Spanish School or Private Teacher in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica? How to Choose

If you are in Santa Teresa and want to learn Spanish, you have two options: a Spanish school with group courses, or a private teacher who comes to you. Neither is better for everyone. It depends on how long you are staying, how you like to learn and how much of your day you want to spend in class.

I'm José Cardoza, a Costa Rican Spanish teacher. In 9 years I have taught more than 2,000 students, from 13 to 80 years old. This is an honest way to choose.

When a Spanish school suits you better

A school is a good fit if you want several hours of class every day, if you enjoy learning in a group with other students, and if you like a fixed course that starts on Monday and ends on Friday. Learning next to other people can be motivating, and the timetable decides for you.

When a private teacher suits you better

• You are here for a few days. You can start the day after you arrive, without waiting for a course to begin.
• Your plans change. Beach days, work calls or family plans move around, and private classes move with them.
• You want to go at your own pace. The class follows your level and your goals, not the group's.
• You prefer to learn where you are staying. I come to you, so you don't have to look for a classroom or a taxi.
• You are a couple, a family or two colleagues. Two people can share a class.

How my classes work

Classes are private, from A1 (complete beginner) to C2. In person, I come to your accommodation, or we meet at a café near you, in Santa Teresa, San Isidro, Mal País and Cóbano. Online, we meet on Zoom from wherever you are.

You can start in person here and keep going on Zoom when you go home, so the Spanish you started on your trip doesn't fade.

Prices

If you also want to see more of Costa Rica, there are packages that combine classes with an experience: Bioluminescence ($75: 2 classes and the night tour), Isla Tortuga ($99: 2 classes and the full-day trip) and Spanish + Massage ($89).

Cancelling and rescheduling

Let me know more than 12 hours before and we move the class to another day at no cost. With less than 12 hours' notice, it costs $13. If you cancel 4 hours or less before the class, or don't show up, the full class is charged.

How to choose in one minute

If you want long days of class in a group, look for a school. If you want classes that fit your plans, at your level and where you are staying, a private teacher is the simpler choice. And if you are not sure, try one class first.

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