General Information on ILISA FAQ

1. How many years has ILISA been in business?
2. What is ILISA’s Mission?
3. What is ILISA’s approach to language training?
4. Can you tell me something about ILISA’s facilities?
5. What is the size of the school in terms of number of students?
6. Where is ILISA located?
7. What else can you tell me about San Pedro?

1. How many years has ILISA been in business?
   ILISA was founded in 1987. We have many years of experience in teaching and have a reputation of being a school with a personal and professional approach that allows students to have both a rewarding and enjoyable time learning Spanish.
2. What is ILISA’s Mission?
   From the beginning, ILISA’s mission has been clear: to let you reach your learning goals by creating the ideal conditions in which to learn.
3. What is ILISA’s approach to language training?
   Our group classes are limited to a maximum of four students and our private, one-on-one, classes offer tailor-made programs. At ILISA, we use a communicative approach rather than a ‘method’. This approach creates a dynamic classroom atmosphere and encourages students to speak as much as possible. You will be able to use your new language skills immediately, both in- and outside the classroom.
4. Can you tell me something about ILISA’s Facilities?
   In addition to our excellent location, our brand new facilities, which were built with the student in mind, are unmatched by any language school in the region. Unlike most schools, our classrooms are purpose-built for small groups, providing optimum conditions for a language school. Our classrooms have an abundance of natural light, are well-ventilated and comfortably furnished.
   The entrance level contains the reception desk, administrative offices, a teacher’s planning area, a large lobby with a skylight, an interview room for entrance exams and private conferences with our staff members. The interview room also serves as a classroom for students who have difficulties in climbing stairs.
   The next level houses classrooms, a library for student use, a computer lab with space for four computers and a meeting room for teachers. The library houses our ever growing collection of books, Spanish language newspapers, and other resources for students. Students who are looking for a quiet study area can head there after class. Computers are equipped for writing e-mail, for general use, and for building Spanish skills using multi-media CD-ROM Spanish programs. This is a particularly convenient way for students who need to keep up with business at home while they’re studying.
   The top floor houses two additional classrooms, the marketing director’s office and the director’s office. We put excellent insulation in the roof to keep these classrooms and offices cool and comfortable.
   In addition, our facilities feature an ample terrace area and a full service restaurant, Entre Amigos, with a great view of the surrounding area. Students can often be found on the terrace, relaxing after classes, chatting with other students, reading the newspaper or doing homework. With over a 100 square meters (1,000 sq. ft.) of terrace we have ample space for gathering before, between and after classes as well as for certain cultural activities such as musical events and dance classes. Since many schools operate from converted homes, you can’t take such amenities for granted. Our combination of a comfortable study environment and a convenient location offers you the ideal circumstances for serious yet enjoyable language study.
5. What is the size of the school in terms of number of students?
   We receive about 700 students a year. During the high season (June-August) there are about 90 students here at one time while during the off season (all other months of the year) on average there are 35 students at one time.
6. Where is ILISA located?
   ILISA is located in San Pedro, an eastern suburb of San José. It’s about 15 minutes by bus to downtown. Since Costa Rica’s main university is also located in San Pedro (and buses are the primary means of transportation for students) buses to downtown pass by every 5 to 10 minutes. There is also a lot of bus traffic from buses passing through San Pedro on the way to suburbs farther east of San Jose.
7. What else can you tell me about San Pedro?
   San Pedro is also a very dynamic commercial area, both in retail as well as office space. Since it’s one of the oldest residential areas, it has a lot of big houses with nice gardens that are converted to office space. ILISA is located about 4 blocks (400 meters) from the main avenue in a quiet residential area. ILISA is located on a hillside and has a wonderful view of the mountains in the south as well as part of the city. One of the largest malls in Central America (about 80.000 m2) is located 7 blocks from our school. Apart from many retail outlets it features a 5 screen cinema, restaurants,banks and a popular nightclub. San Pedro offers all the goods and services you will need during your time here so you don’t even have to go San José except to take advantage of the cultural opportunities and a few lively night spots. Due to the university’s vicinity, we have an ample choice of restaurants for every budget and taste with musical performances in some of them during the weekends. You can get a decent lunch starting at $4 or go ‘expensive’ with a great lunch/dinner for no more than $15 (including aperitif and dessert). Also, the University is a constant hub of activity with two theaters that show different ‘art’ films every day, weekly concerts and dance performances. The Universidad Latina also has concerts with some of the best Costa Rican bands and excellent foreign groups playing nearly every weekend.