The Faces of ILISA Our amazing teachers and Staff!
Our teachers
Our teachers are the backbone of our program and our walking credentials. We couldn’t be prouder of their skills, their background and their professionalism.
Here, take a more personal glimpse–beyond their already well-established talent in the classroom–into the lives of our fascinating friends and find out which teacher:
- has a penchant for practical jokes?
- has the most secret admirers?
- knows something about practically everything?
- as a degree in tourism?
- Can tell you how to build a dream house?
Browse through the following pages for pictures and bios of some of the people who keep ILISA electric!
Carlos Rojas has been with us since 1990. Although his original studies are archaeology and cultural anthropology, teaching is what he likes to do most. He holds a master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a second language from Universidad de Costa Rica.~ Even when Carlos passed away in July 2020, he is and will always be, part of ILISA.
~”ILISA has many strengths, none more important than the flexibility of the teaching staff. Carlos Rojas teaches Spanish, but it’s his professionalism and willingness to tailor classes to the needs of the student that makes him and ILISA special. … More Kay Wineforder, United States
Tatiana Marenco has a Bachelor degree in History and Spanish. She has been with us since 1997 and has been teaching a lot of students here at ILISA. Prepare yourself for a lot of talking, because this is the way Tatiana teaches Spanish to her students.
~”I felt excited to come to class each day because Tatiana expressed interest in the topics I enjoyed discussing. She is great! Professional, friendly, helpful, supportive – I felt Tatiana was genuinely interested in helping me learn …More“~ Bill Clements, United States
Edy Calore has been at ILISA since 2012 teaching Italian and Spanish. She started teaching English and Italian in her native Venezuela in 1980 after getting a degree in languages and pedagogy . Since then, hundreds of students of all ages have enjoyed her dynamism and enthusiasm in each class, her sweet personality and charisma make her one of the favorite teachers at ILISA.
~”She was an amazing teacher . When I return to Ilisa someday, I would be very honored to be her student again! Edy Calore is one of my favorite teachers of all time! Ilisa is so fortunate to have someone so hard working and dedicated” more
Ligia Bogantes has been a Spanish professor at ILISA since 1987 and has a career of more than 28 of teaching Spanish. She studied Spanish philology and Spanish teaching at the University of Costa Rica. She is one of our funniest professors who likes to spend her free time reading, going to the movie theatres and learning about new cultures.
~“ She is a wonderful teacher with a very positive attitude, very professional and also fun and informative, warm, relaxed and very conductive to learning.”~ …More
Ofelia Nikolova, United States
Elizabeth Robles is one of the student’s favorite professor, maybe because she enjoys teaching so much. She studied Spanish philology at the University of Costa Rica. Elizabeth is an amazing professor and a lady who you can discuss any topic of your interest with. She loves sports and has been running for more than 25 year. She also loves animals and is a vegetarian.
~“ Elizabeth is an absolute pleasure to learn from. She is very patient with me and, as I requested, she corrects minor errors that I make as we converse.…More Brandon Pierpont, United States
Gustavo Barquero is well known for being extremely patient, he loves to work with beginner students and you will always see him with a smile in his face more
Our guides
As part of our group programs, we organize one day and weekend excursions to the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. For these excursions we have the privilege to offer an outstanding guidance from knowledgeable and official guides.
Ana María Rodríguez has been our guide from 2012 and as a biologist, she can deeply inform you about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica without hesitation, Ana María has guided not only regular tours but business excursions to companies and more.
Paul Valverde has been our guide since 2016, he is one of the most charismatic and enthusiastic person we know, always smiling and making students enjoy every minute of their time in Costa Rica. Paul is extremely knowledgeable and his perfect English help students understand all details related to the trip more
Our Amazing Staff
In order to get acquainted with everybody as quickly as possible, please ‘meet’ our office staff.
Julio Salas is our young and energetic director. He has already accumulated 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and holds a master’s degree in engineering plus a master’s degree on Business administration from the prestigious INCAE Business school. Julio is very proud of offering a high quality learning experience to each and every student at ILISA and successfully works towards maintaining ILISA as the best Immersion Program in Costa Rica since its inception in 1987. Although his parents are from Panama, Julio is as tico as the gallo pinto and enjoys getting to know the students, is passionate about computers and and finding new business opportunities.
Hellen Rojas is our program director, she is charge of marketing and design of new programs either for individuals or groups, including all the aspects involved in the execution and logistics. You will meet her as soon as you arrive to ILISA, her office is in the first floor and the door is always open for students who want to chat or need help.
Yorlieth Aguilar (call her Yor, it is easier!) is ILISA´s enrollment coordinator, she will assist you with your registration in our program including all your questions before arrival, and once in Costa Rica, with any questions about the city, tours we have, how to travel by bus, the country itself, money exchange and payments. She is extremely organized and is the smiling first face you see as soon as you open the door. Yorlieth enjoys a lot going to the gym and learning new languages.
Silvia García is our well known cuban dance teacher, Silvia was born in la Habana and since she was 5 years-old she started dancing ballet. As a professional dancer she has participated in many shows and dance professional groups in Cuba as in Costa Rica. Silvia is our teacher since 2012 and it is impossible to forget if you took a class with her, she is 100% pure energy and even if you have 2 left foot, you will learn something in her classes. Students as you can see in the pictures absolutely love her! more
Tano is the person that will pick you up at the airport. He will provide you your first information and bring you to your accommodation. He is very sympathetic.
Manuel Brenes is ILISA’s accountant since August 2002, you will see him around helping students every time they need it. He Enjoys playing football, basketball and spend time in the mountains and also he is a great dancer!. In the mountains, his favorite activity is trout fishing
Gabriela Zuñiga is our sweet ILISA’s housekeeper, she works hard to keep the building immaculately clean….in fact, its been known for the spotless glass doors in the office to sometimes cause us problems!
