Learn to speak Spanish at IPEE Spanish language school Costa RicaCosta Rica photos and slide show at IPEE Spanish Language School
The only way to really learn to speak Spanish is to "live it".
ZUR DEUTSCHEN SEITE Instituto Profesional de Español para Extranjeros
 Last minute decision?  No problem!  We are open year-round and can accept you on short notice.
We still have afternoon classes available for June and July.
Book & Music Store
We start new classes every Monday, just pick the date best for you!
A Message from the Director
Easy Application
Everything in a nutshell
Fees and Prices
Request info or ask questions
(expect a very quick response!)
View our Slide Show, see what to expect when you arrive at IPEE.
COURSES
Standard and Intensive Spanish Courses
Spanish Teachers Course
Medical Terminology Course
Latin American Health Care for Professionals (groups only)
History, Geography and Sociopolitical Aspects of Costa Rica
Latin American Literature
USEFUL INFORMATION
What can I do to learn now?
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What makes IPEE better?
What can I expect?
Excursions and Trips Descriptions
Getting ready for your trip
Home Stays
College Credit
Former Student Comments
Photos of our Staff and Professors
Where is IPEE in Costa Rica?
Home Stay Seminar
   How we pick our Host Families
Costa Rica Weather (CNN.com)
Our Newest Book - Written for our beginning Students
"My First Passages in Spanish"
This book was just written by our professors espcially for our beginning students.  If you are new to the language and want to know enough Spanish to feel comfortable when you arrive, this is for you!
Read the review and order HERE

I highly recommend this book,
I find it indispensable.  -Robert Levy


501 Spanish Verbs
Fully Conjugated in All the Tenses in a New Easy-To-Learn Format Alphabetically Arranged - Christopher Kendris; Paperback - 674 pages 4th edition (February 1996)
 
FUN THINGS
 Articles on Costa Rica and Study Abroad.
 
Visit our Book & Music Store to buy great titles on Costa Rica, Spanish / English Dictionaries, Reference and Travel and some GREAT music. These also make great gifts.
Amazon.com - Costa Rica Books, Music, Spanish Language Tapes, etc.

One of our Cultural Activities Classes
"Exotic Fruits of Costa Rica"

Exotic fruit class at IPEE Spanish Language School

A group of students posing just after break.






Copyright (C) by IPEE
All rights reserved.

 
If you're serious about learning Spanish and want to learn, quickly, efficiently and professionally, AND you want to be totally immersed in the language and the culture of one of the most enchanting and safe countries in the world,  then you've come to the right place!  You'll be treated like a member of the family at IPEE.  We know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your new environment, and we do everything to make you feel right at home.
Nuria, Robert
If you would feel more comfortable talking with a real person, just e-mail your phone number and a convenient time to call, and I'd be more  than happy to call you to discuss our programs or any questions you may have.  We want you to feel very comfortable with your choice.
E-mail: ipee@gate.net   or   (813) 643-0416 (Brandon, FL)
We've made the process simple and direct.  It really is this EASY!
  1. Fill out an application and mail it in with your deposit, or you may cut and paste and e-mail an application.  Specify the dates and for how long you'd like to attend (1 week to 3 months).  You can also let us know about your host family preferences, such as no-smoking, allergic to pets, vegetarian, etc.
  2. We'll confirm receipt of your application and send your host family information and other tips to help you prepare for your trip. 
  3. The day you arrive we'll pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your host family.  Expect a nice warm welcome.
  4. Be sure to have a current passport. 
You'll feel confident that you've made the right choice.  IPEE's total immersion methodology along with professional classes is the fastest and most fun way to learn Spanish.   Your progress will be phenomenal because you will not only be learning the language, but using it from the first day in real life situations.    We have a very well developed tour and excursion program that will let you experience some of the most enchanting and beautiful places in the world.

  • Live with a pre-selected host family in a safe, upscale residential neighborhood.
  • All of our professors have degrees in teaching Spanish as a second language.
  • There are never more than six students per class.
  • There are co-owners of the institute always present and their attitude towards our students is readily evident.
  • Courses from one week to 3 months in length; we operate all year-round, just pick which Monday you wish to start.
  • 7 separate levels; from absolute beginner to advanced and classes for teaches, translators, professionals and Medical Terminology also.
  • Casual, yet very professional atmosphere.



  • Before we begin I'd like to say "Thanks for stopping by".  Now that you are here, you'll start to see what makes IPEE so special. You'll find ALL the information you need within this web-site.  If you do have any questions (none are too small), just email and you'll get a  complete answer quickly! 

"I just wanted to tell you that I had a wonderful time in San Jose, and the teachers at IPEE are the Best!  I am so glad I had the opportunity to go.  I learned a lot!  Thanks for all your help."       -Kimberly Canonico- 

 
"There are many language schools in Costa Rica, but IPEE is one of the top choices because of its cozy atmosphere and super-cooperative staff.  They are extremely flexible about how you want to structure the classes, if necessary.  In addition, you will be able to encounter many different cultures through international students from all over the world.  Although the majority is from the U.S., there are many students from various parts of the world such as Asia or Europe."        -Tosh Arita, Chicago- 
[MORE STUDENT COMMENTS]  
The "Everything in a Nutshell" page gives a general overview of the entire process of attending IPEE.

You'll find our staff's credentials, syllabi, tours, excursions, fees, cultural information, what to expect and tips on what to bring.  You'll even find a currency converter.  Enjoy, and leave a comment on what you think of our site, or if you can suggest an improvement.

    There is no quicker way to learn a foreign language than to "live it" in a total immersion environment. We are dedicated to making your experience in Costa Rica a most rewarding educational experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. 

    The principal objective of our Institute is the teaching of Spanish  as a Second Language,  along with introducing the student to the cultural values and natural wealth which our beautiful country offers. IPEE was created as a response to  the need that Costa Rica has  for a serious and professional language school that offers, in addition to the customary language courses that are taught in  this country, a more specialized and personalized program. College credit can be arranged. 

    Our teaching methods emphasize communication, and to  this end we use the most modern techniques, with didactic materials, audiovisuals, and books written by the Institute's professors along with field trips and excursions and home stays with highly qualified Costa Rican host families.
     

     
IPEE Spanish Language School
1112 Estatewood Dr.
Brandon, FL  33510
Tel/Fax:  (813) 643-0416
e-mail: ipee@gate.net























To truly learn to speak Spanish, it is imperative that you have the practice that can only be provided by total immersion.  Speaking the Spanish language day in and day out gives you mental hooks on which to hang the lessons you learn in the classroom each day.  The Spanish language will become alive as you use your new found skills in everyday, real life situations.  You'll constantly hear the language spoken as it really is.  As you probably already know, Spanish is not spoken as it is written in textbooks.  It is just not possible to write into text, inflection, tone, pauses, emphasis, etc.  which make up a large part of communication.  This exposure to the living language is what makes the difference in a student achieving communicative fluency.