F.A.Q.

Frecuentely Asked Questions

Where is the school?
It is located in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, in Tabarcia a safe and quiet middle class community 45 km. west of downtown. Just two hours from the beach.

Are all the students missionaries?
Most are, but we also receive non-missionary students.

Do the teachers speak English?
Most understand English and can communicate simple ideas, though English is not used in teaching.

What textbooks does the school use and what are they like?
The school's textbooks are unique to the school. They are produced by the school and are of high quality.

What methods does the school?
In the first weeks of the course, THE AUDIOLINGUAL method is used. Later, THE VISUAL METHOD is also used, and after that, THE WRITTEN METHOD is included. In others words, all known methods are used according to the needs of the student.

Is there orientation before the beginning of the course?
Yes. Before beginning classes, a general orientation is given.

How long before I'll be able to speak Spanish well?
To speak very well, the complete one-year course is required. Depending on the capacity and interest of the student, much can be learned in 30 weeks. The school recommends the full one-year course  with 20 lessons per week.

How does Costa Rican Spanish compare with others Latinamerican countries?
For its geographic position and historical reasons. Costa Rica has a more universal Spanish than many of the other countries in Latin America.

Will I receive official recognition for the course?
For 15 or 30 weeks of study, the student receives an official letter that states the months of study and his grade. For a year of study, the student receives the official letter and a diploma of participation.

What requirements must I meet to study at your school?
Basically, there are no requirements. You may have much or no previous knowledge of Spanish, be 18 or as old as 90, and be a missionary or not a missionary. The only requirement is to a have a desire and motivation for learning Spanish.

What is San José like?
The greater San José area contains 2 million persons. It is similar to any other principal cities among the world nations with positive and negative aspects. However, it has a near perfect, year-round climate: not too hot, not too cold.

What modes of transportation exist?
In San José, as in the whole country, there are busses that go everywhere at a very low cost. City fares vary from $0.25 to $.0.50. Country fares vary from $0.85 to $2.25. There are also taxis, who charge about $0.75 for the first mile and about $0.45 for each mile after the first.

Does the school arrange housing for students?
Yes. A three bedroom apartment or house rents for $300 to $600 depending on the furnishings and others factors. A deposit of one-month's rent is required.

How much should I expect to spend per month?
This depends on many factors and varies from person to person, but for most, costs will be comparable to the U.S.A.. Some things are cheaper, some things are more expensive.

What vaccinations are necessary?
None are needed for San José. Check with your local health department concerning the lower, hotter coastal areas.

In Costa Rica a safe place to live?
In general, Costa Rica is much more calm and safe than other Latin American
countries.

Is there a dress code?
No. The students should feel free to dress comfortably. No special clothing is needed because the climate is spring-like, but a sweater or light jacket would be helpful for cool nights. In San José, the temperature varies from night lows of 60F, to day highs of 85F. Coastal temperatures reach the 90's.

Are there medical facilities?
There are many and they are very good.

Is there anything special that we should take?
Just about everything is available, at higher prices.

What about money?
Most students bring some cash and travelers checks. ATM debit cards will work in most banks here in Costa Rica. This is the best way to change money for cash. BANKS WILL NOT ACCEPT PERSONAL CHECKS OR CASHIERS CHECKS! Visa and Mastercard is widely accepted also.

What about visas?
Just enter the country with your passport, and then the school will care for the necessary visa, depending on your stay.

Your address and phone number?
Escuela de Español Dalfa, Apdo. 015-6100, San José, Costa Rica, Ciudad Colón, América Central.  Phone/Fax: (506) 418 8280,  E-mail: dalfad@ice.co.cr

How long is each course?
Each course lasts a year and is divided into three periods of 15 weeks each, with two-week breaks between each period. The initial months of each period are January, May, and September.

There are also courses that last four weeks.

Do all students have to study the full one-year course?
No. Some only study 15 weeks, others study two periods of 15 weeks, but most study the full course. It all depends on the needs of each person. The school recommends the full one-year course. 

What is the school's schedule?
There are two segments during the day: 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.. In each segment the student receives four lessons each day. The lessons are 45 minutes long. Classes are Monday through Friday, except for national holidays.

What subjects are taught?
Each day the students receives a Spanish grammar lesson, a Spanish practice lesson, a Spanish conversation lesson, and a Spanish phonetics lesson.

How can I send the $500 quickly and safely?