Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [50]
Amerispan Study Abroad (in USA & Canada 800-879-6640; www.amerispan.com) A variety of educational programs, as well as volunteer placements and medical Spanish.
Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano (Map; 2207-7500; www.cccncr.com; Calle 37, north of Av Central, Los Yoses) A large school with Spanish courses, though it operates mainly as an English school for Ticos.
Costa Rican Language Academy (Map; 2280-1685, in USA 866-230-6361; www.learn-spanish.com) In addition to Spanish, they offer cooking and dance.
Institute for Central American Development Studies (2225-0508; www.icads.org; Curridabat) Month-long programs with and without homestays are combined with lectures and activities focused on environmental and politicals issues.
Instituto Británico (Map; 2225-0256; www.institutobritanico.co.cr; Calle 41 btwn Avs Central & 8, Los Yoses) A good spot for teacher-training and corporate instruction.
Personalized Spanish (off Map; 2278-3254; www.personalizedspanish.com; Tres Ríos) Like the name implies, private classes that cater to your needs.
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COURSES
The most popular course of study is Spanish (see boxed text, above). While many of these academies can arrange cooking and dance lessons, you can improve your dance moves on your own at Merecumbé (www.merecumbe.net), a chain of studios that will get you grooving to everything from salsa to waltz. Most courses are for locals, but some sessions are geared at foreign travelers. Schedules vary; call ahead.
The company has various studios, though, unfortunately, nothing in downtown. See these nearby locations:
Merecumbé Escazú (Map; 2289-4774, 8884-7553; cnr Av 3 & Calle Cortés, Escazú)
Merecumbé Guadalupe (2234-7000; Centro Comercial Uniplaza, Guadalupe)
Merecumbé San Pedro (2224-3531; 100m south & 25m west of the Banco Popular, San Pedro)
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SAN JOSÉ FOR CHILDREN
Chances are that if you’re in Costa Rica on a short vacation you’ll be headed out to the countryside fairly quickly. But if for some reason you’re going to be hanging out for a day – or two or three – with your kids, here are a few activities to keep them busy.
The Museo de los Niños is a hit with children who just can’t keep their hands off the exhibits. Young nature-lovers will enjoy getting up close and personal with butterflies at the Spirogyra Jardín de Mariposas or checking out the exotic animals at the Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar.
Small children might enjoy a ride on the Tico Train (Map Click here; adult/child US$2/1; Sunday only), which picks up passengers from the eastern side of the Plaza de la Cultura and takes them on a 45-minute joyride through the city. The train itself looks like it was stolen from an American carnival, though the cumbia music emanating from the train’s speakers is about as Central American as it gets.
Teens might dig checking each other out at the Plaza de la Cultura, which has a number of nearby fast-food outlets and ice-cream shops. In the suburbs, Mall San Pedro and the sprawling Multiplaza Escazú are good for young consumers craving serious mall action.
If you’re planning on spending more than a week in the city, note that many Spanish language academies offer special custom-made lessons for teens (see boxed text, above). In addition, both the Teatro Eugene O’Neill and Teatro Fanal have children’s theater groups. If your child is learning Spanish, this experience might make a vivid lesson.
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TOURS
The city is small and easily navigable, but if you’re looking for a walking tour that will guide you to key sites, here are some recommendations:
Costa Rica Art Tour (2288-0896, 8359-5571; www.costaricaarttour.com; per person US$95) This small outfit run by Molly Keeler organizes a recommended day tour that visits five different artist studios, where you can view (and buy) the work of local painters, sculptors, printmakers, ceramicists and jewelers. Lunch and hotel pickup is included in the price. Reserve