Whether you are learning Spanish as a missionary, businessperson, or for college credit, you will find our Spanish courses to be of the highest standards. For nearly 70 years, we have been known worldwide for the excellence of our teaching and our understanding of the individual academic needs of our students. Our well-rounded courses emphasize grammar, phonetics and practical conversation through reading, writing and speaking Spanish.

Since our founding in 1942, we have come to understand that learning Spanish is more than just an academic experience. Through our regular chapel services, Spiritual Emphasis Week, local churches and community ministry opportunities, we are excited to be a part of each person’s spiritual journey and seek to create an environment where God is glorified in every aspect of life.

Our teachers understand that making the transition to a new culture can be difficult for children and families. We work closely with parents to help each child transition into life in Costa Rica. Rayitos de Sol (our nursery and preschool program) is equipped to care for the youngest members of the Institute's community. Sojourn Academy (K-12) follows an American curriculum. Both are located on our school campus, providing an environment where families can learn together.

SLI Welcomes Graciela Arguedas as New Academic Director

alt With the start of the August 2011 trimester, The Spanish Language Institute welcomed Graciela Arguedas as our new Academic Director. Arguedas has a university degree in English linguistics, together with a specialization in the teaching of Spanish as a Second Language. She has been a language teacher (of both English and Spanish) for 23 years, including 13 years at The Spanish Language Institute.

Graciela Arguedas has been a Christian for 24 years and has served in counseling and pastoral ministries with her husband, as well as being a Sunday school teacher and leader of women's groups.

The Institute's new Academic Director is a "teacher's teacher" who is highly respected by colleagues and admired by students for her creative teaching methods. She is passionate about passing on Costa Rican traditions to the younger generation and has been in charge of the Institute's folk dancing group for several years.

Graciela Arguedas is committed to taking the Institute's academic program to a new level of excellence by strengthening conversation classes and encouraging teachers and students to utilize resources available through computer technology.

The administration and Board of The Spanish Language Institute look forward eagerly to this new phase in Graciela's ministry to missionaries who are preparing for service in the Spanish-speaking world.

Brian and Stephanie Foster (Class of '10)

"We have been overwhelmed by the amazing faculty, staff and administration at The Spanish Language Institute! The teachers were able to accommodate our personal learning styles as well as to ease us into the full immersion of living in Costa Rica. The staff and administration were always warm and kind and they always had encouraging words for us. They genuinely cared about our family and always wanted to make sure that we were doing well in all areas of our life here. We entered the institute with no Spanish and we are leaving with a solid foundation of understanding, speaking, and writing the language. We also gained the invaluable cultural experience of living in such a beautiful country!"

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Or, call from US: 1-800-642-1375
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Since 1942, the Spanish Language Institute has served hundreds of evangelical missions agencies. Some of our most recent graduates have come from the following mission agencies and Christian universities:
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SLI Welcomes Graciela Arguedas as New Academic Director

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Brian and Stephanie Foster (Class of '10)

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