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 quality of our teachers 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 understood 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.

Patricia Rojas Peñaranda

Spanish teacher
22 years working for the the Institute
Favorite pastimes: reading, embroidering

When I began working at the Spanish Language Institute in 1981, I had just finished high school. I found out about the job through my aunt who is a missionary in Ecuador and had been a teacher at the Institute. I studied Early Childhood Education at the university. My desire has always been to improve and I strive to do my job better each day. I have been able to take advantage of the advice and experience of my fellow teachers to keep growing. Recently, I completed a class on Methods of Teaching Spanish as a Second Language at the Instituto Británico. I love to teach and prepare my lessons. Every day, it is my desire and I challenge myself to be of service to others. The Lord has blessed me abundantly through The Spanish Language Institute and the least that I can do for Him is to serve Him through my work.

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!"

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send an e-mail to Admissions.

Costa Rica: 011-506-2227-7366
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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Patricia Rojas Peñaranda

Brian and Stephanie Foster (Class of '10)

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