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Once You Register
 As
soon as we receive your registration we will get in contact
with you to offer our assistance and support. Whether this
means help with your itinerary, advice on what to pack, or
suggestions on making flight reservations, we want to share
our knowledge of Manuel Antonio with you to make planning
easier. This is in conjunction with our philosophy of detailed
coordination and assistance for our students every step of
the way. When arranging your flights, plan on arriving in
San Jose no later than 2-3pm. Our driver will be waiting at
San Jose International airport holding a sign with your name
on it. He will drive you to the bus which will bring you directly
to M.A./Quepos. In Quepos, you will be personally greeted
and brought to your new home, hotel, or other lodging. If
arriving too late for the bus connection, you will need to
stay overnight in San Jose (we can help with arrangements)
or travel in a van or taxi to Manuel Antonio (this is expensive
but can be arranged as well). Either way, you will be met
at the airport and escorted hassle-free to where you need
to go.
Classes
Whether you’re a student in college, a professional
in the field, or a lifetime learner, our teachers provide
you with the tools and guidance you need to achieve and surpass
your goals.
Our teachers are the most experienced in the area. Headed
by Pedro Cardona, a Spanish teacher himself for over 10 years,
we are prepared to maximize your time here with activities
and exercises that reflect your level of proficiency and give
you the opportunity to learn more than you ever have before.
Our teaching methods connect language learning to real life
situations so that your new vocabulary skills are retained
and mastered quickly. Our small classes (no more than four
students) start at 8:30am and go until 10:30am when a snack
of fresh fruit and natural juices is provided. Class then
continues until 12:45pm. In the afternoon you are free to
participate in any of the activities we provide or have fun
on your own. Our teachers are interested in teaching you as
much as possible in the time you have while creating an enjoyable
atmosphere that will make this experience one to remember.
Living Arrangements
 One
of our great strengths is our Homestay Program. Ticos are
known for their warm welcoming spirit and nowhere is it more
apparent than in la casa. You will live in the home
of one of our selected families and made to feel immediately
welcome. Breakfast and dinner will be provided each day as
well as laundry service. You will be free to come and go as
you like and your right to privacy is always assumed and maintained.
Talking with your host family provides an excellent opportunity
to practice your Spanish and generate questions to bring back
to your next class. However, if you believe you would be more
comfortable in a rented apartment or hotel we will gladly
set one up for you. Our apartments are 100 meters away from
the school and there are many hotels nearby.
Cultural Activities
As a school that offers language and culture, we are pleased
to have available many activities for interested students
in a variety of fields. One night at the disco will give you
the urge to learn the proper salsa and merengue
steps and we have dance classes for our students in the evenings.
Students dreaming of the chance to catch waves on a surfboard
are also in luck. Glen Castro is a former surf champion of
Costa Rica and offers individual and group lessons to our
students at all ability levels. For those impressed with Costa
Rica’s tasty cuisine we provide an opportunity to learn
the secrets from a master. Glen’s grandmother Elida
once managed a restaurant by the beach, but now is content
with three tables in front of her house and good conversation
with anyone who stops by. She will teach you the secrets to
the comidas tipicas (typical foods) and point you
to her handmade sign, which reads “Cocino con amor”
(I cook with love).
 Costa
Rica is an outdoor adventurer’s dream with rivers, beaches,
mountains, and tropical rainforest packed into a relatively
small country of which over 27% is protected. Our home in
Manuel Antonio, on the central Pacific Coast, is famed to
be the perfect base from which to explore this rich biodiversity
and many natural attractions.
Among others, we offer rafting on the Naranjo and Savegre
Rivers, tours of Manuel Antonio National park, Kayaking and
Boat tours of the Mangrove Estuary at Damas Island, Ocean
Kayaking in the Pacific Ocean, horseback riding, canopy tours,
etc. Although not included in the tuition fees, these tours
are available through the Pura Vida Language School at prices
you can’t get anywhere else.
Exclusive Discounts
Whether you’re going out to eat for the best food in
town, trying your hand at the world class fishing, kayaking,
white water rafting, or watching the sunset from the pool
bar of an elegant hotel, you will receive exclusive discounts
and special offers because you are a student at the Pura Vida
Language School. This is due to our long time experience in
Quepos and Manuel Antonio and the many friendly relationships
we have developed with local businesses. There is no better
way to experience everything the area has to offer!
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