Amistad Institute Costa Rica

Tips for Learning Another Language

2017-07-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Learning a new language can be tricky, sometimes you'll have to learn a completely different grammar or alphabet. This requires a lot of time, practice, and dedication, but you could also make good use of some tips to either speed up the process, or making memorizing words and characters (if you're learning something like Japanese or Mandarin) way easier. We'll give you some tips that might help you a lot when learning a new language.

1. Find a partner

Things will be way easier if you find a friend to practice with. A partner can correct you if there's something you're doing wrong, and can also be of great help when practicing how to speak in a new language. Some people even say that having a friend learn a language alongside them, can help motivate them, they try to compete with each other to see who can practice or learn faster.

2. Leave your comfort zone

When you're learning something new, chances are you'll make a ton of mistakes, and the sooner you learn to overcome them, the better. The whole experience could be a little bit scary, but it'll all be worth it in the end. Remember, good things take time, and learning a language takes especially a lot of time, but once you're speaking fluently with someone else you'll find out the whole thing was just awesome.

3. Label things from your everyday life

Creating labels and pasting them around your house can help you learn words a lot easier. You'll be seeing them every day, and repeating them often can also help memorizing how things like cabinet, sink or drawer are said and spelled.

4. Keep practicing in your head

It doesn't matter where you are, you should never stop practicing in your head. When you're on your way to work/school, showering or working out, you should try as best as you can to practice what you've learned. Think about grammar and pronunciation of the words or phrases you've learned, try to translate stuff in your head...You could train your brain to begin thinking in another language, making it easier for you to get used to it.

5. Use entertainment to learn words and phrases

Many people will tell you that they learned a lot of English by playing video games or listening to music in that language. It can be tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it could turn into a fun tool for learning phrases and words. Don't forget to turn on the subtitles of the games you're playing, and even try to sing along with some foreign songs by looking up the lyrics online.

6. Learn from mistakes

It doesn't matter if, at first you make a lot of mistakes, it's all part of the process, so you'll need to know how to embrace them. Many times, getting something wrong one or two times can help you remember those mistakes a lot easier. Keep trying, everyone was in your place at one time or another, and you should never feel ashamed of mistakes, just practice a lot and you'll improve with time.

7. Technology is your pocket-sized teacher

Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Babbel can help you learn new words, grammar, and pronunciation from almost any language you want. These are basically teachers you can carry in your pocket, so you get to practice and learn anywhere. Many of these applications also have flash cards, that'll help you memorize words or characters (in Mandarin or Japanese), and could help you improve faster.

8. Stick to the basics at first

Don't try to get ahead of yourself by trying to learn almost every single word in a new language. Even in English, only 300 words make up everyday vocabulary, and no one ever learns every single word in their native language. This means you don't have to rush to learn everything, start with the basics, words you'll use on a daily basis, and after some time, you'll slowly start expanding your vocabulary.

10. Think about it as a door to many opportunities

After learning a new language, you'll see the world under a completely different light. Your perception of your surroundings change and you'll have so many new and amazing experiences. Speaking more than one language opens your opportunities to new jobs, employers appreciate bilingual workers a lot more. When you study a new language, keep in mind that by doing so, you're broadening your opportunities around the world.

10. Learning languages gets easier after a while

After you learn a second language, the ones following will be a lot easier, and you'll learn them faster. The first time you'll learn another language, you'll probably have a hard time. New words, grammar, and even alphabets can be really tricky at first, and it'll take you some time to get used to it. But after you've mastered that one, you'll find learning a third one way easier, you'll have your techniques in place, you'll know your strengths and weaknesses, and you'll already be used to the whole process.

Things Foreigners Find Weird About Latin America

2017-07-13T00:30:00.002-07:00

Latin America is amazing, its culture is extremely diverse and their people are kind and lively. But being basically a culture of its own, foreigners can usually find some discrepancies from their own countries. Many things in Latin America are done completely different from other countries, people behave differently, and services don't work like they do in countries like the United States or Canada. We found some of the things foreigners find most interesting about Latin American culture, and we'll share them here with you!

1. In most Latin countries, toilet paper is thrown in a trash can

In some places, their plumbing is not built to handle paper being thrown on toilets, and doing it can result in severely clogging it. Most places will have signs on the stalls' doors to remind you to use the trashcan, but sometimes, since it's not a common practice, people inevitably throw their paper in the toilet.

2. In some countries, it's cheaper to buy liquids in bags

Things like milk, or sometimes water, can be cheaper when sold in bottles. Even some street vendors or small grocery shops sell soft drinks or natural juices in small bags.

3. In some Latin American countries, getting around can be tricky

Addresses don't work like they do in the US, in Latin America, landmarks or well-known locations are used as a reference to get somewhere. Also, some of them don't use blocks for a measure, but often use meters to tell how far you have to go.

4. Students wear uniforms up until high school

Some schools, whether they're private or public, require their students to wear uniforms. From elementary, up until high school, students are supposed to wear a school uniform.

5. Dish soap is not liquid, it's a paste

Liquid dish soap can be a little expensive in some countries, but paste soap is way cheaper and usually lasts longer.

6. If you're meeting someone new, don't be weirded out when they kiss you on the cheek

In most countries, people greet by kissing each other on the cheek. It's used more often when you're friends with someone, but sometimes someone you just met might greet you like that. This also works when you're saying goodbye to someone.

Reasons Why You Should Study in Costa Rica

2017-07-04T23:51:00.004-07:00

Costa Rica is a biodiversity gem in Central America, and it is often preferred by international students as a learning destination. This country offers many benefits to foreign students, and it surely leaves a lifetime impression on them. Here are some of the reasons why studying in Costa Rica could be one of the best experiences of your life.

1. Programs are very affordable

Costa Rica's study programs are usually the most affordable. Even keeping into account things like housing, meals, and textbooks (everything's usually included in their prices), they keep being one of the most comfortable options to choose in Central America.

2. The "Pura Vida" lifestyle

Costa Rica lives by its slogan, and if you come to study here you might be charmed by its population's relaxed lifestyle. Many students have said to prefer Costa Rica over other Latin American countries because of how cooperative and helpful citizens were to them.

3. Great quality education

Costa Rica invests a lot in education, so they have one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America. High-quality education is the greatest reason of why to come to Costa Rica.

4. Sustainability is a great deal

In Costa Rica, a big factor in its quality of living is how much interest there is in taking great care of the environment. If you're interested in sustainable development and environmental conservation, Costa Rica is the perfect country for you.

5. Costa Rica is filled with nature's wonders

Some of nature's most amazing works can be seen in Costa Rica. Its many mountains, rainforests, beaches, rivers, national parks, and volcanoes. are worth experiencing at least once, and studying here might give you even more time to experience just how amazing all these places are.

6. The learning Spanish experience

If you come to Costa Rica to learn Spanish, you'll probably attend a university or some sort of learning institution. You'll find out that many people in Costa Rica are bilingual and are more than willing to help you practice your Spanish.

7. Year-round climate

Being in Costa Rica, you'll find out what the word "rainforest" means. And while there's quite some rain, most days could be warm and sunny. Winter season is not nearly as cold as in the US, but summer season can be really warm and you might need lots of sunscreen,

8. You might get to visit three countries while you're here

Visiting Costa Rica's neighbor countries could be easier than you think. Fares to both frontiers are usually very affordable and crossing from one country to the other is pretty simple.

9. Sunsets are stunning

Costa Rica's sunsets are probably one of the most beautiful things you'll ever see, and walking down the beach during sundown is one of the best experiences you could ever have in this tropical country.

What Volunteering Can Do For You

2017-06-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

Volunteering can offer vital help to people who need it and their communities. But it can also help you with reducing stress, depression and may even provide you with a sense of purpose. The things you experience while volunteering can help advance your career in the future and it's a great addition to your curriculum. Here are some of the things that volunteering could do for you.

1. It gives you a sense of happiness

The more you volunteer, the happier you could be. Research has shown that the odds of being "very happy" increase by 7% for people who have had volunteering experiences.

2. Connects you to others

When you're volunteering, you connect to the community you're helping. When you dedicate so much of your time and efforts to help out other, even with the smallest tasks, you could make a lot of friends that might even last a lifetime.

3. Improves your mental and physical health

Volunteering can help combat stress, anger, anxiety, and depression, and at the same time it improves your self-confidence and helps you stay physically healthy.

4. You could learn new skills

Volunteering can help you develop new job skills, as well as improve the ones you already had. Many of the skills you learn could help you gain points in some job interviews since experience is of great value.

5. Get inspired into what you'd like to do

If you've not decided yet which career to choose, seeking volunteering options that adjust to your likings could help you make a decision. You could introduce yourself to the work you might end up doing in the future.

6. You learn a lot about teamwork

You'll have a better understanding of how teams work, and how to work in harmony with other people for the same cause.

Understanding Some of the Latino Lingo

2017-06-26T23:33:00.002-07:00

The Spanish language has some of the weirdest slang, and foreigners often struggle understanding why one word can have lots of meanings depending on context or country the word's being used. Well to ease those struggles to some degree, here is some slang you'll most likely be able to use freely when speaking Spanish.

1. ¡Ojo!

Literally, it means: "Eye!", but it can be the equivalent of "Watch out!". If someone yells "¡Ojo!" at you, it's because you need to watch out for something. It can also be used to point something out discretely for the other person to see.

2. Vaina

If you look "vaina" up on the Internet, you'll probably get pictures of edamame beans or just regular peas, but in some Latin American countries "vaina" can be any object. It's equivalent in English would be "thingy".

3. Pan comido

Literally translated as "eaten bread", but "pan comido" means that something's very easy to do. This phrase is used in most of Latin America.

4. Rollo

It means "roll", but as slang it is used to express that something is difficult or that you or someone else is in trouble.

5. Fresa

"Fresa" is not always used to talk about the food, it can also be used to describe someone. If a person is described as "fresa" it can mean they're very spoiled and have a preppy attitude.

6. Soplón

"Someone who blows", which can be explained with the word "whistleblower" and it means the same thing: someone who tells on someone else.

7. Mono

"Mono" does mean "monkey", but in Latin America it's used when you want to describe something that's cute or sweet, it can be used for objects and people.

8. Candela

"Candela" means "candle", right? Well in some countries like Venezuela, "candela" also means "awesome".

9. Goma

If you hear someone say that they're "de goma", it means they partied a little bit too much the night before and now they're hungover.

10. ¡Avíspate!

We don't know much about how wasps can relate to paying attention, but if your Spanish teacher yells this to you, it's because you're distracted and need to focus on what you're doing.

Things You Might Not Know About The Spanish Language

2017-06-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

More and more people have been learning Spanish in the last few years, but did you know that, apart from being one of the most spoke languages in the world, it's also an incredibly beautiful language, with a lot of cultural influence around the world. Today, we will show you some of the things that make Spanish so unique.

1. Spanish is somewhat influenced by Arabic.

When Arab armies invaded the Iberian Peninsula in 711, they brought in a lot of their culture and language to the region. Eventually, Arabic got mixed with old Spanish, becoming what it is spoken today. Spanish retained about 8,000 Arabic words, thus making the latter the second most influential language (apart from Latin) to Spanish.

2. 500 million people speak Spanish.

And it's growing, based on the actual growing trend, 600 million people might speak Spanish by 2050.

3. Spanish is the second most studied language in the world.

In 2010, more than 20 million people were studying Spanish, at that rate in three generations at least 10% of the world will be able to communicate in Spanish.

4. There are more than 40,000 words and conjugations in Spanish with all five vowels

They're called panvocálicas or pentavocálicas.

5. Many verbs can be created just by adding -ear the end.

Many English words have been converted into Spanish verbs by just adding -ear, i.e. escanear (to scan), and tuitear (to tweet).

6. Mexico has the largest Spanish-speaking population.

114 million people in Mexico speak Spanish, by comparison, only 50 million people speak Spanish in the United States.

7. Schools in Brazil are now obligated to teach Spanish.

In 2005, Brazil's National Congress approved a bill so that Spanish would be taught in both public and private secondary schools in the country.

8. The longest word in Spanish is 23 characters.

It's electroencefalografista, and it's the word for the person who reads brain waves.

9. Spanish can also be called Castellano or Castilian

There are a few differences between them, where it's spoken varies depending on region or according to political viewpoint.

10. Spanish is a phonetic language.

If you know how to spell a word in Spanish, you'll know how it's pronunced most of the time.

What Happens When You Learn Another Language

2017-06-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

What Happens When You Learn Another Language

If you're here reading this, you probably know who we (Amistad Institute) are, so you most likely know or are learning a foreign language. Speaking more than one language can bring you lots of benefits, and today we will show you some of them.

1. It can make your brain stronger.

Since learning a new language is a really complex process, it makes your brain work double time. Studies have even shown, that children who grow up bilingual, tend to an increased intelligence. It also improves your focus, concentration, attention and even lowers the chances of you falling for marketing hypes.

2. You get a whole new perspective about culture.

By learning another language, you unintentionally learn a lot about its culture as well, you get an inside perspective. This lets you see how other cultures see your own and you might even get more comfortable experiencing other cultures.

3. You'll get to meet new people.

Making friends with people from different countries, who have different cultures and speak different languages will let you strengthen your friendship with them. There's lots of chances of making friends that people lose because they don't speak the language of the other person.

4. You'll get to experience more when you travel to other countries.

Many amazing places you could visit when you go to other countries might only be found by asking around, and in many cases the only way to do that is by speaking the language. It could also help you a lot in blending in with the crowd.

5. It can change the way you think.

Studies have shown that people who speak more than one language tend to make more rational decisions and can hep you avoid being a victim to your emotions. By thinking in a language other than your native, you learn to think in that language, therefore you eliminate any emotional bias and you chose the most logical option.

6. Enjoy things in their original language

Things like books or movies might be more enjoyable when you experience them in their original language. Many jokes, puns or phrases can only be understood by seeing or reading them in their original language.

7. You'll be less likely to have brain diseases in the future

Multilingual adults have experienced the onset of Alzheimer's or dementia at a later age than monolingual adults. Many studies where made to test if gender, health or even economic status had any contribution to these diseases, but none of them showed as many results as the number of languages the patients spoke.

10 Amazing Facts About Costa Rica

2017-06-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

10 Amazing Facts About Costa Rica

Costa Rica, even as a small country compared to its neighbors, is full of experiences and sightings you might not get anywhere else. So, before you come here, for whatever reason it may be, you should keep these facts into account.

1. Costa Rica is the home to nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity.
The country's geographical position serves as an ecological bridge for thousands of species of animals.

2. Costa Rica's marine area is bigger than its land area.

At 580,000 km2, Costa Rica's waters are almost 10 times bigger than the country's land area, measured at 52,100 km2.

3. There are over 121 identifiable volcanic formations in Costa Rica.

As part of the Pacific Ring Fire Circle, Costa Rica has six officially active volcanoes and at least 61 formations with signs of volcanic activity.

4. 52 species of hummingbirds call Costa Rica their home

You can visit several gardens just a couple of hours from the capital, in these, you could see up to 26 of the 52 species of hummingbirds that inhabit Costa Rica.

5. More than 25% of Costa Rica's territory is protected national parks and refuges.

Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Tortuguero, and Monteverde are just some of this country's many national parks. You can visit all of them and many offer amazing activities such as canopy and rafting.

6. Costa Rica is slightly smaller than Lake Michigan.

Costa Rica's territory measures 51,100 km2, Lake Michigan has an area of 58,000 km2.

7. 300 stone spheres found in Costa Rica are one of Central America's biggest mystery.

Found in Diquis Delta and on Isla del Caño, these mysterious stones have fascinated visitors and puzzled Costa Ricans regarding their origins.

8. Costa Rica hasn´t had a national army since 1948.

Contributing to its high ratings in population's happiness, Costa Ricans take a lot of pride in being one of few countries without a standing army.

9. Costa Rica's literacy rates are one of the highest globaly.

Almost everyone living in Costa Rica has access to free basic education, which ensures a literacy rate of 97.8%.

10. "Pura Vida" has become a trademark for the country.

It can mean anything from, "Hi", "Thanks", "How are you?"; but it's mostly just a happy expression that Costa Ricans use.

Did you travel by bus when you visited Costa Rica?

2015-11-04T09:39:00.003-08:00

Here you have a video to remember your time in our beautiful country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inj9lXIm-RI

La clase de frutas tropicales y cocina típica costarricense.

2015-10-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Esta clase es muy importante porque le da a nuestros estudiantes extranjeros la oportunidad de conocer las diferentes frutas que se producen en nuestro país de acuerdo con la temporada, así como les da la oportunidad de probar las frutas frescas.

También aprenden a cocinar platillos típicos de Costa Rica, que luego pueden intentar hacer en sus países de origen.

Entre las frutas más comunes están: el banano, la naranja, el cas, el jocote, la guanábana, la piña, la pipa, el aguacate, el melón, la papaya, el zapote, las fresas, la anona, la mandarina, el tamarindo, las moras, el mango, la manga, el mangostán, la manzana de agua, el mamón, el mamón chino, la guayaba, la pitahaya, el limón dulce, el limón ácido, los pejiballes, la maracuyá, la granadilla, el zapote colombiano, la sandía, la carambola y muchas otras frutas más que dependiendo de la temporada podrán estar o no en nuestra mesa de La Clase de Frutas. ¿Cuáles frutas recuerdas? ¿Cuáles te gustaron y cuáles no?

Dentro de las comidas típicas costarricenses más comunes que preparamos están: el pico de gallo, el guacamole, las empanadas, el ceviche de banano, las tortitas de plátano maduro, el gallo pinto, las chorreadas, las tortillas de queso, los plátanos en gloria, las parrangas, el arroz con leche, los tamales (en Navidad), las arepas de banano, café chorreado, etcétera, etcétera, etcétera. ¿Cuáles comidas recuerdas? ¿Cuáles te gustaron y cuáles no?

Por este medio te invitamos a recordar tu tiempo con Amistad Institute y te animamos a invitar a tus amigos a visitar Costa Rica y ser parte de esta maravillosa experiencia.

Thanks to all our former, present and future volunteers...

2015-04-14T14:32:00.004-07:00

Erma Bombeck will convince you of the magnitude of impact volunteers make:

“Volunteers are like yachts. No matter where they are, they arouse your curiosity. Who are they? Where do they come from? Why are they here?

They could stay moored where it's safe and still justify their being, but they choose to cut through the rough waters, ride out storms, and take chances. They have style. They're fiercely independent. If you have to ask how much they cost, you can't afford them.

“Volunteers and yachts have a lot more in common these days. They're both a part of an aristocratic era that is disappearing from the American Scene. They're both a luxury in a world that has become very practical. Day by day, the number of volunteers decreases in this country as more and more of them equate their worth in terms of dollars and cents.

“Three years ago I did a column on volunteers in an effort to point out that they don't contribute to our civilization. They are civilization – at least the only part worth talking about. They are the only human beings on the face of this earth who reflect this nation's compassion unselfishness, caring, patience, need, and just plain loving one another. Their very presence transcends politics, religion, ethnic background, marital status, sexism, even smokers vs. non-smokers.

“Maybe, like the yacht, the volunteer was a luxury. And luxuries are too often taken for granted. One has to wonder. Did we as a nation, remember to say to the volunteers, thank you for our symphony hall. Thank you for the six dialysis machines. Thank you for the hot chocolate at the scout meeting.

Thanks for reading to the blind. Thanks for knocking on doors in the rain. Thanks for hugging the winners of the Special Olympics. Thanks for pushing the wheelchair into the sun. Thanks for being.
“Did the media stand behind them when they needed a boost? Did the professionals make it a point to tell them they did a good job? Did the recipients of their time and talent even express their gratitude?

“It frightens me, somehow, to imagine what the world would be like without them.”

Lección de Costarriqueñismos.

2015-04-07T15:33:00.003-07:00

Dos pachucos en el parque. Una clase light.

Vocabulario:

Mae: dude	Tuanis: Very good.
Choza: house	Cháine: Dressing way.
Un rojo: One thousand colones bill.	Cachos: Shoes
Cinco rojos: Five thousand colones bill.	Chema: Shirt
Un mono: Five thousand colones bill.	Cleta: Bicicle
Cabra: Girl – Girlfriend	Agüevado: Bored.
Guila: Girl – Girlfriend.	Traidos: Problems.
Jama: Food – Jamar: To eat	Diay: Interjection.
Vara: The thing.	Weón: Dude. Mate.
Chivísima: Very very mad or nice.	Hacerse el ruso/rusa: Pretend not to be.
Brete: Job	Tener el huevo: To have money.
Harina: Money.	Mop: Dude
Diay: So, then.	Al chile: Seriously.
Broncón: Big problem.	Andar lavado: Run out of money.
Bróder: Brother.	Al rato: Maybe.
Lechero (a): Lucky person.	Jachas: Moody faces.
Tranqui: From tranquilo. Don’t worry.	Bronca: Problem.
Llévela suave: Take it easy.	Yodo: Coffee.
Soltarle el perro: To pay a debt.	Chicha: Madness. Anger.

Diálogo: Dos pachucos en el parque.

Juan: ¿Qué mae Pedro, pura vida compa?

Pedro: Pura vida mae, gracias. ¿Y vos qué tuanis o agüevado?

Juan: Mae, yo todo bien, solo que con un poco de traidos con la cabra.

Pedro: ¿Diay mae? ¿Traidos por qué?

Juan: Mae, la vara es que la cabra me prestó un mono y solo le he podido devolver un rojo, weón. Y está chivísima conmigo.

Pedro: Con razón mae, ayer cuando yo iba para mi choza, yo vi a su güila y ella no me saludó, se hizo la rusa.

Juan: Si compa, la vara es que yo quería buscar brete para tener huevo y entonces necesitaba comprarme unos cachos y una chema para tener un buen cháine y por eso le pedí los cinco rojos a mi cabra mae. Pero no tengo la harina para pagarle.

Pedro: ¿Y cómo vas a hacer mop?

Juan: ¡Diay, mae! No sé. Voy a tener que devolver todas esas varas o bien, ver quién me presta los cinco rojos para pagárselos a la güila mae. Mae, al chile, que broncón.

Pedro: Mae, Juan, yo le prestaría ese mono mae, pero ando lavado. Si no fuera así, con mucho gusto bróder. ¿Mae, por qué no camina un poco, a veces la gente pierde harina sin darse cuenta? Al rato se encuentra los cinco rojos en el suelo.

Empiezan a caminar.

Juan: Mae, Pedro, vea un mono en el suelo mae. ¡Qué tuanis mae!

Pedro: Mae, Juan, usted si es lechero mae. Vaya y le paga esa vara a su cabra mae. Y dígale que deje de hacerme jachas que yo no le hice nada.

Juan: Maeeeee, Pedrito, tuanis mae. Me trajiste la suerte. Gracias, te debo una.

Pedro: Mae, tranqui, no hay bronca. Mae, pero vea, de ahora en adelante, llévela suave, no se meta en broncas.

Juan: Pura vida mae, gracias por los consejos y por escucharme mop. Ahora voy a tomarme un yodo y me voy para la choza de mi güila a soltarle el perro para que se le quite la chicha.

Ejercicio: (Send the answers to director@aicr-edu.org and someone will review it)

Por favor complete la oración cambiando la palabra entre paréntesis por la palabra del lenguaje costarricense que mejor sentido le da:

Yo tengo que llamar a ese ______ (muchacho), para ver si me presta un _______ (5.000 colones) para comprarme unos _________ (zapatos).

Ayer la ______ (novia) de mi ________ (hermano) llegó a mi ______ (casa) y me pidió _______ (harina) para comprarle un regalo a mi hermano.

Cuando estoy _________ (aburrido) y alguien me molesta me pongo ______ (muy enojado) y me pongo a hacer ________ (caras).
Cuando ando __________ (sin dinero), me monto en mi _______(bicicleta) y me voy a buscar ________ (dinero) porque soy ________ (con suerte).

Siempre que me tomo un _______ (café), en mi _______ (casa) se me quita la ________ (cólera) y me siento muy, muy __________ (muy bien).

Mi mamá me dice que busque ________ (trabajo) y yo le digo que la ____________ (tranquila), yo no quiero _________ (problemas).

Pedro es un ______ (amigo) muy __________ (muy bueno), porque yo no le __________________ (pago la deuda) porque no tengo ______ (trabajo).

Maeeee, _______ (en serio), no me haga _______ (caras) y présteme _______ 5000 colones para invitar a la _____ (novia) a ______ (comer).

Mi mamá me dijo no se haga el _______ (tonto), yo sé que usted tiene el ______ (dinero), pero igual es mejor que busque _______ (trabajo).

Que ________ (aburrido), mi _______ (bicicleta) está mala y quería ir a visitar a mi _______ (novio) y llevarle una ______ (camiseta) que él quiere.

¡Diay! La ______ (cosa) es que si uno no tiene ______ (dinero) tiene que buscar ______ (trabajo) para evitarse _______ (problemas).

12. ¡Qué _______ (bien)! Me encontré _____ (1000 colones), soy un gran _________ (suertudo), ahora voy a llevar a la _______ (novia) a tomarse un ______ (café), para que no se ponga de _______ (enojada) y no me haga _______ (caras) todo el día. Después alquilo una película y nos vamos en _____ (bicicleta) para mi ______ (casa) a ver televisión.

Recomendación: Escuchar la siguiente canción:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bGKa0_d5YQ .

Puede ponerle pausa cada cierto tiempo.

CORO
Porque hablo como tico, pero con gusto yo les explico
una, dos, tres, cuatro...
y hasta más palabras yo les puedo enseñar
Porque hablo como tico, si no entienden yo les explico
una, dos, tres, cuatro...
y hasta más palabras yo les puedo enseñar

Verso 1
El tico no trabaja "Val yugo o Bretea"
Nunca camina "Va a pata o Trolea"
El tico no intenta si no que "Tantea"
y no la lucha fuertemente si no que "La Pulsea"
Nunca va solo si no que "Va Wey"
No va al Planché si no que "Al Play"
se esconde la "La paca" y no de la ley
"ese mae es una loca" cual gay!
aquí no es quizá y sino "Ojalá"
aquí no es antes si no "Acuantá"
tenemos "un tata" en vez de papá
y tenemos "una mama" en vez de mamá
el tico no se baña se pega un "Watazo"
no hace el ridículo si no que "El bañazo"
Nunca critica se hecha "Un Jeterazo"
y no le dice que se vaya si no "Jale no lo atraso"
Se toma "una birra" y no una cerveza
que le llega a la "jupa" y no a la cabeza
el tico no toma una semana completa
lo que hace es que "se enfiesta y se monta en la carreta"
al tico le "cuadra" no es que le gusta
y le "da taco" no es que se asusta
No tiene rostro si no tiene "tarro"
y no es descarado si no "carebarro"
Nunca encara si no que "enjacha"
no es mal vestido si no "anda en fachas"
no es que esté fea si no que "está gacha"
y el tico "se juma" no se emborracha
al tico la plata no se le escasea
si no que "anda limpio o la está viendo fea"
el tico no orina si no que va y "mea"
y no va a la cárcel si no que "canea"
no es un maleante "es una pinta"
no es gracioso "es una cinta"
no se desnuda si no que se "deschinga"
y no tiene pene si no tiene pin...
el tico no observa si no que "vijea"
no hace negocios si no "chorisea"
el tico no duerme si no que "rulea"
y no tiene sexo si no que cu... ssssshhh...

CORO
Porque hablo como tico, pero con gusto yo les explico
una, dos, tres, cuatro...
y hasta más palabras yo les puedo enseñar
Porque hablo como tico, si no entienden yo les explico
una, dos, tres, cuatro...
y hasta más palabras yo les puedo enseñar

Verso 2
No ve a la novia si no que "Marca"
no está en problemas si no que se "Embarca"
tiene una "Doña" y no una esposa
y no tiene casa tiene "chante o Choza"
no se da besos tiene "Aprete"
no es que esté bien si no que "A Cachete"
no es que esté fácil si no que "Es un Queque"
y no es que esté bueno si no que "Promete"
no tiene plata anda "Papudo"
es un "Lechero" no un suertudo
no es violento es que es "Jachudo"
y no lo engañaron si no que es "Cornudo"
no se equivoca "Mete la Pata"
"Pela el ojo" no se percata
tiene "Harina" en vez de plata
y no agarra taxi si no que "Pirata"
se toma un "Yodo" en vez de un café
y no es fino si no que es "Caché"
no es que esté triste es que me "Aguevé"
y no es que se me olvide si no me "Enlaguné"
es un gran "sapo" no un bocón
usa "Caballo" y no pantalón
no es goloso si no que es "Buchón"
y no es que no quiera es que "Sea Huevón"
no hay niños solo "Chamacos"
no hay policías solo "Pacos"
aquí somos "polos" no somos "Nacos"
y no somos delgados si no somos "Flacos"
el tico no es tonto es un "Baboso"
no es jovencito si no que un "Mocoso"
es un "Vagazo" no un perezoso
y no es engañoso si no que "Tramoso"
no tiene novia si no que "Guila"
no la molesta si no la "Vacila"
no se esfuerza se "Pone las Pilas"
y nunca reclama si no que "Estrila"
está "camote" no es que está loco
no es que esté viejo si no que "Está Roco"
no me apresuro si no que "Le Soco"
y "Me la Pelo" no es que me equivoco
nunca presume si no que "Raja"
no habla mentiras si no habla "Paja"
no es honesto si no que es "Al Chile"
y no es que se levante si no que se "Despabile"
no anda sin plata "Anda Quebrao"
no pide perdón si no pide "Cacao"
no se insulta se "Basurea"
y no se enoja si no "Se Putea"
el tico no come el tico "Moncha"
no es un descaro si no que "Que Concha"
va al "Matadero" y no al motel
no hace el show hace "El Papel"
no somos muchos somos un "Aterro"
el tico no es fácil el tico es un "Perro"
no pone ganas si no que se "Muerde"
y es un "Guabero" no es que tiene suerte
no es buena gente es "Pura Vida"
y quiere "Moncha" en vez de comida
definitivamente hablamos distinto
y si no le cuadra "Tome pal Pinto"

CORO
Porque hablo como tico, pero con gusto yo les explico
una, dos, tres, cuatro...
y hasta más palabras yo les puedo enseñar
Porque hablo como tico, si no entienden yo les explico
una, dos, tres, cuatro...
y hasta más palabras yo les puedo enseñar

Lección de Español EL FÚTBOL

2014-06-20T15:11:00.003-07:00

GOOooooOOOOL!
Enjoy the match
.

En Costa Rica TAMBIÉN se habla FÚTBOL.
Clasificados a Segunda Ronda en el Mundial después de que nadie creía que hiciéramos ni un gol por estar en el Grupo "de la Muerte". Costa Rica le gana primero a Uruguay y hoy a Italia. En Amistad Institute celebramos nuestro país y estamos orgullosos de nuestras raíces. Para celebrar esta clasificación, les dejamos una lección de Fútbol.

LAS PERSONAS – PEOPLE
el equipo – team
el equipo visitante – away team
el equipo contrario – opposing team
el futbolista – footballer
el jugador – player
la alineación – lineup (only the players who appear on the pitch)
la plantilla – lineup (regular players + the substitute bench)
la banca – the substitute bench
la sustitución – substitution
el capitán – the captain
el portero/el arquero/el guardameta – goalkeeper
la defensa – the defence
un defensa – a defender
el mediocampo – the midfield
un mediocampista/un centrocampista – a midfielder
un extremo – a winger
un delantero – a forward
el delantero centro – a middle forward
el goleador – goal scorer
el máximo goleador de esta temporada – the highest goal scorer this season
el director técnico – coach
el entrenador – the trainer
el masajista– masseur
el árbitro – referee
los árbitros asistentes – the linesmen, assistant referees
el árbitro comprado – a bent referee
el comentarista deportivo – commentator
los espectadores – spectators
un hincha – a fan
un aficionado/la afición – a supporter/the supporters
.
EL TIEMPO Y EL LUGAR – TIME AND PLACE
La Copa Mundial de Fútbol – Football World Cup/Soccer World Cup/The FIFA World Cup
Primera División – Premier League
el fútbol – football, soccer
el campeonato – championship
el partido – game, match
el partido que se juega fuera de casa – away game
el partido amistoso – friendly game
un partizado – un gran partido
el balón/la pelota – ball
el campo (de juego) – pitch
el marcador – scoreboard
el estadio – stadium
el vestidor/vestuario – the dressing room
la banca – the bench
la cancha – pitch (lawn)
la portería/meta – goal, goalposts (Peninsular Spanish)
el arco – goal (Latin American Spanish)
el poste/el palo – post
el primer palo – the near post
el segundo palo – the far post
el larguero – the crossbar
la red – the net
la línea de banda – the sideline, touchline
la línea de gol – the goal line
la línea de medio campo – the halfway line
el área de gol – the goal area
el área de penal – the penalty area
el círculo central – central circle
el primer tiempo – the first half
el segundo tiempo – the second half
la media parte/el descanso/la pausa – half time
el tiempo suplementario/la prórroga – extra time
intervalo del medio tiempo / descanso – half time interval
.
LA ROPA - CLOTHES
la espinillera – shinguard
la pantaloneta – shorts
las medias – socks
la banderilla – flag
el silbato/el pito – whistle
la camiseta – shirt
el uniforme – uniform
.
LA ACCIÓN – THE ACTION
jugar al fútbol – to play football/soccer
jugar contra algn – to play against sb
el gol – a goal
un golazo – a great goal
un tiro/una patada – a kick, shot
un remate – a shot
dar una patada – to kick
la patada inicial – kick-off
un pase – a pass
pasar – to pass
patear – to shoot
disparar – to shoot
quitar la pelota – to take away the ball
tirar a la portería – to shoot at the goal
meter un gol – to score a goal
efectuar un saque de puerta – to take a goal kick
el remate de cabeza – header
cabecear – to head the ball
el rebote – a rebound
la pelota dio un rebote en el poste – the ball bounced off the post
un corner/saque de esquina – a corner
un saque de banda – a throw in
un saque de puerta/meta – a goal kick
regatear – to get past, swerve past
el regateo/regate/la gambeta – dribbling
hacer un regate – manoeuvre the ball
defender – to defend
atajar – to catch
atajar un penal – save a penalty
atacar – to attack
entrar(le) a algn – to tackle
la entrada – tackle
el autogol/gol en contra – own goal
ganar – to win
perder – to lose
derrotar – to beat
enfrentarse – to meet (luchar uno contra el otro)
empatar – to equalize, to draw
un empate a cero – score draw
sonar el silabato/pitar – blow the whistle
pitar el comienzo/el final del partido – to whistle the whistle for the beginning/the end of the game
el resultado final – the final score
la repetición – replay
.
JUEGO LIMPIO – FAIR PLAY
jugar limpio/sucio – to play fair/dirty
una falta – a foul
cometer una falta – to commit a foul
señalar una falta – to blow a foul
golpear – to hit
empujar – to push
la mano – handball
tocar el balón con la mano – to touch a ball with a hand
hacer una zancadilla a algn – to trip sb up
sujetar/querer inmovilizar a algn – to hold sb
hacer teatro/fingir – to playact, to fake
un saque de falta – a free kick
un tiro penal – a penalty
un tiro libre – a free kick
un tiro libre indirecto – an indirect free kick
fuera de juego – offside
una expulsión – a sending off
una tarjeta amarilla – a yellow card
una tarjeta roja – a red card
un aviso – a warning
enseñar una tarjeta amarilla/roja – to show a yellow/red card
recibir una tarjeta amarilla/roja – to get a yellow/red card
expulsar (a un jugador) – to send (a player) off
ejecutar una falta – to take a free kick
un jugador lesionado – injured player
.
LAS EMOCIONES – EMOTIONS
jugar con fuego – to play with fire
luchar con uñas y dientes – to fight nail and tooth
aplaudir – to clap, applaud
animar/jalear a un equipo – to cheer on a team
la ola (de estadio) – wave
hacer la ola – to make the wave
¿De qué equipo sos? – which team do you support?
¿Cuál es el resultado? – What is the score?
¿Cómo van? / ¿Cómo va el marcador? – what’s the score?
¿Cómo terminó el partido? – what was the score?
Los vamos a dejar en cero – we'll leave you with nil
No van a meter ni un gol. – you won't even score one goal
Les vamos a meter cuatro. – we'll score four
¡Vaya, vaya, haga el gol! - go man, you'll score!
¡Corra! – Run!
¡Mano! – handball!
¡Tire! ¡Dispare! – Shoot!
¡Ahora! ¡Va, tire! ¡Tirá ya! - Go! Shoot, now!
¡Huuuuyyyy! Por poquito, por poquito,… – oh! That was close…
¡Pero está ciego o qué! – is he blind or what
Un tiro de antología – an excellent kick
¡Mala suerte! – What bad luck!
Vamos Campbel, ahora es tu turno. ¡Vamos! ¡Vamos! Que ya es tuyo. - Go, go, your turn. Go! Go! It's yours now.
Los Ticos marcan su primer gol. Empate, señores, empate entre los dos colosos. - Costa Rica have scored their first goal. Draw, ladies and gentlemen, draw between two giants.

Experience Christmas and New Year in Costa Rica

2012-11-07T14:48:00.002-08:00

CONTACT: director@aicr-edu.org / csr@aicr-edu.org / rdemes@aicr-edu.org
Have you ever wondered how Christmas and New Year's are celebrated in COSTA RICA? Here's your chance to find out - you can experience this amazing time, help others by volunteering and learn the language while taking a Christmas Spanish course in Costa Rica!
As you might expect, this time of the year in Costa Rica doesn't usually get much beyond mildly chilly temperatures and maybe a stiff wind (the best time of the year!).
With Amistad´s SPANISH CHRISTMAS BREAK you'll not only learn Spanish but also about how Christmas is celebrated in Costa Rica with games, trips and special, fun activities.

Starting Dates	December 08th, 15th and 22nd 2012.
Lessons per week	20
Duration	1-2-3 or 4 weeks
Levels	All levels, from beginner to advanced and Superior
Notes	If you decide to stay in Costa Rica for more than 2 weeks, you can switch over to a regular, Intensive Spanish Course of 20 lessons per week.
Lesson Duration	55 min.
Class Size	Max. 10 students per Spanish class.

Activities: Season cooking class, songs, lectures, piñata workshop, visit, café social, and volunteer opportunities.

Course Description

The 1 or 2 week Christmas program is designed for you to enjoy traditional Costa Rican celebrations and work on your language skills at the same time. Apart from 20 Spanish lessons per week, the school organizes excursions and cultural activities such as visits to typical Costa Rican Christmas gatherings, Costa Rica Christmas Cooking, nativity exhibits and Epiphany parades. Most of these activities are included in the price (except the transport costs and entrance fees). Please keep in mind some of these activities have special dates (like the Lights Parade in San Jose downtown); ask for the special activities before booking :)
Since the course falls in an off-peak period, museums and other sites of interest are often less crowded than at other times of the year. AMISTAD classes are held throughout the entire holiday season, but we do observe the 25th of December, the 1st of January and other local/special holidays.

PRICES

One week $215
Two weeks $410
Three weeks $630
Four weeks $800

Even Brad y Angelina spend their Christmas in Costa Rica *** Read about it.

Top 10 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Costa Rica * From our friends of Costa Rica Pages

Save Costa Rican Sea Turtles Campaign

2012-10-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Save Costa Rican Sea Turtles this October, November and December for only $200 per week; for a minimum stay of 2 weeks.

This is the time when we get less help (people is not in vacations), and they need more help.

Come and help the turtles for just $200 per week, it includes:

Pick up from SJO International airport
First night with a host family all meals included
Transportation to the project
Introduction session
24/7 emergency phone number
Project
Housing
3 meals per day

Drop off is not included in case you want to travel around the country.

Transportation from the project can be arranged.

Las night stay and drop off from Central Valley can be arranged for extra $30

Just send an email to director@aicr-edu.org with the subject (SAVE THE TURTLES CAMPAIGN).

Let´s celebrate Amistad´s Birthday

2012-07-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

YES! Our birthday celebration is coming and you get the presents!

OCTOBER is our Birthday Month and we have offers for the whole Trimester!

During September, October and November SPANISH programs for $185 per week at our Main Campus in Santa Bárbara, and $235 at our Beach Campus in Esterillos ** VOLUNTEER Standard Programs for $115 and Special Programs for $145

Also a 5% discount in all our packages (4-1 / 8-4 weeks programs)

No placement fee - No last-minute booking fee - No hidden fees!

We are sure you can take good advantage of this offer as you did with the previous one, we celebrate our 9th birthday, and we want you to be part of it.

Also, for all the bookings for 2013 that are confirmed before October 31st; we will keep 2012 fees. Fine applies in cancelations.

LET´S CELEBRATE TOGETHER!

We like Summer * Special OFFER

2012-05-25T16:22:00.001-07:00

As a tropical country, we love Summer in Costa Rica, that is why we want to give a Summer GIFT.

ONLY DURING JUNE 2012 and for new bookings!

ALL our programs for $200 per week at our Main Campus in Santa Bárbara, and $250 at our Beach Campus in Esterillos.

No placement fee - No last-minute booking fee - No hidden fees!

Just the opportunity to take care of this Special Offer.

WE LOVE SUMMER TIME!

We did it! We´re opening in Esterillos beach, and you´re invited to join!

2012-05-17T11:01:00.001-07:00

We finally did it! Yes, we are opening a Beach Campus in Esterillos Beach; Marco is ready with his summer hat and his surf boards... Oh yes... a surf board is a must when going to the beach and area we choose to open our Beach Campus! ~ As you see, Marco is in charge of operations at the beach (we will introduce you with his team in time); and Alexander, Rebecca and Robert (with the rest of the staff you know) will work and support from the Main Campus. BIG Opening Party is getting prepared for June 2nd, 2012.

We choose this location as opposed to other beach locations, because of its proximity to: other beaches, the Central Valley and because it has really good access and roads (the opposite of the beaches in Guanacaste, where it takes one hour to go from one beach to the other even with your own car… dirt roads are awful to drive!).

Esterillos is just minutes away from Jacó, Pochotal, Hermosa, Herradura, Guapinol, Bejuco, Bandera Beaches... and when we say minutes away we mean it, you can even go in a bike!!!! Route 34 goes all the way around this coast, even more... just a little ride and a cruise trip and participants can get to Nicoya Gulf, where we offer Teaching, Children, Turtles, and more volunteer projects (Nicoya Gulf has many beaches too, such as Montezuma, Cabo Blanco, Malpais... and going a little more to Guanacaste area easy access to Camaronal, Bejuco and Samara).

This long beach has tide pools at its northern end, where a sculpture of a mermaid sits atop the rocks… and our school is just 200 meters from this sculpture… All our students are allowed to use La Sirena Hotel facilities (access to bar, activities and pool).

La Sirena is just 50 meters from the shore!!!

We decided to make a partnership with this incredible small hotel, so our participants can have real fun at this place without interfering with the educational goals of the Institute.

As you can see, we are all cover and ready to start... we just need you!

Amistad´s social responsibility program… Help your organization by helping others!

2012-05-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

We are glad to announce our special program to fundraise economical and human resources and help for Amistad´s foundation www.fundadeico.org.

As one of our clients you are constantly helping us to support FUNDADEICO´s projects; and that is why we want to make you part of this by giving you this incredible offer that is going to also provide human and economical help to the foundation.

Starting on May 15^th, 2012; we are going to offer 3 special packages (all included) in our Main Campus, in beautiful and semi-rural Santa Barbara (These prices apply ONLY throughout FUNDADEICO and the promotion ends by November 1^st, 2012):

PACKAGE #1

2 weeks program

Pick up from the airport

40 hours of Spanish lessons (20 per week)

Spanish text/working book

Volunteer project 20 hours per week (40 hours in total) * Applicable only to projects near the Institute´s Main Campus.

Private room

3 meals per day

Laundry service once a week

Latino Dancing lessons

Costa Rican Cooking and Tropical Fruits lessons depending on the schedule.

One Day Tour (See description here http://costaricainside.com/odt_pacifichighlights.html)

ONLY $510 the whole package for a minimum of 3 participants.

REAL VALUE $610

PACKAGE #2

4 weeks program

Pick up from the airport

80 hours of Spanish lessons (20 per week)

Spanish text/working book

Volunteer project 20 hours per week (80 hours in total) * Applicable only to projects near the Institute´s Main Campus.

Private room

3 meals per day

Laundry service once a week

Latino Dancing lessons

Costa Rican Cooking and Tropical Fruits lessons depending on the schedule.

One Day Tour (See description here http://costaricainside.com/odt_pacifichighlights.html)

ONLY $999 the whole package for a minimum of 3 participants.

REAL VALUE $1220

PACKAGE #3

4 weeks program [1 week of Spanish followed by 3 weeks in a volunteer project]

Pick up from the airport

20 hours of Spanish lessons (the first week)

Spanish text/working book

Volunteer project 20 hours per week (60 hours in total) * Applicable only to projects near the Institute´s Main Campus.

Private room

3 meals per day

Laundry service once a week

Latino Dancing lessons

Costa Rican Cooking and Tropical Fruits lessons depending on the schedule.

One Day Tour (See description here http://costaricainside.com/odt_pacifichighlights.html)

ONLY $590 the whole package for a minimum of 3 participants.

REAL VALUE $682

For more information about these amazing programs please write to info@fundadeico.org

Some pictures for these packages...

Health program in Costa Rica – a volunteer’s testimonial!

2012-05-10T12:48:00.003-07:00

As a direct provider we offer many opportunities for volunteers to get first-hand experience in the health sector.
Depending on their level of knowledge, specialization, and skill, they may check blood pressure, distribute food and medicine, weigh babies, accompany emergency response vehicles, and help with other first-aid procedures.
Examples of places where volunteers are needed are hospitals, senior care centers, the Red Cross and EBAIS (small clinics in individual communities). Assistance with public health community campaigns and other basic education can also be part of the job.

The projects provide a wonderful opportunity to doctors, nurses, medical and pre-medical students to become familiar with the challenges and health issues of Costa Rica, and they would benefit the most from this type of volunteer work.
To already get an idea of how a specific volunteer placement is like, read the following testimonial of Christel Bauló Estevez from Spain from our partner agency Volunteer Work Latin America, who completed four weeks assisting at a senior care center:

“From the first moment the language institute and my host family gave me a very warm welcome, I have had one great experience after the other. I really couldn’t have made a better decision to change my hometown Barcelona to live and work a while in Costa Rica!
On the first day, the Spanish school provided us with all the necessary information regarding our stay in Costa Rica. The volunteer coordinator accompanied me to the health center where I was presented to the director and my new colleagues.

The schedule was set up such a way that in the mornings you would be learning Spanish or go volunteering. Since my native tongue is Spanish, I decided to do four weeks of volunteer work and enjoy the school’s activities in the afternoon. They offered us amongst other Latin dance and Caribbean cooking classes, which was a so much fun!
The school is very well looked-after and situated in beautiful natural surroundings. Here we ate our breakfast, had access to wi-fi and computers to communicate with our ‘European families’ and they helped us organize our weekend trips. I was also very happy to improve my English, while helping the other students improve their Spanish; and as it turned out my grammar and vocab were not that bad after all!

The project resulted to be an incredibly enriching experience for my professional career. My tasks at the retirement home were (as I’m an official nurse), to prepare and distribute medications, check on vital signals, sanitary education and provide treatments to the elderly…all with very limited resources. This is when I realized how fortunate we are in Europe. I started to really appreciate the jobs and installations we have in Europe, i.e. the quality of medical assistance, and also value the efforts of the nurses at the home to give the ageing residents a dignified assistance full of affection.
Over the weekend, my roommate Elke from Belgium and I visited the Volcano Poás and the paradisiac beaches of Puerto Viejo de Limón, Montezuma, Santa Teresa and Jaco. Here we enjoyed spectacular sunsets, looked at the surfers waiting for their waves and got to know people from all over the world while dancing salsa at a fiesta on the beach!
After these experiences I understand why the Tico greeting is “Pura Vida!!”
For more information about our health volunteer projects click here.

More pictures of our future Campus at the beach, and the great beach.

2012-04-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Teaching and Children Programs at the beach ** New Beach Campus

2012-04-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

We finally made the next step; after working hard for several months we are ready with 18 new projects in different beach locations all around the country; from Guanacaste (Northem Zone) to the Caribbean; several schools and families opened their doors to Amistad; we are very proud of this because it means that we are doing a good job in other areas.
We are now ready to receive all your applications for Teaching and for Children from people that will like to do this at the beach.

Click on the map to see the picture bigger

BEACH CAMPUS
We are also proud to announce our new Campus at Esterillos Beach; just 15 minutes from Jaco beach, Central Pacific; and 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio, Quepos beach.
Esterillos beach is divided into three sections, West, Central and East each with a small village. Surfing is the main attraction here. This long beach has tide pools at its northern end, where a sculpture of a mermaid sits atop the rocks.This ear of Costa Rica's Central Pacific has one of the most consistent and cleanest breaks for surfers. Waves frequently break head high and are great year round. Besides Surfing, the waters are friendly towards all sorts of activities, such as Horseback riding, ATVs, sport fishing, kayaking and more. At low tide, the size of Esterillos beach increases dramatically, creating a blemish free vastness of dark sand waiting to be explored by beach combers.
Esterillos can be reached by either the north or south end from Highway 34 (Costanera Sur). Quepos and nearby Manuel Antonio National Park are less than an hour drive down the highway to the south. Just 20 minutes south of Playa Hermosa, Playa Esterillos is a great stop for any travelers seeking soothing ocean breezes and plenty of sunshine and shade. Located near the fun town of Jaco Beach, with tons of fun places to eat and adventure tours available as well.
We are working on some final details (government permissions, reparations and others), and will come to you with more information very soon... but, for now, please take a peek!

Amistad Beach Campus

New partnership

2012-04-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

We are glad to announce our new partnership with Terra Costa Rica, an organization that brings volunteers to the country; Amistad is proud to be their Spanish school; same way we do it for ItoI International and Real Gap; we are really glad about growing our Spanish students community with more citizens from around the whole world.
With more than 8 years teaching Spanish to more than 3.000 students now, Amistad is always looking for better ways to work and spread the language and the culture!

Welcome as part of our net of organizations offering real, nice experiences to students and volunteers visiting Costa Rica!

Hospede un Voluntario y gane

2012-04-18T11:44:00.002-07:00

Únase a nuestra red nacional de familias hospedadoras.

Unirse a los intercambios internacionales es algo que vale la pena para toda su familia. A continuación encontrará algunos de los beneficios de hospedar un estudiante internacional con Amistad Institute.

Anímese y consulte al correo electrónico familias@aicr-edu.org o al teléfono 2269.0000 con la encargada de Familias.

Beneficio económico

Muchas otras organizaciones le "venden" la idea de que el dinero no es lo importante--- ¡y es verdad!; pero sabemos que la economía mundial actual a veces no da para mantener otra persona en la familia (especialmente un adulto); es por eso que solicitamos a nuestros voluntarios una colaboración para poder ofrecer a nuestras familias un estipendio semanal que cubra la estadía del voluntario; nos sentimos felices de decir que esta colaboración, según nos han reportado algunas familias, es suficiente inclusive para comprar la alimentación de la familia entera; liberando a la misma de este gasto mientras los voluntarios están en sus casas.

Siembre la Solidaridad y el Voluntariado en su Familia

Las familias de todo tipo, de todas formas y tamaños, se benefician inmensamente de hacer cosas juntos para ayudar a alguien. Esto es especialmente cierto cuando usted hospeda a un voluntario de Amistad. Los padres experimentan la alegría de compartir el desarrollo de un hijo más. Los hermanos de todas las edades se benefician al relacionarse estrechamente con un estudiante de otro país. Y al compartir el deseo de entender otras culturas y dejar una huella, su familia crecerá junta en el proceso.

Comparta su Orgullo por Costa Rica

Cuando usted hospeda, juega un rol directo en la promoción de los valores costarricenses, pero más importante aún, en el desarrollo del adulto que su estudiante de intercambio llegará a ser. Cuando él/la voluntario/a que usted hospeda regrese a su país, las lecciones que habrá aprendido en Costa Rica le ayudarán a tomar las decisiones más importantes de su vida.

Aprenda Más Sobre el Mundo

Hospedar es una excelente forma de aprender sobre el mundo sin dejar su casa. Los padres e hijos de edad similar pueden aprender un nuevo idioma, interiorizar la realidad del mundo más allá de su casa o vecindario, ¡e incluso aprender a preparar exquisitos platos de cocina internacional!
Todos nuestros voluntarios hablan muy buen inglés, pero también es posible practicar otros idiomas como Alemán, Italilano o Francés. Al hospedar un voluntario usted le brinda la oportunidad a su familia de practicar el idioma de su interés en su propia casa. Los voluntarios también tienen la expectativa de aprender el español durante su estadía en el país. Es cuestión de ponerse de acuerdo.
Vivir con un voluntario de otra cultura es una educación en sí misma, y no tiene mayor costo.

Gane Habilidades Interculturales

Nuestra vida personal y laboral ha cambiado dramáticamente en los últimos años. Hospedar a un voluntario le permite ganar habilidades interculturales valiosas que usted y su familia pueden aplicar en su vida cotidiana. Mejorar su capacidad para entender o hablar un idioma extranjero o perder el miedo a utilizarlo, ganar conocimiento sobre la forma de pensar de personas de distintas partes del mundo, y aprender a convivir y apreciar esas diferencias, son solo algunas de las habilidades que usted puede desarrollar hospedando un voluntario.

Diviértase

Las familias anfitrionas y voluntarios se ríen y se divierten mucho. La rutina diaria de la familia se ve renovada y se descubren a menudo nuevas formas de disfrutar en familia.

Cambie el Mundo

Sí, suena ambicioso, pero es verdad: cuando usted hospeda un voluntario de Amistad Institute, usted tiene el poder de cambiar al mundo, un voluntario a la vez; ya que está colaborando con una persona que viene a nuestro país a ayudar y conocer, produciendo desarrollo y repartición de la riqueza.

Hi everybody!

2012-04-04T17:04:00.001-07:00

My name is Marco Bolaños and I am the Academic & Programs Director at Amistad Institute. I have been working in the international students and volunteering area since 1992, which means 20 years of experience. I am finishing my Master Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language Teacher. You can reach me at: director@aicr-edu.org for any further questions.

Amistad Institute Costa Rica

Tips for Learning Another Language

Things Foreigners Find Weird About Latin America

Reasons Why You Should Study in Costa Rica

What Volunteering Can Do For You

Understanding Some of the Latino Lingo

Things You Might Not Know About The Spanish Language

What Happens When You Learn Another Language

10 Amazing Facts About Costa Rica

10 Amazing Facts About Costa Rica

Costa Rica, even as a small country compared to its neighbors, is full of experiences and sightings you might not get anywhere else. So, before you come here, for whatever reason it may be, you should keep these facts into account.

Did you travel by bus when you visited Costa Rica?

La clase de frutas tropicales y cocina típica costarricense.

Thanks to all our former, present and future volunteers...

Lección de Costarriqueñismos.

Lección de Español EL FÚTBOL

El fútbol – vocabulario. Football/Soccer – vocabulary.

Experience Christmas and New Year in Costa Rica

Activities: Season cooking class, songs, lectures, piñata workshop, visit, café social, and volunteer opportunities.

Course Description

PRICES

Top 10 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Costa Rica * From our friends of Costa Rica Pages

Save Costa Rican Sea Turtles Campaign

Save Costa Rican Sea Turtles this October, November and December for only $200 per week; for a minimum stay of 2 weeks.

Let´s celebrate Amistad´s Birthday

During September, October and November SPANISH programs for $185 per week at our Main Campus in Santa Bárbara, and $235 at our Beach Campus in Esterillos ** VOLUNTEER Standard Programs for $115 and Special Programs for $145

Also a 5% discount in all our packages (4-1 / 8-4 weeks programs)

We like Summer * Special OFFER

ALL our programs for $200 per week at our Main Campus in Santa Bárbara, and $250 at our Beach Campus in Esterillos.

We did it! We´re opening in Esterillos beach, and you´re invited to join!

Amistad´s social responsibility program… Help your organization by helping others!

Health program in Costa Rica – a volunteer’s testimonial!

More pictures of our future Campus at the beach, and the great beach.

Teaching and Children Programs at the beach ** New Beach Campus

New partnership

Hospede un Voluntario y gane

Únase a nuestra red nacional de familias hospedadoras.

Beneficio económico

Siembre la Solidaridad y el Voluntariado en su Familia

Comparta su Orgullo por Costa Rica

Aprenda Más Sobre el Mundo

Gane Habilidades Interculturales

Diviértase

Cambie el Mundo

Hi everybody!