Beaches
Do you prefer white, black, yellow, or red sand? Would you like to surf, ride horses, fish, or walk for miles on secluded beaches edged with jungle and dotted with wind-shaped driftwood? Costa Rica offers all of this and more! You can explore jungle paths where you might spot sloths, toucans, parrots, and monkeys, or witness thousands of sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
Accommodations range from luxury hotels to reasonably priced motels, basic seaside cabins, and even rustic beach camping options. We have several experienced beach travelers in the office who are happy to share recommendations. We encourage all our students to take the time to explore Costa Rica’s incredible natural beauty during their stay.
Recommended Books on Costa Rica
- APA Houghton Mifflin Publishers – Insight Guides: Costa Rica
- Barrientos, Zaidett & J. Monge Nájera – The Biodiversity of Costa Rica
- Bell, John – Crisis in Costa Rica: The 1948 Revolution
- Biesanz, Marvis, Richard & Karen – The Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica
- Blake & Belcher (eds.) – The New Key to Costa Rica
- Carr, Archie – The Windward Road: Adventures of a Naturalist on Remote Caribbean Shores
- Edelman, Marc & Joanne Kenan (eds.) – The Costa Rica Reader
- Frommer’s Publishers – Comprehensive Travel Guide to Costa Rica
- Ras, Barbara – Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion
- Tico Times Publishers – Exploring Costa Rica Guide
Business Hours
- Banks: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Offices: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
- Stores: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Bars: Typically open until 1 or 2 a.m.
- Restaurants: Many open 24 hours, but some may close between meal times.
Children in Costa Rica
Ticos (Costa Ricans) love children, and you will find them very welcoming. Whether you’re traveling with babies (especially fair-haired ones), or older children, you’ll often find that both men and women are sensitive to their needs, helping you with strollers or including children in conversation.
ILISA offers flexible classes for children ages 5 and up, which are generally less intensive than our adult programs. Nanny services are also available upon request. We will do our best to place your family with others of similar age. Costa Rica offers many child-friendly vacation spots, including beaches that are safe for kids to enjoy.
Class Schedules
Classes are available year-round, starting on any Monday (except for holidays). The typical schedule is as follows:
- Morning Classes: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a coffee break from 10 – 10:20 a.m.
- Afternoon Classes (for 6-hour/day program): 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., with a break from 2:10 – 2:20 p.m.
During peak months (June, July, and August), some students may have afternoon classes from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., though this is rare. Additionally, tutoring may be scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
New students will take a placement test on their first Monday. After checking in, students can wait in the ILISA terrace for their interview. The new schedules will be posted on the bulletin board in the entryway.
Climate
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine, but also a fair amount of rain. The rainy season typically runs from May to November, with rain mainly in the afternoon or evening. Mornings are usually sunny, but don’t forget an umbrella!
From December to May, the dry season brings slightly cooler temperatures (around 17°C/60°F at night and 25°C/78°F during the day). Be sure to pack sweaters for cool evenings or mountain trips. For the humid, tropical beach days, light cotton clothing is the most comfortable choice.
Computer Lab
ILISA provides students with free access to computers during school hours for internet browsing, email, and word processing.
Cultural Program
Our Cultural Program consists of lectures and activities each week, which are a great complement to your language learning experience. Participation is free and optional for all students. Activities typically begin after 3:15 p.m., allowing students to attend after classes.
Examples of activities include Latin dance lessons, lectures on Costa Rican culture, and more. To ensure we have enough space and resources, some activities may require prior sign-up. Be sure to check the details and sign up for a fun and enriching experience!
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