cisa language school in Costa Rica
Has anyone attended Christian Immersion Spanish Academy (CISA) in Costa Rica. If so, what was your experience like there?
1 Answer
I studied at CISA for three weeks in January 2012. I highly recommend it. You have several options for the living arrangements such as a homestay (the families are marvelous!) or staying in the CISA house. The food that is provided by the homestay family for breakfast and for dinner and for lunch at the school is incredible - as the Ticos (Costa Ricans) say - rico! I recommend the homestay because you experience Costa Rican family life, and you are forced to think and speak Spanish 24-7.
Class sizes are small - you may be the only student or there may be another student with you. Multiple levels of instruction will be going on around you in different rooms. You will be placed appropriately for the level of Spanish instruction that you need.
My favorite part of the experience was getting to know the people themselves- the school's director and staff, the homestay family, and the people at the Voz Que Clama Mission Church. Attending the services are a highlight - what a great experience to worship with believers in another country!
The school is located in a very small rural community so it is very safe; everyone walks everwhere in Tuis. There is frequent bus transportation to the nearby towns. In addition, the school suggests and arranges for various outings in the area; be sure to take advantage of these - they were delightful slices of Costa Rican culture.
Studying at CISA was one of those events that you come away from knowing that your life has been changed forever. Experiencing "pura vida" (Tico expression for the pure life) lifeystyle of Costa Rica and the attentive care of the CISA staff was so special that it really is beyond words. You will find the primary contact person (April, a Canadian now living in Costa Rica) to be extremely helpful and willing to answer your questions.
