as our schedules permit. Kudos to CRLA. The facility is beautiful and everyone we met on the staff was most accommodating and made us feel most welcome! Muchos gracias amigos!!
Written 8 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Gospelgal1
Thank you very much for your wonderful review!
So glad to know that Eileen and you had such a great experience here at CRLA. We'll shared it with Boris and the rest of our staff. They will be very happy and pleased
We look forward to having you and Eileen back here next year!
Have a great week!
Written 9 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ja2fttall
2 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
located very close to the mall so after classes we would go and apply the Spanish we learned as customers at the nearby mall.
Written 7 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jatu!
Thank you very much for your review!
We are very glad to hear that you were able to improve and practice your Spanish here at CRLA!
Looking forward to having you back here in the near future!
Written 9 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Azana
2 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
My experience at CRLA far surpassed my expectations. Not only were they able to masterfully place each student in a class based on an accurate skill level assessment, but the classes were small and personalized, all led by instructors who were invested in your growth. In addition, the school is such a beautiful and quaint place to study, feel comfortable, and meet wonderful new friends from around the world (not to mention the food is delicious). I grew so much in my Spanish speaking ability and I’m grateful for such a wonderful experience!
Written 25 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Azana,
Thank you very much for this wonderful review! We are very happy to hear that you had such a great experience at CRLA. We'll make sure we pass this review to everybody here at the school.
We look forward to having you back here in the near future and if we can be of assistance with anything else, please let us know!
Written 26 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Xin-Lee5
Boston, MA12 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
Overall CRLA is an exceptional program. It is well organized from the first inquiry to the day you leave. Their airport pick-up was easy and clear. They put me in the right language level class and I learned a lot! I enjoyed the dancing classes with Kevin and I attended one cooking class which was fun. I also went on a weekend trip to La Fortuna which was easy to do with the help of the front staff. The host family I was placed with were unbelievably wonderful. They were kind, I felt safe with them, and the food was amazing. They were located about 40min-1hr bus ride from the school which isn't uncommon for host families. My one complaint has nothing to do with the school but San Jose itself. Overall during the day it felt safe but as soon as the sun sets (around 5-6pm) it is a different place. I heard of 3 different students being mugged with weapons (no-one was hurt) at only 8-9pm and these happened while the students where transiting from one location to another on foot. If you use Uber, even if you have to go like 2 blocks, you should be okay, but just note, San Jose can be dangerous.
Written 8 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Xin-Lee5
Thank you very much for your review.
We are so glad to hear that you had such a great experience at CRLA. We’ll make sure we share it with our staff.
It is very important for us that our students learn and improve their Spanish to the max and that they enjoy and take advantage of our extracurricular activities (dance, yoga, cooking & conversation).
We also believe that the host families play a very important role, not only in the learning experience, but also in the culture immersion. So happy to hear that you enjoyed your host family.
Weekend trips are beautiful and definitely a very important part of the experience as a whole, because you get to see everything that Costa Rica has to offer.
Unfortunately, like many other major cities, people have to be careful in San Jose at night and avoid dark and lonely areas. This situation is very serious and is definitely a big concern.
Thanks again for taking the time to write this review and looking forward to have you back here at CRLA in the near future
Written 15 January 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maddi
13 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
I spent three weeks at this academy learning Spanish, and I loved it! They set me up in a Spanish speaking household, and helped me with all of my weekend travels. I had an amazing teacher there named Laura, and classes typically stay small enough to learn a lot. I went as a solo traveller and hope I can go back someday!
Can't say enough good things about this place! Only recommendation may be to take either Fridays or Mondays off so you have more time to adventure around Costa Rica.
Disclaimer** I actually went in 2014, but it wouldn't let me select further back.
Can't say enough good things about this place! Only recommendation may be to take either Fridays or Mondays off so you have more time to adventure around Costa Rica.
Disclaimer** I actually went in 2014, but it wouldn't let me select further back.
Written 10 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Madison!
Thank you very much for your review!
It means the world to us to know that after so long you still remember what a great experience you had a CRLA!
We would love to have you back here in the near future and please let us know if we can be of assistance with anything else.
Thanks again and have a great week!
Written 13 November 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am considering attending CRLA in San Jose in February 2020. I am an intermediate Spanish speaker. I am old and cranky about my hotel accomodations.
Question: What are the 4 and 5 star hotels nearest the academy?
StaffCRLA
San Jose, Costa Rica1 contribution
Hi Traveler1
I hope you are well!
There is a 4 star hotel very close by, about 1 block away. Hotel Boutique Jade in Barrio Dent. TripAdvisor doesn't let me put the website here, but you can check it out online.
Hope this helps.
Have a great week!
Joy S
8 contributions
Do you offer dancing class for family (2 adults, 5 year old and 2 year old) ?
StaffCRLA
San Jose, Costa Rica1 contribution
Thank you very much for your email.
Our Latin dance classes are part of our Spanish program, there are not open to the public. If your family is taking classes at CRLA, you can participate in all our extracurricular activities, (dance, yoga cooking) free of charge.
There will be other students taking the class as well. Since most of our students are adults, the children would need to be supervised at all times. I am not sure the class will be appropriate for a 2-year-old.
Hope this information helps and we would be happy to answer any other questions you might have.
Thanks and have a great week!
AHTrip2014
Omaha, NE1 contribution
Can I send a 16 year old by himself? It sounds like most students are college or adult? I wouldn't want him traveling alone on the weekend so.
StaffCRLA
San Jose, Costa Rica1 contribution
Hi AHTrip201
Thank you very much for your email.
We will be very happy to have your 16 year old at our school to take Spanish lessons. For him/her to come on their own, you only need to fill out a parents' consent in advance and send it to us.
However, during the weekends our students are on their own and we don’t necessarily know who they are travelling with.
We've had some 16 year olds in the past, but most of them have been here with a group from either their school, church or other organization.
I hope this information helps.
Please let me know if you have more specific questions and we'll be glad to answer them.
We look forward to having your son/daughter here at CRLA in the near future!
Thanks and have a great week!
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Claim your listingCOSTA RICAN LANGUAGE ACADEMY CRLA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rican Language Academy CRLA
- Hotels near Costa Rican Language Academy CRLA:
- (0.05 km) Hotel Casa Blanca Boutique 506
- (0.13 km) Boutique Hotel Jade
- (0.22 km) Apartotel Tairona
- (0.31 km) Casa Abierta B&B
- (0.35 km) The Garden Guesthouse
- Restaurants near Costa Rican Language Academy CRLA:
- (0.13 km) Restaurante Jurgen's
- (0.23 km) Olakino Cafe & Bistro
- (0.22 km) Na Praia Seafood & Raw Bar
- (0.18 km) LuvBurger
- (0.18 km) La Trattoria