Ilisa Language School San Jose, Costa Rica 
Avenida 16, calle 59 y 61 - 2050 San Jose - see on mapPay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
- Five all-weather outdoor classrooms located in the school’s beautiful gardens.
- The school has its own restaurant for students on the terrace.
- Best rated school in San Jose
- Excellent rating of teaching quality5
- Top rated school facilities4.5
What we dislike about the school
- Younger students should consider that the average age of students at this school is significantly higher than at most other schools.
- Nationality mix could be more balanced. 70% of students are from USA
Location: ILISA Language School San José is a Spanish school located in the bustling Costa Rican capital city of San José. Housed in a quiet suburb of San Pedro's "La Granja" neighbourhood, students can enjoy the busy capital of Costa Rica from a slight distance whilst having direct access to the city centre, which is a 40-minute bus ride away. Attractions and sites of interest within walking distance of the school include the Outlet Mall, San Pedro Mall and the Plaza del Sol shopping mall. The University of Costa Rica Campus is also close to the school, ensuring many amenities and social happenings for students nearby.
Course selection: In addition to General Spanish programmes available to students of all levels, ILISA San José also provides one-to-one Executive Spanish, combination programmes of both group and private lessons, and private lessons.
Social and cultural: As the capital city of Costa Rica, San José has many cultural sites and activities for students to enjoy. Such attributes include the museums, theatres, concerts, city tours, the central market, churches and craft churches. There are many eateries and social venues local to the school and the city centre is also just a bus ride away.
Additional information: ILISA San José has supplied language courses for over 40 years.
Spanish Courses
General Language
Group 4
20 lessons per week | 4 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$285$271 / week More
Group 4
20 lessons per week | 4 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$285$271 / week
More
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 285 271 | 570 542 | 855 813 | 1,140 1,083 | 1,425 1,354 | 1,710 1,625 | 1,995 1,896 | 2,280 2,166 | 2,565 2,437 | 2,850 2,708 | 3,420 3,249 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 4 / Average: 3
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Group 4 Plus
30 lessons per week | 4 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$550$523 / week More
Group 4 Plus
30 lessons per week | 4 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$550$523 / week
More
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 550 523 | 1,100 1,045 | 1,650 1,568 | 2,200 2,090 | 2,750 2,613 | 3,300 3,135 | 3,850 3,658 | 4,400 4,180 | 4,950 4,703 | 5,500 5,225 | 6,600 6,270 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 6 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 15:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 4 / Average: 3
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Summer Program20 lessons per week | 4 students (max)Offer!from$900$878 / week Includes accommodationMore
Summer Program
20 lessons per week | 4 students (max)
Offer!from
$900$878 / week
Includes accommodation
More
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 900 878 | 1,645 1,604 | 2,250 2,194 | 3,020 2,945 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 04 May 2026, 11 May 2026, 18 May 2026, 25 May 2026, 01 Jun 2026, 08 Jun 2026, 15 Jun 2026, 22 Jun 2026, 29 Jun 2026, 06 Jul 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 20 Jul 2026, 27 Jul 2026, 03 Aug 2026, 10 Aug 2026, 17 Aug 2026, 24 Aug 2026
Prices
- Course price includes accommodation
- Homestay, Breakfast & 1 meal
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 4 / Average: 3
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Private
Private Lessons 1515 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$430$409 / week More
Private Lessons 15
15 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$430$409 / week
More
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 430 409 | 860 817 | 1,290 1,226 | 1,720 1,634 | 2,150 2,043 | 2,580 2,451 | 3,010 2,860 | 3,440 3,268 | 3,870 3,677 | 4,300 4,085 | 5,160 4,902 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 3 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Private Lessons 2020 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$570$542 / week More
Private Lessons 20
20 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$570$542 / week
More
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 570 542 | 1,140 1,083 | 1,710 1,625 | 2,280 2,166 | 2,850 2,708 | 3,420 3,249 | 3,990 3,791 | 4,560 4,332 | 5,130 4,874 | 5,700 5,415 | 6,840 6,498 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Private Lessons 3030 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$860$817 / week More
Private Lessons 30
30 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$860$817 / week
More
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 860 817 | 1,720 1,634 | 2,580 2,451 | 3,440 3,268 | 4,300 4,085 | 5,160 4,902 | 6,020 5,719 | 6,880 6,536 | 7,740 7,353 | 8,600 8,170 | 10,320 9,804 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 6 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Private Lessons 4040 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$1,175$1,117 / week More
Private Lessons 40
40 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$1,175$1,117 / week
More
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 14 days before the start of your course.
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 1,175 1,117 | 2,350 2,233 | 3,525 3,349 | 4,700 4,465 | 5,875 5,582 | 7,050 6,698 | 8,225 7,814 | 9,400 8,930 | 10,575 10,047 | 11,750 11,163 | 14,100 13,395 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 8 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Our prices for Ilisa Language School include
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
Student opinions about Ilisa Language School, San Jose
5.0
Overall school rating of
Ilisa Language School, San Jose
Ilisa Language School, San Jose
2 authentic ratings from students who booked with us
School
Location of the school
Facilities
Social activities
Organisation
Course
Quality of teaching
Value for money
Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Claire
Overall rating
5.0
“My teacher Gustavo was wonderful!
And they were able to accommodate my schedule at the last minute.”
And they were able to accommodate my schedule at the last minute.”
“I wish more people were in the class/school.”
Quality of teaching / language progress: Very good!
Amos
68 yearsOverall rating
5.0
“Prompt responses, flexibility with scheduling, excellent classroom and building, adaptable teaching approach, teacher patient with a senior-age student.”
“School is suburban though a short bus-ride from downtown. Though here were no after-class activities, the teacher coached as we wandered downtown.”
Ratings of Ilisa Language School compared to ratings of all schools in Costa Rica
| Ilisa Language School San Jose | Average of all other schools in Costa Rica | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall school rating | ||
| Location of the school | ||
| Facilities | ||
| Social activities | ||
| Organisation | ||
| Quality of teaching | ||
| Value for money | ||
| Homestay | ||
| Shared flat |
Ilisa Language School (ILISA)
- Accreditations and Quality seals
- Spanish teacher qualifications
- 100% hold a university degree50% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
- Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
- Student gender mix
- 45% male / 55% female
- Year of school foundation
- 1981
General school facilities
Cafeteria
Restaurant
Auditorium
Garden
Balcony / terrace
Student support desk
Free coffee
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Free parking
Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)
Tourist information
Assistance with entrance ticket purchases
Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs
Assistance with organizing transportation
Classroom equipment
TV in some classrooms
Air conditioning in some classrooms
Ample natural light in all classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 20
- Number of public PC workstations: 1
Additional comment about facilities of school
In addition to our excellent location, our facilities themselves are unmatched by any language school in the region. Unlike most schools, nearly all of our classrooms are purpose-built, providing optimum conditions for a language school.
Our classrooms have an abundance of natural light, are well-ventilated and comfortably furnished. An ample garden and terrace, both with great views, create surroundings where you can relax both during classes and after, to chat with other students, read the newspaper or do homework. Since many schools operate from converted homes, you can’t always take such amenities for granted.
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
| Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| USA | 70% |
| Japan | 10% |
| Germany | 10% |
| England | 5% |
| Korea | 5% |
Age of students
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 14.285714285714% |
| 18-24 years | 14.285714285714% |
| 25-34 years | 28.571428571429% |
| 35-50 years | 28.571428571429% |
| >50 years | 14.285714285714% |
The average age outside summer is 10 years higher than in summer.
- Average number of students
- Adult courses - In summer: 70Adult courses - Throughout the year: 15Junior courses - In summer: 10Junior courses - Throughout the year: 10
- Minimum age of students
- 18 years
- Average number of levels
- Adult courses In summer: 6Adult courses Throughout the year: 6Junior courses In summer: 3Junior courses Throughout the year: 3
- Average age of students
- In summer: 25 yearsThroughout the year: 35 years
Information for all courses offered by Ilisa Language School
- Lesson duration
- 60 minutes
- School's administrative fee
- $200
- Course material
- Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
- Comments about courses
If no suitable group course is available, a reduced number of private lessons will be offered.
Inscription fee includes: airport pick up, workbooks, certificate of attendance and cultural activities.- Days without class
- In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026, 02 Apr 2026, 03 Apr 2026, 11 Apr 2026, 01 May 2026, 25 Jul 2026, 02 Aug 2026, 15 Aug 2026, 15 Sep 2026, 12 Oct 2026, 01 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026.In 2027 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2027, 02 Apr 2027, 03 Apr 2027, 11 Apr 2027, 01 May 2027, 25 Jul 2027, 02 Aug 2027, 15 Aug 2027, 15 Sep 2027, 12 Oct 2027, 01 Dec 2027, 25 Dec 2027.School policy regarding bank holidays:Private classes are recuperated or refunded. Same as for nearly all language schools, group classes falling on bank holiday are not refunded and not recuperated. - Level test
- A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
The data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.
Leisure activities
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
- Museums, parks, art galleries, concerts.
Adults - Paid activities
- Movies, theaters, adventure, concerts.
Accommodation
Homestay Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal 
Shared bathroom
from
$315/ week Show more
Homestay
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
Shared bathroom
from
$315/ week
Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 315 | 630 | 945 | 1260 | 1575 | 1890 | 2205 | 2520 | 3150 | 3780 | 315 |
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ |
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday
- Check-out
- Saturday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- Room Occupancy
- Single room
- Includes
- Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- Breakfast & 1 meal.
- Minimum age of students
- 18
No extra nights bookable
FAQ about Ilisa Language School, San Jose
What is the best price for a course at Ilisa Language School, San Jose?
“Spanish courses at Ilisa Language School start at 271 US$ for a Group 4 course with 20 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.”
What is the number of students per class at ILISA Language Institute?
“Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at ILISA Language Institute varies from 1 (Private Lessons 15) to 4 students (Group 4)”
Which countries are students of Ilisa Language School from?
“The highest Nationality percentage at Ilisa Language School comes from USA with a 70% representation, followed by students from Germany (10%) and Japan (10%).”
Ilisa Language School offers courses for which ages?
“Ilisa Language School offers courses from 18 years to 99. The average age is 25 during the summer and 35 the rest of the year.”
Terms of Ilisa Language School
- First day of course
- Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 7:45
- Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
- Legal name/parent company
- Language Express S.A | Tax registration ID: 3-101-554159
Visa Documents
Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 180 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
- Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
- No
- Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
- School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
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San Jose
San Jose city attractiveness as rated by our students:
3.7
Find more information about San Jose, including climate data and events, on our San Jose page, which includes a list of all 8 Spanish schools in San Jose.
