Cultural Activites at Sámara Language School

Study Spanish and Culture

Study Spanish through the Culture

After you study Spanish during the day, you have your choice of activities that are conducted in Spanish. Students should check the notice boards in reception daily for times, sign-up sheets and specific information. We encourage all students to participate in as many activities as possible since they greatly enhance your understanding and connection to the culture.

 

Learn Spanish and Salsa dancing in Costa Rica

Latin dance classes

From Monday through Thursday students have the chance to move their hips in our Latin dance classes! You will learn salsa, merengue, cumbia bolero, and bachata -- all popular dances in Costa Rica. Then you can to go out to discos and dance with confidence and interact and practice your Spanish with Ticos.  Our dance instructors in Sámara, Karol and Julio, have years of experience dancing and touring and belong to the Intercultura International Folkloric Dance Group.  

 

 

Discussion Groups

We hold periodic talks and informal gatherings that cover a diverse range of subjects such as the culture, ecology and environment of Costa Rica, Latin-American literature, politics, women's studies and other socially and culturally related themes.  The discussions are held in Spanish.

Film night

Once a week we show a film in Spanish, an entertaining and practical way to practice the language and culture.

Study Spanish and CultureCosta Rican Cooking classes

Once a week, we teach students how to make typical Costa Rican dishes, a great skill to take home and share with friends and family.  Learn to prepare tortillas de maiz, tortas de yuca, picadillos, empañadas de plátano y much more!

 

Intercambios

During these cultural exchanges, Spanish students meet with Tico English students at the school to practice conversation skills (in both languages) in a relaxed atmosphere, and to make new friends from the local community.  It's a fantastic way to get to know locals students of all ages!

 

Latin music class

In this class, students learn traditional and modern songs from different Spanish-speaking countries, then analyze the meaning and cultural significance. This helps greatly in overall comprehension. Feel free to join in and bring your own instrument! 

Learn spanish costa rica"Fiestas Patronales"

These local celebrations are held in all Costa Rican cities and villages every year, usually over a weekend. They are advertised throughout the country and are an excellent source of cultural enrichment and entertainment. You can watch bullfights "Tico" style, where the bull is not harmed in any way, participate in traditional games and try out a variety of local fare.  The "fiestas" usually happen twice a year in Sámara--close to Christmas and close to Semana Santa. 

Tours/Excursions

On weekends we host excursions to many different parts of the country.  Possibilities range from relaxing on a white sand beach, to studying the complex ecosystems of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, to watching the eruptions of a live volcano! During the week we take students to soccer games, hidden beaches and local hikes.

MONTHLY ACTIVITIES CALENDAR:

Each month we have a new activity plan of special events, national holiday activities, and a variety of fun excursions which are accompanied by a school teacher or staff member and in which we encourage English students to participate so as to promote social interaction with the locals. 

"I was very impressed with the professional manner in which the school was run. Both the teachers and directors were very accomodating in tailoring a program to fit my specific skills and needs....The classes were demanding and interesting, and after class, having fun with the cultural activities was the high point of my day!...My experiences with both the school and the family were exceptional."
-- Tracy Hicks, BA Sociology / Psychology