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All Spanish schools in Turrialba
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Spanish by the RiverTurrialba, Costa Rica

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

23 students - overall rating
Barrio El Recreo - 42-7150 Turrialba - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • 5 locations, all offering the same Spanish program
  • Unique eco classroom (outside)
  • Balcony setup with hammocks for students to relax in.
  • Hotel / Hostel accommodation very close to school
What we dislike about the school
  • It is a 2-hour bus or taxi ride from San José.
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 8%
18-24 years 41%
25-34 years 32%
35-50 years 12%
>50 years 7%
The average age outside summer is 5 years higher than in summer.

Location: The school is located a little outside of the typically 'tico' town of Turrialba. The school offers an incredible view of the lush green surroundings, including the active Turrialba volcano. The capital city, San Jose, is a 2-hour bus ride from the city, so it is a good location to enjoy day trips to the bigger city. Turrialba itself is walkable, and there are restaurants, shops, gyms, cafes and other things students will need during their learning experience.

Ethos of the town: The town still has a very traditional feel, and Spanish is used by the locals, with very few understanding other languages. This means it is excellent for total immersion. Although the town is small, there are plenty of activities, most of which take place in the surrounding nature. One thing not to miss is the weekly farmers market, where students can learn more about the local produce of the area and interact with people living in Turrialba.

Spanish classes: Classes are often held on the balcony, from where you can spot exotic birds like toucans, hummingbirds and many other tropical animals. There are standard courses or intensive courses, and the option to combine these with private lessons.

Social activities: The school organises visits to historical sites, a volcano tour, extreme sport excursions such as white water rafting and ziplining, hiking trips and sport activities such as yoga, dancing and horse riding.

School chain: This school is part of a larger organisation, with other locations not just in Panama, but also in Costa Rica. With the course Travelling Spanish Classroom, students are able to learn a language whilst also travelling around different areas, enhancing their understanding and use of Spanish in different accents and regional expressions on this unique 4 week package.

Spanish Courses

General Language
Private
Language Plus Activity

Our prices for Spanish by the River include

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival

Videos & Photos

  • School
    School1/9
  • Idyllic spot
    Idyllic spot2/9
  • Terrace
    Terrace3/9
  • Nightlife
    Nightlife4/9
  • Sitting area
    Sitting area5/9
  • Perfect siesta
    Perfect siesta6/9
  • Time for a break
    Time for a break7/9
  • Delicious meal
    Delicious meal8/9
  • Open air lesson
    Open air lesson9/9

Student opinions about Spanish by the River, Turrialba

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Overall school rating of
Spanish by the River, Turrialba
23 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Facilities
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Social activities
3.8 

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Organisation
4.1 

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Value for money
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Other
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (0 ratings)
0.0 

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (4 ratings)
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Students 31-49 years (3 ratings)
3.7 

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Students 50+ years (15 ratings)
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
SbtR is a very nice place with very simple rooms. Classes are held on one of the terraces facing the jungle garden or indoors. My teacher was top. We only spoke Spanish from the beginning. As I had previous knowledge, we were able to do everything with paraphrases and explanations in Spanish. Which was very good. Thank you Krisya. There are hammocks and a cosy sofa corner. Bathrooms are new and clean. Kitchen has all the basic utensils and a basic supply of oil and spices etc.
Disliked
Rainy season: I was there alone. Therefore, no joint activities. After someone had slept in the neighbour's bed, the room was not made up until the next person arrived after 4 days. It was a bit uncomfortable. The house is located on a main thoroughfare and you have to get used to the fact that it is very noisy when the big trucks drive through. Everything is open and not locked, even at night.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: -
Course: Standard Spanish [Spanish] - 1 week
Review date: 24. Oct. 2023 by Sylvia Schochow
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
My stay was very beneficial. Alone and the first student during this pandemic, I have always felt safe. I appreciated the quality of the courses and the personalized aspect which allowed me to orient my learning according to my needs. And I had a really good contact with Ingrid. I can only warmly recommend it.
Disliked
Nothing to say about it. It was necessary to mobilize its adaptation capacities a little, pandemic obliges.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Personalized lessons, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Very pleasant environment and inviting to relax.
Other comments I felt welcome from the start.
Course: Specialized - Spanish for Seniors, Standard Course [Espagnol] - 2 weeks
Review date: 20. Dec. 2020 by Hélène Schneck
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The classroom on the deck that's due to the hillside, resided mid height among the trees with may visiting birds and butterflies was outstanding. The teacher was very good in observing what we knew and did not know, and adapting the lessons accordingly. Very impressive.
Insider tip: With four hours a day it is hard to do any sightseeing beyond the school using public transportation, so if that is a desire, a rental car is a necessity.
Review details
Other comments The evening events with the local community were great.
Course: Standard Spanish - 1 week
Review date: 20. Jan. 2020 by Poul Strange
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The lessons were very very good and teachers very competent. Thanks to our 2-week language course, we were able to improve our level extremely (from A1 to B1) and we can now communicate much better in Spanish.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Our two teachers were both very competent and taught us a lot. In addition, our course was very small and therefore very enjoyable and it was possible to build up a friendly working relationship between student and teacher
Course: Intensive Spanish [Spanisch] - 2 weeks
Review date: 31. Jan. 2022 by Jonas Jeckel
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Staying with my family was a pleasure and I have felt at home. Our teacher Krysia was super committed with great ideas, we had a lot of fun and many very interesting conversations!!!
Review details
Course: Specialized - Spanish for Seniors/ Standard/private (depending on availability) - 1 week
Review date: 21. Feb. 2022 by Corina Brückner
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
Teachers were very good once they received specific input about what I want to focus on.
Disliked
I originally expected that the teachers will somehow evaluate my Spanish level and tell me what I have to focus on, what areas should I improve and I was expecting them to suggest some learning path. To my disappointment it did not happen and lessons felt a little improvised. It took me a week to understand I have to actively ask my teacher to focus on specific topics to get the most out of the classes.
Insider tip: Do not book rafting trip through the school and contact the rafting companies directly yourself.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Original rafting trip was cancelled and school tried to find similar trip as replacement. What unfortunately happened was that instead of getting two-day rafting trip I got one-day rafting trip split into two days. It was so strange. First day I boarded raft with 1-day-rafting group and after 10 minutes they kicked me out of the raft and told me I will do the rest of the trip tomorrow. I spent one day waiting in a very nice jungle hotel and next day I joined another 1-day-rafting group to do the remaining part of the rafting.
Course: Intensive Spanish + Rafting & Camp Pacuare Weekend  - 3 weeks
Review date: 11. Dec. 2023 by Josef Prochazka
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
My teacher Krissia was great. My host family was exceptionally good. I made friends.
Disliked
There were no afternoon activities or excursions.
Review details
Course: Standard Spanish - 3 weeks
Review date: 21. Feb. 2022 by Sieglinde Berger
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
Nice laid back atmosphere. Beautiful grounds. Great teaching staff.
Disliked
The director was not very responsive and her interactions with students and with teachers often seemed less than friendly.
Insider tip: Definitely try and visit Turrialba Volcano and if you go, go as early in the morning as you can.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Josett is a terrific teacher.
Other comments I had a terrific experience and will definitely do a language and home stay again.
Course: Standard Spanish [Spanish] - 2 weeks
Review date: 15. Feb. 2023 by Andrea Shallcross
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
A great place. All teaching takes place outdoors, close to nature.
Review details
Course: Standard Spanish (20) + Yoga  - 8 weeks
Review date: 5. Apr. 2022 by Gunilla Peterson
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
I appreciated that they could adjust to my personal preferences.
Insider tip: The experience is greatly enhanced by staying with local family.
Review details
Course: Specialized - Spanish for Seniors, Standard Course - 1 week
Review date: 5. Apr. 2017 by Patricia Curry
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The teachers and the teaching methodology were perfect for me
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Perfect
Course: Intensive Spanish - 3 weeks
Review date: 27. Mar. 2023 by Thomas Pranter-Steiner
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
It was beautifully located at the side of a mountain.
Review details
Course: Specialized - Spanish for Seniors, Standard Course [Spanish] - 5 weeks
Review date: 13. Aug. 2018 by Ellen Alderton
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
My teacher was terrific and I learned a great deal.
Insider tip: Use flash cards as a teaching aid for beginners especially.
Review details
Other comments The staff was friendly and helpful.
Course: Standard Spanish - 3 weeks
Review date: 6. Mar. 2017 by Crista Martin
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Top professionals! Very competent and educational.
Review details
Course: Intensive Spanish - 2 weeks
Review date: 31. Jan. 2022 by Eloi Christ
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The teachers, the atmosphere and the location
Disliked
It was a little bit confusion and afternoon activities not good communicated
Review details
Course: Standard Spanish - 2 weeks
Review date: 12. Feb. 2022 by Frederike Haß
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
Accommodation and school in the same building.
Insider tip: If you don't pay cash they ask for more money.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Customers rather than students.
Other comments Located in the middle of nothing. The surrounding natural area is interesting but you need to meet local people to visit, and watch out for the profiteers.
Course: Standard Spanish - 3 weeks
Review date: 27. Feb. 2020 by Silvano Di Bartolomeo
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Location and view, ambience, teachers
Review details
Course: Standard Spanish - 2 weeks
Review date: 14. Nov. 2016 by Philipp Rohr
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Relaxed delivery of the lessons.
Review details
Course: Standard Spanish [Spanish] - 8 weeks
Review date: 4. Dec. 2018 by Jonathan Blythman
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Teaching staff
Review details
Course: Standard Spanish [Español] - 1 week
Review date: 4. Dec. 2017 by Sven Schroeder
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of Spanish by the River compared to ratings of all schools in Costa Rica

 Spanish by the River TurrialbaAverage of all other schools in Costa Rica
Overall school rating4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Location of the school4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Facilities4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Social activities3.8

Rating: 3.8/5.0

4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Organisation4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Quality of teaching4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Value for money4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Homestay4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Shared flat4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Spanish by the River

“You will not regret coming to study in Turrialba for a bit, live the real Tica experience and immerse completely! ”
Ingrid Lommers
– 
Ingrid Lommers
Director of Spanish by the River
Accreditations and Quality seals
Preferential Terms in Case of Visa RefusalOTEIMA
Spanish teacher qualifications
50% hold a university degree
80% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Students should arrive at 8:00
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at Spanish by the River and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoBank Transfer - logo
Year of school foundation
2002
Legal name/parent company
Spanish by the River, SA | Tax registration ID: CPR3-101-320172

General school facilities

  • Microwave for student use

  • Fridge for student use

  • Kitchen for student use

  • Balcony / terrace

  • Student support desk

  • Garden

  • Lounge

  • Games room

  • Movie room

  • Movie rental

  • Library

  • Copy machine

  • Printer for student use

  • Soccer field / football pitch

  • Free coffee

  • Free WIFI

  • Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)

  • Free parking (<500m)

  • Facilities for islamic students

    • Available area to pray at the school

    • Facilities to wash feet before praying

  • Classroom equipment

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 10

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
Adult courses - In summer: 40
Adult courses - Throughout the year: 20
Junior courses - In summer: 10
Junior courses - Throughout the year: 10
Minimum age of students
15 years
6 years for specific Junior courses
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
Average age of students
In summer: 20 years
Throughout the year: 25 years

Top student nationalities

Student Nationality Percentage of students
Switzerland 25%
Germany 25%
Netherlands 20%
USA 15%
Sweden 10%
England 2%
France 2%

Information for all courses offered by Spanish by the River

Lesson duration
55 minutes
School's administrative fee
25.00 US$
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Comments about courses

Spanish and activities courses are subject to availability and prices may vary throughout the year.

Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 28 Mar 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 01 May 2024, 25 Dec 2024.
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 17 Apr 2025 - 18 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 25 Dec 2025.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Full number of lost classes are made up
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via email.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
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.

Airport transfer

Best arrival airport is SAN JOSE - SANTAMARIA.
More details about airports near Turrialba and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our Turrialba page. For flight comparisons to Turrialba, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

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.

Leisure activities

activity possibledistance from school
Cooking-
Dancing4 km
Horse riding-
Mountainbiking2 km
Music-
Yoga4 km

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

Not offered

Adults - Paid activities

- Yoga class: USD 6
- Cooking class: USD 10
- Art class: USD 10
- Music class: USD 10
- Horseback riding: USD 40 (3-4 hour tour with transport included)
- Mountain bike tour: USD 50 (half-day tour)
- Canyoning and canopy: USD 75 (half-day tour with transportation and lunch/snack included)
- Salsa class: USD 6

Accommodation

Map  

Loading map content

Questions and answers about Spanish by the River

  • Yes, it is possible to move around the area and go to school by bicycle, but it is very hard and you will definitely want to take a shower when you arrive at school and before taking classes... ;)

    Also, it is very difficult to find bicycles to rent in Turrialba.
    Ingrid Lommers, Reservations team from Spanish by the River - Oct 14, 2021
  • In Turrialba, I am afraid that homestay accommodation is not located within walking distance of the school. The average location is 20 minutes by public transport.
    As an alternative, you can book a single room in a hostel, but meals are not offered.
    Ana Carolina, LanguageCourse.net - Apr 04, 2022
  • The classrooms are at the same property as the hostel!
    Richelle, Administration from Spanish by the River, Turrialba - Mar 01, 2023

FAQ about Spanish by the River, Turrialba

  • Near the school there is a small restaurant called Casa del queso.

    The school has a well-equipped kitchen so you can prepare your own lunch, if necessary.

    On the other hand, if you request full board as a family, the family can prepare packed lunch for you so that you can eat it at school.
    Ingrid Lommers, Reservations team from Spanish by the River - Oct 14, 2021
  • Spanish by the River in Turrialba does not offer a specialised Spanish programme for senior students. The school offers Spanish lessons for students of mixed ages.
    Teachers have plenty of experience in having students of all ages and adapting the content and rhythm of the class to students regardless of their age.
    In the case it does not work for the student, the school can convert the amount paid for group lessons to private lessons.
    Richelle Lankhaar, Reservations team from Spanish by the River - Dec 13, 2021
  • You should contact the contact person Ingrid by Whatsapp before 5 p.m. on the day of arrival (Sunday) at the latest. You will also discuss the times of the lessons on the following days as well as organisational matters.
    Sabine Krafack, from LanguageCourse.net - Dec 21, 2021
  • 50% of teachers at Spanish by the River hold a university degree. 80% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at Spanish by the River comes from Germany with a 25% representation, followed by students from Switzerland (25%) and Netherlands (20%).
  • Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
  • Spanish by the River offers courses from 15 years to 99. Average age is 20 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of Spanish by the River

Spanish at Locations Pricelist 2024
Spanish at Locations Pricelist 2024
Spanish at Locations Pricelist 2025
Spanish at Locations Pricelist 2025
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Turrialba
Turrialba city attractiveness rated by our students:
3.9 

Rating: 3.9/5.0

More information about Turrialba including climate data and events on our Turrialba page with a list of all 0 Spanish schools in Turrialba.
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