Our Spanish Learning Method
Language Levels
Academia Tica uses the total immersion method and all classes are conducted in Spanish only. Our teaching method is interactive, communicative, intercultural and student centered. Six course levels are available: Beginners I and II (A1, A2), Intermediate Level I and II (B1, B2), Advanced Level I and II (C1, C2) in compliance with the Common European Framework.
Group courses are conducted in classes of a maximum of 6 students. The average per class is 3-4 students only. One lesson is 50 minutes. On the first morning of each course you will be tested to evaluate your level of Spanish. Following the test you will be assigned to one of the six course levels. You can also take an online Spanish test to know which level you’re at.
Levels A1 and A2: Begginers
The goals of these introductory courses are to achieve a basic level of oral communication in the present, future and past tense. At the same time students will acquire a general knowledge of Costa Rica and Latin America. Students will learn the vocabulary and grammatical structures needed to develop the first contacts with the Spanish speaking community.
B1 and B2: Intermediate Level
In intermediate levels, the basic communication skills will be strengthened and expanded by more complex verb forms including all past and conditional tenses. Various didactic methods are used including practice with written Spanish and works with various topics of the Costa Rican and Latin American experience.
C1 and C2: Advanced
In these courses, students review the grammatical problems of Spanish as a second language and work with more advanced topics. In addition, students will strengthen their existing knowledge and minimize existing weaknesses. Intercultural analysis of Latin America, the interpretation of literary works, and the improvement of written Spanish are emphasized.
More Information
Each level includes grammatical structures of the Spanish language and presentation and discussion of details and special characteristics of life and society. Technical Spanish and Composition exercises are available too. Levels C1 and C2 include writing exercises, Technical Spanish, contemporary Latin American literature, Latin American tradition and folklore, Latin American political and social issues.
In addition to our own working materials we also use local newspapers, magazines from Central America, songs, videos about the Latin American reality, illustrations, maps, textbooks and many other materials which are especially prepared for use in Academia Tica. We also visit places related to the topics and invite experts to give lectures. Discussion themes are presented in sections and include a variety of listening exercises. Some examples from the catalog topics:
- National Parks of Costa Rica
- Ecological problems of Costa Rica
- Contemporary Latin American Literature
- Costa Rican Educational System
- Situation of Indigenous Minorities in Latin America
- Costa Rican Traditions
- Political Parties and Elections in Costa Rica.
