Escape to Costa Rica for a one-of-a-kind experience with our two-week Spanish Immersion program. Immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions as you learn the Spanish language in a fun and interactive way. Our program is designed for all levels, so no prior Spanish experience is necessary. By the end of the program, you'll leave with a strong foundation to become conversationally fluent. Our program offers more than just language classes. You'll experience the real Costa Rican culture with visits to hidden corners of towns, Latin American movie nights, and cooking classes to learn how to make traditional Costa Rican food. You'll also have the opportunity to learn alongside locals in a daily language exchange. For those seeking adventure, we offer optional cowboy horseback tours with traditional cheese-making and lassoing. Or, if you prefer to hit the waves, there are opportunities to take surf lessons. No matter what you choose, you'll leave with unforgettable memories and a deep understanding of Costa Rican culture. Join us for a truly unique and immersive experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the Spanish language and the breathtaking coastal Nosara community in Guanacaste, Costa Rica!
We understand that everyone has their own unique preferences, especially when it comes to dining. Fortunately, on the main Pelada road where Refugio del Sol is situated, there's an abundance of fantastic restaurants and cafes just a short stroll away. Plus, we're more than happy to assist with arranging tuk-tuks for your convenience and guiding you through the nearby trails to Guiones. Our team will even share their personal favorite spots to grab a bite, ensuring you have a memorable and delicious experience during your stay.
DAILY SPANISH CLASSES
Learn Spanish in a fun and interactive way! Regardless of your level, our unique Spanish classes are perfect for you! Our classes are designed to cater to all learning styles, and you'll learn to conjugate in the past, present, and future. With heaps of vocabulary taught every week, you'll be speaking like a native in no time! And, if you're interested in exclusive Costa Rican dialect and slang, we've got you covered. Plus, with the option to meet with your teacher privately on a daily basis, you'll get personalized attention and support. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn Spanish like never before!
DAILY LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
Continue to improve your Spanish skills and make a positive impact in the community at the same time. Our daily language exchange classes allow you to learn alongside locals. You'll get valuable real-time practice speaking Spanish while also giving back to the community and helping them learn English. After class, why not head to the beach or grab a smoothie with your language exchange partners to further immerse yourself in the language and culture!
WEEKLY COOKING CLASSES
Practice your Spanish with a weekly cooking class! Learning to make traditional Costa Rican food alongside a local whose family has lived in the Nosara area for as many generations as they can count. Learn the secrets to the fresh and delicious food that comes from one of the world's few Blue Zones, and bring the recipes home to share with loved ones.
COSTA RICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE CLASSES
Our history and culture teachers are actively involved in uplifting the community through directing projects, but they make time to provide you with interactive and life-changing lessons about the history of Latin America, current affairs, the Chorotega people, and the history of the Nosara area. If you're eager to learn about the area's best-kept secret escapes, they'll let you know, but please promise to keep them confidential to protect their natural beauty. With their expertise, you will gain invaluable knowledge and experiences during your stay.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Looking for more? Let us help you sign up for traditional dance lessons, yoga classes, canopy tours, or a walk in the forest and waterfall excursions with a local conservationist. We're dedicated to making your stay as enjoyable and memorable as possible, so don't hesitate to ask for our recommendations and assistance with booking.
Learn to cook authentic Blue Zone food with local chefs, and become a part of cultural preservation as you to learn alongside Ticos to ensure they carry on the culinary traditions of Guanacaste.
Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture by practicing Spanish with locals. Share your English expertise and make life-long friendships. A win-win opportunity.
Learn as much Spanish as you would in a year-long university course. We cover all verb tenses, collect heaps of vocabulary, and start speaking fluidly within the first lesson.
Stay steps away from a local's favorite swimming beach with some of the countries' best sunsets. During breaks, tuck yourself into a hammock in our paradise garden with a smoothie and a good book.
There is a community kitchen and refrigerator onsite for guests to use freely. We're in walking distance of great cafes, restaurants, and traditional sodas.
We can connect you with Nosara's best guides and instructors
If you're interested in immersing yourself in the Costa Rican culture and practicing your Spanish skills, you'll be happy to know that there are daily Spanish workshops available. In addition, there's an evening conversational social hour with locals where you can put your new skills to the test. As part of the program, there are also weekly group activities and cooking classes, all aimed at giving you a taste of the authentic lifestyle of Costa Rica. This culture exchange is a great opportunity to create life-long friendships with Ticos while giving back to the community.
If you're looking for an authentic experience while visiting Costa Rica, we have an optiona to join a tour with local cowboys. They are run by a non-profit organization that aims to promote sustainability and culture within the community. By participating in regenerative tourism, you'll get to experience a day in the life of a Guanacaste cowboy, including herding cows, milking cows, making cheese, and learning traditional lassoing techniques. The tour starts early in the morning, but you'll be provided with a freshly cooked breakfast and lunch. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and support a worthy cause.
If you're looking for the perfect spot to catch some waves, Guiones Beach is a must-visit. Not only is it just a 15-minute walk from Refugio del Sol, but it's also renowned for being one of the best beach breaks in the country. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn in the froth or an experienced surfer seeking steady green waves, Guiones Beach has something for everyone. We can set you up with our favorite certified local instructor to ensure you have the best surfing experience possible. So don't wait - let us know your skill level and interest, and get ready to ride the waves
Scout MacKay uses a method coveted by embassies that allows students to become conversationally fluent in Spanish and English in less than six months. She has taught academics, music, English, Spanish, and the arts in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico, and the USA since 2006. She has taught in life-changing non-profits, and renowned private schools, and translated for the Embassy of Peru in Mexico.
Scout is acknowledged by her students and community for her boundless curiosity to learn and her compassionate lifestyle as a humanitarian and environmentalist. She continues to explore and grow from her adventures to indigenous communities to learn about the cultures of Costa Rica and into Central American cities to admire the work of the legendary and undiscovered artists and musicians.
Scout is the lead singer and composer for the Mexican pop band Güera, a Spanish-English interpreter, author, visual artist, and an avid surfer.
"Scout's Spanish is impeccable. When I first heard her talking on the phone, I thought she was Tica." - J.P. Journalist. Nicoya, Costa Rica.
"I am blown away by Scout's dedication to this community. In her heart, she really is Costa Rican, though humbly she would never claim it." - Emmanuel Guitarez, director of A.D.C, Nosara.
"Scout MacKay has had an incredible impact, and I am completely in love with her ability to nurture her passion for her trade. Scout is a catalyst for the improvement of the human experience. - R San Augustine Seattle, WA
"Learning Spanish with Scout has been so much fun! In just a few months, I went from only knowing a few vocabulary words to having short conversations. Scout makes Spanish easy to learn and provides great advice to help me practice when we are not together. I am truly enjoying this gift to myself! If you want to learn Spanish, I highly recommend this! - R Rubin Seattle, WA
"I am having so much fun learning Spanish from Scout, she makes each lesson engaging, interesting, and accessible. I would recommend her to anyone at any level of proficiency from beginner to advanced!" -X Setto Harstine Island, USA
