Why Pura Vida?

If you want to learn spanish in Costa Rica you first must learn about “pura vida.” It can be used as a greeting or as a goodbye, but it mostly applies to the Tico way of life. You can feel it as you ride the rapids of the magnificent Naranjo River, hold a conversation with an abuela about her favorite recipes, or watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the beach. It’s a feeling of community, a sense of pride, and a willingness to share. At the Pura Vida Language School we teach you the Spanish skills and share the cultural experiences that will have you experiencing pura vida like you never have before. Our veteran teachers and friendly staff are committed to providing a quality experience for each of our students, every step of the way. We make it easy to register on-line, prepare for your trip, learn Spanish in an exciting environment, and leave with the urge to visit us again. In essence, our name says it all.

The Pura Vida Language School exists today mainly because of the efforts of two people, joined by their determination to provide exciting education through adventure, culture, and language learning.

The Staff

Andrew Benbasset-Miller

I originally moved to Costa Rica from Boston to become an English teacher, learn Spanish, and escape the bitter cold of those New England winters for some sun in paradise. I worked at the local high school in Quepos and studied Spanish with a teacher I met named Pedro. As I practiced and learned, I became capable of communicating with people I never could have talked with before. Since then, my ability to interact meaningfully with so many more people has been a great confidence builder and a tool I look forward to using for the rest of my life.

In a way, I was the first student of the Pura Vida Language School. Pedro was my enthusiastic and experienced teacher. My extended time in the community allowed me to meet some of the exciting, intelligent, and kind people of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. And I made sure not to miss the once-in-a-lifetime experiences like learning to raft, surf, cook the local cuisine, and play beach volleyball. I want the Pura Vida Language School to encompass the best of what Costa Rica has to offer and provide the opportunity for each student to experience the same magical feeling I had in his/her unique way. As the school grows, our commitment to providing the highest-quality service at the lowest price will remain our true strength and unique advantage.

Pedro Cardonas

I always think that one of the most important things to be able to learn about a new culture is the language. It opens doors to another world and you learn to discover that the world isn’t very big and that every person that lives on this planet is different but in many ways similar. This is one of the things that gives me energy to teach students Spanish. I am learning the world and they are learning a little of our culture.