ATESA is a small school located in Atenas, a rural town in the province of Alajuela in Costa Rica. For more than twenty years, we have implemented Spanish as a Foreign Language programs, internships, and community volunteer programs, connecting international organizations with local institutions in our country.
ATESA was founded in 2004 when teacher Mercedes Arias created community volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica. A few months later, Professor Juan D. Barquero joined the initiative. Together, they combined their experience in Spanish teaching with programs for cultural experiences, community service, and professional learning.
At ATESA, Spanish instruction focuses on developing all language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. These skills are developed through classroom learning, assignments, and practical use.
Before starting the course, each student is interviewed to determine their Spanish level and is provided with the appropriate textbook. ATESA uses three textbooks developed by the school and adapted to its practical teaching method.
Learning is reinforced through real-life practice outside the classroom: interaction with host families, cultural activities such as Costa Rican cooking and Latin dance, and visits to local and tourist sites.
The school is located in Sabana Larga de Atenas, on a working farm where classes take place in open-air classrooms. In this natural setting, students learn Spanish in close contact with nature and daily life.
One of ATESA’s distinguishing features is learning in harmony with a rural environment. Students can harvest, describe, and taste fruit during class or take walks through coffee plantations.
Another highlight is the close, friendly relationship between staff, students, and host families. Many families have worked with ATESA since its founding and consistently receive excellent feedback.
