Making Spanish Part of Everyday Life in Costa Rica: How to Build a Practical Routine

A conversation with Lorena Najarro Morales, Administrative Director of CPI Spanish Immersion School.

Spanish study can help newcomers take part in everyday conversations, but choosing a course also means finding a pace that fits their routine. Lorena Najarro Morales explains how CPI connects classroom work with practical situations and how adult learners can practise respectfully between lessons.

Interview by Ken Gardner. Answers translated from Spanish and edited for clarity and length. Course arrangements are described by the contributor; confirm current details with the school. Progress varies with starting level, study time and individual circumstances.

1. What should an adult newcomer look for in a Spanish course?

Many of our adult students are professionals or retirees who want Spanish to become part of daily life. We offer courses throughout the year, organized by level, and adapt the work to students’ needs and interests.

Small groups can provide practice and encouragement. Private lessons can suit someone who needs professional vocabulary, such as language for medical or legal work, or who prefers a different pace.

For us, learning is not only about completing classroom exercises. We encourage students to use Spanish with teachers and staff from the beginning and build confidence through contact with other people.

2. What is a realistic goal for the first month?

Work towards communicating in everyday situations using simple sentences. Depending on your starting point, goals might include describing people, places and routines, expressing preferences, asking for basic directions or offering a simple opinion.

The amount of study matters. As one curriculum example, our beginner program includes three 40-hour sublevels, or 120 hours in total. At 20 hours a week, that represents six weeks of scheduled instruction. At two hours a week, the same number of instruction hours would take 60 weeks. These are workload comparisons, not promises of fluency or identical progress.

Patient teaching, useful feedback and repeated practice help students keep working towards achievable goals.

3. How can classroom learning help with real interactions?

We use a communicative, functional approach. When a student enrols, we consider their level, goals and immediate needs. Lessons can prepare them to ask a price, buy something, request directions or have a brief conversation.

Students can rehearse first, try the situation outside class and bring questions back to their teacher. Vocabulary and cultural context help make the practice relevant.

You do not need to understand every word. Ask someone to repeat, speak more slowly or explain a word differently. Check that you understood the important information and use the surrounding context to help.

4. How should someone compare online and in-person study?

Both follow our academic program, and we recommend combining them when that fits the student’s circumstances. Online private classes allow a flexible schedule, while intensive in-person study gives more scheduled contact time and opportunities to use Spanish during the day.

At San Joaquín de Flores, our usual in-person schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, for 20 hours weekly. Confirm the program and schedule for the location you are considering.

Our admissions team can discuss the course, hours per week, start date, payment arrangements and any accommodation options. Students complete a placement assessment before starting so they can study at an appropriate level. We can also arrange a discussion with our academic director about learning needs.

Before paying, ask for the current course details, total cost, accommodation conditions if relevant, and cancellation terms in writing.

5. What helps practice continue beyond the classroom?

A willingness to try unfamiliar situations makes a difference. A guided visit to a local market, for example, can provide a chance to use classroom language in a real setting.

The useful habit is to connect study with an activity you want to accomplish. Prepare the language, try it, and discuss what happened afterwards. Students can continue studying online after an in-person course to keep practising.

Different people have different experiences. The goal is to find opportunities that fit your interests and comfort level, rather than copy someone else’s trip or expect the same outcome.

6. What weekly routine would you suggest, and how can learners practise respectfully?

At the beginning of the week, choose useful words and expressions for situations likely to arise, such as greeting someone, asking for information or making a purchase.

During the week, use them in brief daily interactions. You can also describe things around you mentally in Spanish. At the end of the week, review what you used successfully, what was difficult and what you want to practise next in class.

Three useful habits are:

• Start a brief interaction politely, even with simple words or sentences.
• Listen for the overall message. Ask for repetition, slower speech or a different explanation when needed.
• Set attainable tasks, such as ordering coffee or asking a price. Notice the other person’s availability. If they are busy or give a short answer, thank them and continue with your day.

Preparing for a course conversation

Tell the school what you want to do in Spanish, your current level, your available weekly study time and whether you prefer group or private study. Ask how lessons will connect with those goals and how progress will be reviewed.

About the contributor

Lorena Najarro Morales is CPI’s Administrative Director and says she has held that role since 2000. Her background is in law and business administration. Her work includes the learning environment, personalized student service and coordination of educational programs.

CPI offers Spanish study in Costa Rica and online. Ask admissions about the particular location and program you are considering.

Visit CPI Spanish Immersion School
Admissions: admissions@cpi-edu.com
WhatsApp: +506 8681-6552