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Affiliated to:
West Coast University
of Panama.

"The language course at El Paraiso was not my first Spanish course, but by far the best. I studied Spanish in Austria, Mexico and Cuba, but I never learnt nearly as much as I did in my conversation class with Carlos. The teachers are all extremely nice, helpful and make learning great fun. Studying surrounded by nature also helps to make the most out of your time, too. I can recommend this school without reservations."
Marie Trappl, Austria

"Not a day goes by that I do not think about my many wonderful adventures in Costa Rica! Participating in Spanish with my home stay family and in class was the best learning experience My time with the school and my amazing family was as close to being Costa Rican as I could get without moving there permanently. The school's staff was so upbeat, and made learning fun. I look at my class notebook, and see all the things we covered. I'm still stunned at how much we covered. Our special conversation classes, cooking, dancing and surf lessons -pushed my language skills more than I thought possible. My friends and coworkers are stunned by the change in my ability to converse in Spanish - all because of El Paraiso School ! I know that I will be returning!"
Barbara Harmony, USA

"I had a great experience with the El Paraiso school. I found the teachers to be very knowledgeable and accommodating to each student's needs. Even though I was there for a short time, the environment was very welcoming and I immediately felt part of the El Paraiso family."
Elizabeth Embry, USA

"Watch the real-life video of our fun and exciting experience in Costa Rica and the photo-gallery of our entire trip"
Nikki and Dusty Green, USA"

"For those seeking excellent Spanish language courses in a beautiful country with the most kind people, look no further than El Paraiso. Professors are thorough and patient, and offer engaging verbal, listening and written instruction. Courses outside the classroom were extremely enjoyable and an excellent way to practice Spanish while participating in the Tico culture. As a homestay student, my family was overly generous with their food (which is amazing) and hospitality, I look forward to returning to their house many times in the future. Gorgeous beaches and wildlife are extra bonuses to studying in Quepos. Overall, my experience at the school surpassed expectations. Not only did I came away with a high level of Spanish comprehension, but the people and events which accompanied my studies are true life treasures."
Kathleen Wood, USA

"I like the El Paraiso School very much because of several things! One, is directly in the forest and for that reason during the day monkeys Mono Titi and White face, iguanas and many pretty birds can be seen! The professors are very friendly and after couple of days one feels like a part of the family and can ask anything! They always helped me with any problem! I also liked the activities, such the class of cooking and class of surf very much!"
Clemens Binkele, Germany

"I have nothing but positive things to say about El Paraiso. The family I lived with was wonderful...they did their best to make me feel at home. The classes themselves were exactly what I needed, tailored to my level and giving me the confidence I needed to use my Spanish more effectively. Furthermore, the one-on-one sessions made efficient use of the short time I stayed at the school."
Kristine Sykes, Canada

"I have spent four weeks at El Paraiso School and every day of these four weeks has been a great experience. I did not only learn the spanish language, but also the traditions and other interesting things about Costa Rica. If i had the chance to go there again I would do it immediately!"
Sina Foster, Germany

"Althought I was not a student at EL Paraiso School in Manuel Antonio for very long, I have to say that it was very easy to feel like a part of the family. The instructors were all friendly and tailored the spanish lessons to the level of the students. We had class outside in outdoor cabana type huts so we were exposed to the smells and nature all around us. At one point, we even stopped class to go and check out a sloth that was hanging from a tree. All of this made the learning environment intimate and comfortable. I am greatly looking forward to returning to El Paraiso to continue with my spanish lessons."
Vanessa Hutchinson, USA

"I loved my two weeks at El Paraiso. The school is set in the jungle, squirrel monkeys came by and ate bananas out of our hands. The director, Pedro Luis, was enormously helpful about every aspect of our trip beginning with picking us up at the airport. My teacher Dmitri was sharp as a tack. The Cortes family made us feel a part of their home, and Jessenia is a marvelous cook. "
Peter Silverman, USA

"The setting: Most places one travels don't live up to the hype or the pictures. On El Paraiso's brochure, they have a picture of students learning in a classroom outdoors, taking place in kiosks. The setting of the school is beautiful. Learning outdoors, is much better than being cooped up in a traditional classroom. Quepos and Manuel Antonio were nice places as well. The one disappointing thing about Quepos and Manuel Antonio was that all the stores, restaurants, and businesses speak perfect English. That's great for tourists, but not so good for those of us trying to use our Spanish. However, I simply refused to speak English in the stores. Even though they would speak English, I continued to use Spanish and asked them if they would speak Spanish to me. They all obliged.
The teachers and the staff: The nice things about the El Paraiso teachers and staff are that They all have very different and varied types of personalities and teaching styles. It really is impossible to get bored. My plan was originally to come for three months. I was only able to stay for one. I can't believe how quickly the time flew. I could have easily stayed there and not have ever gotten homesick or bored. Also the teachers and staff interacted with the students on a personal level. Many of the teachers and staff are the same age or just a little older than most of the young students who come. Of course I was much older than all the students, teachers, and staff. But I know that I and the other students enjoyed going out to restaurants, clubs, and bars with them. It was fun.
The program: I think the program was perfectly balanced. In other words, the academic program was rigorous enough to challenge the student, but not so rigorous that the student doesn't have time enough to enjoy life in Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
The home stay: At first I was thinking of living in a hotel because of my age. Being a little older, I think I have a tendency to be a little fussy and cranky. However, I can't begin to tell you how glad I am that I chose the home stay. The family was absolutely fantastic. In fact, we had all become so close that it was emotionally traumatic for me to leave. I'm sure we will be friends for life.
I just can't believe how quickly my time at school flew. I will miss everyone; the students, teachers, staff, home stay family, and friends I made in the towns."
Dr. John Carlini, USA

"I've honestly got to admit, that I had no specific reason for chosing THIS school, but definetly don't regret my choice. In the contrary, I had a lot of contact to other students from other schools in Manuel Antonio and believe that my school was or is the best in the region. From the very beginning, this school was more than a school to me; it felt like family. Many activities and meetings were held with the teachers, and their incredible engagement and care ( especially my teacher, Carlos ) were the reason for my feelings. The organisational skills of the director, Pedro, were incredible and definetly contributed to my outstanding view of this school.
It can be difficult to find your way around Costa Rica, therefore you have got to rely on good connections and friends, wherever you are, especially whilst traveling for a longer period of time. Whether you’re looking for a reliable doctor, buying a surfboard, without being ripped off, gaining insight into the nightlife, or last but not least, receiving help with the organisation of a voluntary internship, the school was helpful in every possible way. The classes are exceptional and personal problems with teachers don’t exist, due to a staff rotating system, if you stay longer than a week. Student’s special wishes and ideas were encouraged and nothing seemed impossible.
The final and most convincing aspect of the school ( especially for people who don’t like air conditioning ) is the incredible atmosphere under roofs in the middle of the park-like setting, amidst iguanas and monkeys!
The adventure started here........"
Aram Sander, Germany

El Paraiso Spanish School Km 1, via Manuel Antonio, M.Antonio. Tel: + 506-2777-4681 Fax:+ 506-2777-1048 Mail: P.O. Box 6350-317 Quepos, C.R.

Canada Contact El Paraiso Spanish School Tel: + 519-747-1627

escuela@study-spanish-cr.com