Why is it important to know Spanish as a speech-language pathologist?

As a speech-language pathologist, you support people who have challenges with communication. Spanish is one of the three most widely spoken languages in the world, along with English and Chinese. Because of this, you’re likely to work with clients who speak Spanish as their first language. No matter your specialty, knowing Spanish can be a valuable asset in your career. It provides an advantage over monolingual colleagues and strengthens your ability to connect with clients. Learning a new language also deepens your understanding of the culture, which can enhance your relationships with Spanish-speaking clients.

Speech Language Professionals like you encounter more Latino patients every day. Are you prepared to provide your community’s Spanish speakers with the services they need?

ILISA Costa Rica now offers a more flexible opportunity to meet the growing demand for Spanish language skills. Join our professionally oriented Spanish course, available year-round, designed to help you:

• Learn Spanish while immersing yourself in Latin American culture
• Receive instruction tailored to the vocabulary needs of your specific profession
• Participate in technical and cultural presentations relevant to your field
• Exchange experiences with local professionals and observe real-world situations within your industry
• Volunteer at local special education schools alongside Costa Rican Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
• Earn college credits for Spanish coursework through St. Petersburg College (Florida)

This program is an ideal way to enhance your language skills while gaining valuable professional experience.

Program Features

• Spanish Classes: Receive private one-on-one instruction or join small groups of up to 4 students at your proficiency level, taught by the best Spanish instructors in Costa Rica. In addition to enhancing your general Spanish skills, intermediate and advanced students will focus on vocabulary, terms, and phrases essential for education, assessment, intervention, and training families, clients, and colleagues. Beginners will concentrate on developing foundational language skills.
• Professional Visits: Explore local schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and clinics, offering a unique opportunity to gain insight into the rehabilitation infrastructure of a Latin American country.
• Cultural Activities: Participate in enriching cultural experiences, including Latin dance and cooking classes, theater and museum visits, nonverbal communication workshops, and country-specific lectures.
• Accommodations: Stay with a carefully selected Costa Rican host family, which includes breakfast, dinner, and laundry service for an authentic cultural immersion.
• Optional Weekend Trips: Take advantage of optional weekend excursions to Costa Rica’s most stunning beaches and national parks, providing a perfect balance of learning and leisure.

The Outcome of This Rewarding Experience

Your Spanish language skills will improve significantly, no matter your starting level. By the end of the program, you’ll be better equipped to serve Latino patients and their families with increased cultural sensitivity and knowledge.

You will enhance your listening and reading comprehension, enabling you to communicate more effectively with Spanish-speaking clients. Additionally, you’ll gain experience in engaging in both family and professional conversations and become familiar with written materials in Spanish.

Instructors

With years of experience delivering high-quality instruction, the course content is taught by the highly qualified and skilled teaching staff at ILISA Costa Rica.

Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of attendance, which includes the program syllabus and total contact hours.

For those interested in earning Spanish college credits, this can be arranged through St. Petersburg College (Florida).

Dates & Costs

Previously offered as a single 3-week session each year, this program is now available year-round to better accommodate student schedules and increasing demand. You can now register with ILISA and start classes on any Monday throughout the year, providing greater flexibility to meet your needs.

The program fees are aligned with those of our Group 4 PLUS course or One-on-One tuition, with an additional $150 surcharge. This surcharge helps cover the coordination of professional visits with local counterparts and includes a small donation to one of the schools we collaborate with.

All private tuition can be customized to address your specific professional needs, ensuring you leave ILISA with the skills and knowledge to effectively serve your Latino clients. Additionally, online instruction is available before and after your program in Costa Rica.

Not sure if ILISA’s program is the right fit for you? Check out reviews and testimonials from former students here to help you make an informed decision!

Contact Us

• Email: spanish@ilisa.com
• Phone (Costa Rica): +506 2280 0700
• Phone (U.S.): 1-727-230-0563