Your first immersion experience
You want a clear plan, an appropriate level, and space to try speaking without having every word ready.
PLAYA GUIONES · NOSARA, COSTA RICA
Spanish Immersion
Programs
Clear structure. Personal attention.
Spanish you can use.
Learn Spanish in a small, personal school where focused classes connect with everyday life in Costa Rica.
Your first immersion trip or your next chapter in Spanish.
2–4students in a typical group
Every Mondaya new immersion week begins
All levelsfrom first words to advanced Spanish
WHAT SPANISH IMMERSION MEANS
Spanish immersion
noun
A focused way to learn Spanish through structured classes and meaningful opportunities to use the language beyond the classroom.
Learn something in class.
Use it in a conversation.
Come back with more to say.
How it works at NSI
- 01
Decide how you want to study
Choose one or several weeks, beginning Monday, with 20-hour group, 10-hour group, or private instruction.
- 02
Start at the right level
A written placement test and oral verification help us place you appropriately, from complete beginner through advanced.
- 03
Shape the rest of your experience
Add a host family or NSI residence if desired, while leaving room for activities, conversations, and everyday life in Nosara.
WHO THIS EXPERIENCE IS FOR
A different starting point.
The same personal attention.
You don’t need an immersion trip behind you. And if you already have one, there’s room to take your Spanish further.
Your next step in Spanish
You’ve studied or traveled before. Now you want thoughtful feedback, more nuance, and sustained conversation.
Learning with a purpose
You’re preparing for travel, spending longer in Costa Rica, or making Spanish part of your personal or professional life.
CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM
Find your rhythm.
We recommend 20-hour group immersion for a fuller learning experience. Choose the time and attention that suit your goals; all immersion programs begin Mondays.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
20-hour group
20 lessons per week
The industry-standard immersion format, and our recommended choice for developing fluency. Twice the guided practice of the 10-hour program gives you more time to speak, revisit ideas, and put Spanish to use.
- Two class sessions each weekday
- Typically 2–4 students
- Beginner through advanced levels
ROOM FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAY
10-hour group
10 lessons per week
A useful path into Spanish when you need a lighter daily schedule. For more sustained practice and fluency development, we recommend the 20-hour group program.
- One class session each weekday
- Typically 2–4 students
- Beginner through advanced levels
INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
Private instruction
1:1 with your instructor
Space to work on your own questions, pace, and goals, with the teacher’s attention focused on you.
- 10- or 20-lesson weekly options
- Individual feedback and practice
- Content shaped around your needs
Each advertised course hour includes 50 minutes of instruction and a 10-minute break allowance. Breaks are grouped within and at the end of the daily schedule. See your week in practice for daily blocks and actual teaching time.
ACCOMMODATION
A place to feel settled.
Where you stay shapes the experience around your classes. Choose school-arranged accommodation or make your own plans.
School-arranged rooms are subject to availability. Confirm your accommodation, arrival dates, and transport needs before making travel arrangements.
PRICING & BOOKING
Make the experience yours.
Choose your program and length of stay, then review dates and the full package before booking.
YOUR SELECTION
20-hour small group · 1 week
Classes only
$425USD per person · tuition total
Includes your selected classes, placement, and course materials. Review dates and any optional extras before booking.
View Dates & Book (opens in WeTravel in a new tab)Opens your selected NSI package on WeTravel.
2027 programs & rates
Prices are in US dollars, per person, for the full duration selected. Accommodation packages include tuition. Review availability, any optional extras, and the final total on your booking page.
Tuition covers your selected instruction, placement, and class materials.
Plan separately for accommodation, meals, travel, and optional activities unless included in your selected package.
INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Small enough
to be heard.
There’s room to ask a question, finish a thought, and try again.
Our instructors teach in Spanish, using clear explanations, examples, and context appropriate to your level. Conversation sits alongside grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening—so you understand what you’re using.
Meet our approach2–4
Students in a typical group, with a maximum of six.
Experienced, qualified teachers
Native Spanish-speaking instructors with university training and a communicative approach.
Structure that responds to you
A CEFR-informed curriculum gives learning a direction. Your level, interests, and progress help shape the lessons.
YOUR WEEK IN PRACTICE
A clear routine.
Room around it.
Study Monday through Friday. Your class block leaves the other part of the day open, and weekends give you time to explore or settle in.
20-HOUR GROUP
Two class sessions each day
Morning block8:00–11:40 am
Classes: 8:00–9:40 am & 10:00–11:40 am
Break: 9:40–10:00 am
or
Afternoon block1:00–4:40 pm
Classes: 1:00–2:40 pm & 3:00–4:40 pm
Break: 2:40–3:00 pm
20 × 50-minute lessons = 16 hours 40 minutes of instruction per week. A 20-minute mid-session break is included in the schedule. The remaining break allowance falls at the end.
10-HOUR GROUP
One class session each day
Most often scheduled in the morning8:00–9:40 am
or
Most often scheduled in the afternoon1:00–2:40 pm
10 × 50-minute lessons = 8 hours 20 minutes of instruction per week.
How course hours work
Each advertised course hour allows for 50 minutes of instruction and 10 minutes of required break time. We group breaks rather than interrupting each lesson. The 20-hour group schedule includes a 20-minute mid-session break, with the remaining break allowance at the end. The 10-hour group program places its break allowance at the end of its daily class session.
A note on scheduling
Group class sessions run 8:00–9:40 am, 10:00–11:40 am, 1:00–2:40 pm, and 3:00–4:40 pm, in Costa Rica time (UTC−6). The 20-hour group program takes two sessions each day, within the morning or afternoon schedule. The 10-hour group program takes one session, most often 8:00–9:40 am or 1:00–2:40 pm. Specific time slots cannot be guaranteed; we’ll do our best to accommodate your preference. Private instruction includes two or four 50-minute lessons per weekday, according to your selected program; your timetable is confirmed individually. All immersion programs begin Mondays.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Keep the conversation going.
You choose how much to add to your week. A shared activity can give you a new reason to use the Spanish you’re learning.
Optional school activities
Ask about the week’s opportunities, which may include cooking, conversation exchanges, or local outings. The schedule varies; availability and any charges are confirmed separately.
Explore at your own pace
Book a yoga class, spend time at the beach, or arrange an excursion with a local provider. Independent activities are separate from your tuition and school schedule.
Prefer to combine study with a planned activity? Explore NSI’s Spanish & Surf and Spanish & Yoga options.
LIVING & LEARNING IN NOSARA
Spanish becomes
part of your day.
Order your morning coffee. Ask a question at the shop. Stay a little longer in a conversation.
Life in Nosara gives classroom learning a context. Our school is in Playa Guiones, a coastal community where local life meets travelers from around the world.
Spanish won’t happen automatically in every setting. Choosing to use it—even for a small exchange—makes the experience your own.
Find NSI in Nosara (opens in Google Maps in a new tab)STUDENT EXPERIENCES & REVIEWS
In their own words.
A glimpse of the learning experience, from a student who has been here.
Read student reviews on GoAbroad (opens in a new tab)They give sincere attention and care to each of their students, creating a safe place for everyone to learn and practice together
MORE WAYS TO LEARN
A different kind of Spanish plan?
For local residents
Fit Spanish into life here with book-as-you-go classes.
Explore flexible Spanish →For families & younger learners
Parents and children learn on the NSI campus during the same morning. Availability is confirmed by NSI.
Explore family programs →For medical students
Explore Spanish study with a medical communication focus.
Explore medical Spanish →Before or after Nosara
Begin at home or keep learning with private online lessons.
Explore online Spanish →PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Part of an educational community.
GlobalEDU Costa Rica
Nosara Spanish Institute is listed among GlobalEDU’s associate members.
View the member directory (opens in a new tab)A FEW PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
Before you arrive.
Something else on your mind?
We’re happy to talk it through.
Do I need to speak Spanish before I come?
No. You can begin with no previous Spanish, return after time away, or continue at an advanced level. The written placement test and oral verification guide your starting point.
Can I study for just one week?
Yes. Choose one week or several, beginning on a Monday. Tell us what you hope to work on so we can help you choose an appropriate length of stay.
Can I choose a morning or afternoon class?
Tell us your preference when planning. Group schedules depend on placement and availability, so a particular block cannot be guaranteed. Discuss any fixed work or family commitments with us before booking.
Do I have to book accommodation through NSI?
No. Classes-only bookings are available. You can stay with a host family, choose the NSI residence, or arrange your own hotel or rental.
What happens after I book?
NSI follows up with next steps, including placement and arrival information. Your level and class schedule are confirmed before you begin. Keep an eye on the email address you use to book.
What should I bring to class?
Bring a notebook, a pen or pencil, and a folder for handouts. Your instructors provide the course materials.
How do holidays or changes affect my booking?
Check the terms on your selected package for holidays, cancellations, and changes before reserving. Ask us about any date-specific questions so you can plan with clear expectations.
LET’S START WITH YOU
What would you like
your Spanish to make possible?
Tell us a little about your goals, dates, and the experience you have in mind.
We’ll help you find a good place to start.
A personal conversation with the NSI team.