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Register with CHICLE to attend one of these programs.
The cost is the same but we handle arrangements and payment.
 The Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) has three locations.
CPI Heredia, founded in 1991, is located in San Joaquín de Flores. San Joaquín,
a suburb of Heredia, is popular among those who wish to be away from the traffic,
pollution and tension of the city, yet still want the advantage of easy access to
Costa Rica's capital. Excellent bus service provides transportation from San Joaquín
to both Heredia and San José. An additional advantage of San Joaquín
is the opportunity to gain an increased insight into Costa Rican culture in a town
that is typically "Tico".
The province of Heredia has a comfortable climate year round. During the rainy
season, (May-December) it often rains in the afternoon so an umbrella and/or a light
rain coat are essential. During the dry season, umbrellas and raincoats are not needed.
CPI Monteverde was established as an extension of CPI in 1996. The Monteverde zone,
which includes ten towns and 8,000 people, is situated on the Continental Divide
at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The region is well known for its commitment to the
sustainable development of the community and the conservation of the cloud forest
reserves. This area is a rural region and is a 5-hour bus ride from San José.
Buses travel daily to and from Monteverde at 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The average daily temperature is 18º to 24° C (65º to 75° F).
The climate is typically cool and at times wet. If you plan to visit during the rainy
season (May - December), we recommend bringing rain gear and waterproof shoes or
boots (especially if you plan to visit the reserves) as well as pants, long-sleeved
shirts and a light jacket.
In Monteverde, CPI is dedicated to working closely with the community to find VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES for interested students. Positions include: volunteering in the Santa
Elena Reserve or trail maintenance in one of the forests in Cerro Plano.
CPI Flamingo is your best beach option. It was established in 2000. The Guanacaste
coastal area, replete with pristine beaches and scattered mangroves, is known as
the golden coast of Costa Rica. With its white sand and crystal blue water, Flamingo
is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, and just relaxing
on the beach.
There is a considerable North American community in the town of Flamingo itself;
however, the nearby rural towns of Brasilito and Potrero are primarily Costa Rican,
and this is where our homestay families are located. Flamingo is a 5-hour bus ride
from San José, with public buses leaving the capital daily at 8:00 a.m., 11:00
a.m., and 3:00 p.m. The private shuttle service that CPI uses, leaves San José for
Flamingo every Sunday around 1:00 p.m.
The average daily temperature is 32° C (90° F). The climate is hot with
fairly high humidity; we recommend shorts and summer clothing. In Flamingo, students
have the opportunity for serious Spanish study in a vacation environment.
Please call us at (919) 933-0398 or e-mail
us if you want more information.
Visit CPI's website for
addional information.
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