Medial Spanish Program

Rancho de Español Language School

Q&A
Price
school-reference
detail

Course description

''The Program''

''MEDICAL PROGRAM

How important is it for doctors and nurses to be able to speak Spanish on the job?

The population of Spanish-speaking patients is steadily increasing.

Rancho de Español offers specialized "medical Spanish" courses, teaching conversational language and intercultural skills targeted specifically for the caregiving environment. The course also arranged volunteer work in local clinics and hospitals, where you will be able to practice while you learn.

Medical staff who enroll in these programs spend the number of weeks they desire speaking only Spanish in small group settings, interacting with locals, and often staying either, with a native-speaking family or on the school’s campus.

If you don’t have the flexibility of attending a long-term program, we have the Super Intensive Professional Spanish Program, special for those who can only stay for one or two weeks and then need to go back to work.

Healthcare providers, who decide to learn the language of their Hispanic patients, make a smart career move.

The course is supported by various didactic materials (our didactic material, audiovisual material, magazines and special publications, and of course the real practice in different clinics).

Spanish Classes+Professional Practice
24 hours / week
9 hours / week

Levels: Beginner - Intermediate – Advanced
Maximum students per class: 5 students

Schedule:

Monday and Friday: They will receive 6 hours of Spanish, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., leave for lunch, and return for classes from 1:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

*(If the students prefer, classes can be given from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., go for lunch and return from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., only Monday and Friday)

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Students will go to the different clinics from 8:00 a.m. to 11: 00 a.m., after 11 they will leave for lunch, and resume classes from 1:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
24 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 60 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday

Class times

Morning session
08:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Afternoon session
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Morning session
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Afternoon session
01:00 PM - 05:30 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Alajuela.

Class size

Average 4 students
Maximum 5 students

Student age

Age range 21 years old and older
Average 26 years old

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
Read more...
school
photos

Photos

  • Swimming Pool 1/63
  • Natural Life 2/63
  • Student residence offered by Rancho de Español Language School 3/63
  • Student residence offered by Rancho de Español Language School 4/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 5/63
  • Activities offered at Rancho de Español Language School 6/63
  • Teachers and Staff at Rancho de Español Language School 7/63
  • Classroom at Rancho de Español Language School 8/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 9/63
  • Activities offered at Rancho de Español Language School 10/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 11/63
  • Homestay housing offered by Rancho de Español Language School 12/63
  • Classroom at Rancho de Español Language School 13/63
  • Classroom at Rancho de Español Language School 14/63
  • Student residence offered by Rancho de Español Language School 15/63
  • Student residence offered by Rancho de Español Language School 16/63
  • Student residence offered by Rancho de Español Language School 17/63
  • Mangos at the garden 18/63
  • Bananas at School Garden 19/63
  • Entrance to Rancho de Español Language School 20/63
  • Building of Rancho de Español Language School 21/63
  • Building of Rancho de Español Language School 22/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 23/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 24/63
  • Activities offered at Rancho de Español Language School 25/63
  • Classroom at Rancho de Español Language School 26/63
  • Classroom at Rancho de Español Language School 27/63
  • Classes at Rancho de Español Language School 28/63
  • Classroom at Rancho de Español Language School 29/63
  • Homestay housing offered by Rancho de Español Language School 30/63
  • Homestay housing offered by Rancho de Español Language School 31/63
  • Homestay housing offered by Rancho de Español Language School 32/63
  • Homestay housing offered by Rancho de Español Language School 33/63
  • Homestay housing offered by Rancho de Español Language School 34/63
  • Homestay housing offered by Rancho de Español Language School 35/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 36/63
  • Activities offered at Rancho de Español Language School 37/63
  • Activities offered at Rancho de Español Language School 38/63
  • Activities offered at Rancho de Español Language School 39/63
  • Educational Group Trips 40/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 41/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 42/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 43/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 44/63
  • Student residence offered by Rancho de Español Language School 45/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 46/63
  • Students of Rancho de Español Language School 47/63
  • Activities offered at Rancho de Español Language School 48/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 49/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 50/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 51/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 52/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 53/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 54/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 55/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 56/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 57/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 58/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 59/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 60/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 61/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 62/63
  • Rancho de Español Language School 63/63
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 2 reviews
5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"Excellent teacher, delicious food, very comfortable accommodations"

Paula MacKenzie, student from USA

My teacher, Lourdes, was fantastic! I learned so much from her. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff at El Rancho were very nice and welcoming. My room was huge and very comfortable. I didn’t like the location of the school however. I couldn’t go walking as the cars drive like crazy and there were no sidewalks.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
17 Apr 2023 - 28 Apr 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Worn out, but wonderful"

Larry Letzer, student from USA

The classes were one on one with a very talented and caring teacher. It was totally a Spanish immersion course. No English was spoken unless after three attempts to make me understand a phrase or concept, she would give the answer in English. The class room was on a private "finca" with classes in little screened-in huts large enough for four people. There was a chalk board, four chairs, and the sound of a river rushing just beneath our classroom. My class ran from 8-10 with a half-hour break, then 10:30 to noon. Walked the 300 meters to my house for lunch then back to school at 1:30 until three PM. This was 5 days a week.

There were no activities as I was the only student in the school. However, the parents of my host family were my age and took me on a two day excursion to a resort on my weekend there. The parents and the host family were fabulous. I now consider them to be close friends. In the house which is very modern, I had a private room and a private bath. (Cold water only) It was like being in the Army again. Deja Vu. The school did offer me some tours on the weekend, but I had a friend who lives there and wanted to spend the time with him and his family.

The host family lived right next door to the woman's parents and were so accommodating. They made me feel as part of the family.

The location of the school requires one to take a bus or taxi to the city (Alejuela) which is about 20 miles away. It is very conducive for learning, but to get anywhere one either has to walk nearly a mile to the nearest restaurant or take a bus or taxi. I became ill one day and Manuel, the school director drove me to a pharmacy to have my blood pressure taken. It was normal and they said I was dehydrated. I bought some Gatorade and Manuel bought me a couple of coconuts to drink the milk. 30 minutes later, I was fine.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
3 Nov 2014 - 14 Nov 2014
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Manuel González, School Director at Rancho de Español Language School responded to this review.
14 April 2015

Hi Larry,

Thank you for sending your kind words! We truly appreciate it when customers take time out of their busy days to provide us with some open and honest feedback about our products and services.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to let us know how you feel about our services. We appreciate your visit and truly love to work in order to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Best regards,

Manuel González
Director

housing

Housing

El Rancho offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

$210
weekly
Age range: 3 years old and older
Location: Outside the city center of Alajuela
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry, tV room, and 24/7 supervision
Distance to school: 5 - 15 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
$210
HOSTFAMILY

Many students and their parents wonder, "what is a home stay?", "what kind of home?", "what kind of people?", "where are these homes?". You will actually stay in their living quarters and can become a part of the family. Their homes are clean and ordinary. These are Costa Rican families who truly welcome you. They will do everything in their power to please you.

There is hardly any English spoken but you will learn your Spanish much faster when there is no other choice. It becomes fun and a challenge. Costa Rican food is delicious and there is always the smell of good cooking and coffee. This family cooks three meals a day that is if you are hungry. At first three meals might seem like a lot of food but around two days later when class is almost over you will be looking forward to those meals.

Usually you will walk to the school , which is within the area. The entire area of Guácima is within walking distance. When you start out in the morning, it is a pure delight. Everyone greets you, "Buenos días" even though they have never seen or met you before. It is the right thing to replay, "Buenos Días". You will note that people in Costa Rica work hard with difficult circumstances but still manage to greet you with a sincere smile and a kind word. As you continue your stroll towards the school you can take note of some beautiful white cows with long floppy ears.

At the end of your stay, you will become quite attached to your "Costa Rican family". However if you are not pleased, then changes could be made. Everyone's culture is different and the best method in learning a language is to learn the culture. You will receive these valuable assets with your host family at Rancho de Español.
apartment

Shared apartment - 2-person shared room - Breakfast - 2 students must book together

$250
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Address: 500 metros norte de Super La Venus., Alajuelaa, Alajuela 00000, Costa Rica
Location: Outside the city center of Alajuela
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, computers, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, hardwood, air conditioning, 24/7 supervision, garden, sports facilities, other, and swimming pool
Distance to school: 1 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
Restriction: 2 students must book together
$250
''LODGING APARTMENTS''

''When you arrive in Costa Rica, the last thing you need to worry about is transportation to your destination, because a representative of Rancho de Español will meet you at the airport. You are then taken to the apartment or to your host family.''

''ON CAMPUS''

''For your convenience and if you prefer more privacy, the school offers fully furnished, single, double and for families, apartments on the school campus with a swimming pool in the backyard, and surrounded by beautiful gardens.''

''There you will be able to prepare your own meals, or if you still want to interact with a native family, we can arrange your three meals at a nearby home.''

''ALSO! If you want to travel throughout Costa Rica, without taking Spanish classes, and want to have a clean, safe and very good located place to relax and meet with relatives or other friends, this is the right place!''

''APARTMENTS AT EL RANCHO''

''Apartments with:
Cable TV
Kitchenettes
Air Condition A/C
Green Areas with:
Swimming pool
Volleyball field
Tropical gardens
Secured parking
BBQ
Facilities:
Right on the campus
Restaurant El Crisol
Laundry service
Tours and rental cars
Reading lounge
Fax available
WiFi
Others:
WE ALSO WELCOME AND LODGE LARGE GROUPS''

Private apartment - Single-person room - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

$420
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Address: Guacima Arriba 500 metros norte de Super La Venus., Alajuela, Alajuela 215-4005 Belén, Heredia, Costa Rica
Location: Outside the city center of Alajuela
Housing type: Private apartment
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, air conditioning, 24/7 supervision, garden, sports facilities, other, and swimming pool
Distance to school: 1 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
$420
LODGING

APARTMENTS

When you arrive in Costa Rica, the last thing you need to worry about is transportation to your destination, because a representative of Rancho de Español will meet you at the airport. You are then taken to the apartment or to your host family.

ON CAMPUS
For your convenience and if you prefer more privacy, the school offers fully furnished, single, double and for families, apartments on the school campus with a swimming pool in the backyard, and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

There you will be able to prepare your own meals, or if you still want to interact with a native family, we can arrange your three meals at a nearby home.

ALSO! If you want to travel throughout Costa Rica, without taking Spanish classes, and want to have a clean, safe and very good located place to relax and meet with relatives or other friends, this is the right place!

APARTMENTS EL RANCHO
Apartments with:
Cable TV
Kitchenettes
Air Condition A/C
Green Areas with:
Swimming pool
Volleyball field
Tropical gardens
Secured parking
BBQ
Facilities:
Right on the campus
Restaurant El Crisol
Laundry service
Tours and rental cars
Reading lounge
Fax available
WiFi
Others:
WE ALSO WELCOME AND LODGE LARGE GROUPS
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. The school is also not authorized to issue documents to support your visa application. If you need a visa, you have to apply for a visitor or tourist visa on your own.

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Alajuela based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

Read more...
questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Rancho de Español Language School staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question
Show prices