MOST COMMON QUESTIONS Why should I study in Costa Rica? There are many different countries in the world where one can study Spanish. Costarica, however, offers some unique advantages. Costa Rica is known around the world for its stable, democratic form of government. After abolishing its army in 1948 this peaceful nation decided to spend a large portion of its national budget on education and health care. Costa Rica also offers a wide variety of climates. In Costa Rica, you can visit a mountain volcano in the morning and then enjoy the sunshine at the beach in the afternoon.  Why should I study at CPI? CPI is a family-run school that provides the best combination of intensive language study, warm family atmosphere and a safe location in all three locations Heredia, Monteverde and Flamingo.  Who typically attends C.P.I.'s language immersion program? People of all ages come to CPI, from teenagers to retirees, with the majority of CPI's students being university students and professionals (ages 19-55). C.P.I. attracts students from many different backgrounds and parts of the world.  How many levels of Spanish are offered? CPI offers 9 levels of Spanish: 3 beginner (basic beginner, intermediate beginner and advanced beginner), 3 intermediate (beginner intermediate, intermediate, and advanced intermediate), 2 advanced and 1 superior.  Does CPI have experience with advanced students? Many advanced students have studied with us in the past and we are experienced in working with their special needs. If there are no students at the advanced level at the time in which the advanced student attends the school then CPI will provide the student with individual instruction without an additional charge.  Is one on one instruction possible? A student can receive one-on-one instruction if s/he so desires. The cost is $75 extra per week in addition to the cost of the regular program. Depending on availability, those students who want one-on-one instruction may need to study in the afternoons during the high season (January- February and May-August).  Do I have the same professor every week? No, each week students change professors in order to expose them to different expressions, vocabulary, accents and teaching styles. Can children study? As a general guide, children older than 15 may study in the regular program. For younger children, a different schedule may be recommended depending on the child's maturity level. We have experience teaching children as young as 5 years old.  How does dividing my time between the three locations work? Students have the option of dividing their time between each of our 3 campuses: the Monteverde cloud forest, San Joaquín, Heredia and Flamingo beach in order to experience the diversity of Costa Rica. Time can be divided to allow one or more weeks in each location.  Gifts for the family? Some students wishing to bring a small token of appreciation to their family ask what is appropriate. We recommend something that is particular to your area of the world. Other popular gifts have been items for the kitchen (tea towels, pot holders, etc.) and candy. Families do not expect gifts so do not feel obligated to bring anything.  How long may I stay in my homestay? You may enter your homestay the Saturday prior to your first Monday class and must leave the Saturday after your last Friday class.  I am a vegetarian, can the family accommodate my needs? Yes, the host families are accustomed to cooking for vegetarians. This will be my first time in Costa Rica, how do I get around? On the first day of class we give an orientation to the students to discuss many important points which will make your transition into the culture easier (what to expect in the homestay, safety precautions, etc.) as well as topics related to the school (theservices provided by the school, the schedule, etc.). The talk supplements the orientation packet given to students when they arrive.  How much money do I bring? For those students in the homestay program, additional expenses include: entertainment, travel and souvenirs. Restaurants range from cheap to expensive but on average a good meal at a decent restaurant costs $10 per person without an alcoholic beverage. A beer costs about $1.50 and comes with a boca (a free appetizer) in a bar. Week-end trips vary depending upon where you go but, in general, a nice hotel costs about $50 per night. Much cheaper, simpler accommodations can be found. Public transportation is very reasonable and generally is less than $10 round trip. Also, I have heard that changing money at the bank is time consuming, is that true? Yes, often there are long lines in the bank but at CPI we provide you with the service of changing your traveler's checks at the bank once a week to relieve you of this time consuming task.  What is the best way to communicate with my family and friends back home? At CPI you have access to e-mail ($10 for the duration of your stay). If you would like to send a fax you can do so at the local post office. You may have letters sent to CPI's address but it is good to remember that letters typically take 2 weeks to arrive from North America. DHL is also an option if you need something sent quickly.  What if my plane is delayed, will I still be picked up at the airport? Yes, we are in contact with the airport and know the exact arrival time of your flight. If you arrive after 11:00 p.m. or if you are Monteverde bound we will take you to the local bed and breakfast (the cost is $14 per night) and the following day we will take you to your homestay in San Joaquín or the bus stop to Monteverde or Flamingo, respectively.  What kind of volunteer opportunities are available? Since CPI's schools are in three diverse locations, volunteer opportunities vary according to location; however, in the majority of cases we can find you a position in your field or area of pursuit. If you inform us of your particular interest prior to your arrival, we can investigate the possibilities. For more information contact: Dr. Luisa Perez at: perezlui@emporia.eduPhone: 620‑341‑5827/785-832-9643