Testimonials

My time in Costa Rica was simply amazing and it will be a memory that I will cherish throughout my entire life. From the moment I arrived there it seemed like I was one of their own and they welcomed us with open arms. I did not know what to expect from this experience all I knew is I was ready to learn about this wonderful country. Costa Rica did not disappoint one bit and I will look at this place as another home. Grecia was definitely by far my favorite spot in Costa Rica, it reminded me of my hometown Santa Clara Del Cobre, Michoacan, Mexico. Staying in a home of another was a little terrifying but it was an experience I was looking forward to. The day I met my mama Tica was the day I met the most endearing lady ever she opened her home and her heart to me and made the stay so much better for me. She took care of me as if I was her own and every morning was always filled with a surprise at breakfast. The fresh fruit there was amazing and the “Little Mercado” they had was simply amazing. I would definitely say this is a trip to do again and I would recommend this wonderful country to anyone who is willing to enjoy a country full of passion, love and peace. PURA VIDA!

My experience studying abroad with ACCE was the highlight of my college experience. I was able to polish my Spanish speaking skills, learn about social work in Costa Rica with so many wonderful guest speakers and trips to their facilities to get a hands on experience. Learning about social justice and different policies from other countries is essential for social workers. Classes were in small groups, so I was able to focus one on one with my teacher and get the most out of the two weeks. I enjoyed learning to cook “tico” recipes, dancing and our weekend excursions. Being able to hike through the beautiful national park of Manuel Antonio and soak my feet in crystal clear water was a dream come true. My favorite part about my experience however, was staying with a host family. I learned the most from my host mother who treated me like true family and taught me more about her everyday life and the vibrant culture of Costa Rica.

I had a great experience at ACCE.  The teachers are excellent, activities were fun and I had a wonderful host family!  The staff at ACCE are warm and friendly.  I felt included in the family atmosphere.  I highly recommend the school!!!

I am a senior citizen and I have only praise for Academia Centroamericana de Español (ACCE). I spent one week there the summer of 2016 and went back for two weeks the summer of 2017. It was a very good bargain, in my opinion, as well as being a great time.

I was treated especially well, all my needs for lodging and schooling were taken care of, and I thoroughly enjoyed both stays. I really appreciated the warmth, helpfulness, and friendliness of the personnel, Alejandro, Diego, and, of course, Fofo. Additionally, the teachers were all excellent. The classes were very small with a lot of personal attention and, the best thing for me, lots of practice.

The facility is first class and very welcoming and professional.

Additionally, I highly recommend taking some of the optional side trips to points of interest around Costa Rica. They are interesting and offer lots of chances to practice Spanish with the tour guide.

Even interacting with the citizens and shopkeepers in the town of Grecia was very worthwhile. It is a small city, so walking to any point is very easy. There were no places I was afraid to go by myself. And, by trying to communicate in Spanish, everyone I met was helpful and even taught me some new words. If you ever go to Costa Rica, you will end up saying, “¡Pura Vida!” even when you return home.

When I think about my experience studying abroad in Costa Rica a big smile comes on my face and and wonderful memories are brought back to my mind.

The family I stayed with made me feel welcome in their home and treated me as I was part of their family. We had such a great time together! My host family was fun, cordial, outgoing, thoughtful and I am so grateful that I was able to live with them for three weeks and get a feel of a costa rican family.

I can honestly say the same about the awesome team that works for the ACCE. During my staying there they always made sure that I was having a good time and you can truly rely on them for anything you might need or have trouble with!They are there to help you and make sure you have a great experience 😊 All the teachers that work at the school are super nice and know how to make the class fun and engaging! I sure learned a lot while I was there and fell in love with the language and culture even more. Plus, I met a lot of cool people during my staying in Costa Rica, many of which I am still friends with today!!Can’t wait to go back to visit 😊 see you soon my friends!!

-Pura Vida- 

My experience with ACCE was incredibly amazing from arrival through departure.  I felt very welcome by Alejandro who met me at the airport.  My host mom welcomed me with a warm hug and smile; she took me in as one of her family. She and I still communicate via Facebook and WhatsApp.  The school staff were very graceful with those of us who came in with little to no Spanish at all. There was an apparent sense of community and team work between everyone involved in the student’s stay- while in class, with the host family, out visiting public services or touring the beautiful country side.  This adventure was the best experience of my life. I can only compare it to summer camp, only on steroids!  I was able to stay 4 weeks and was not ready to leave when the time came. Every time I need to relax and escape in my mind, I go back to Costa Rica and replay the many wonderful memories I have collected. Thank you Team ACCE for giving me the gift of personal growth, renewed sense of true enjoyment and my new life motto “PURA VIDA”!

I had such an amazing experience at ACCE! The Spanish for Social Workers program is the perfect combination of education and vacation. The small class sizes were perfect for practicing my Spanish skills without being intimidated by more fluent speakers.

The group lectures were interesting and informative. My favorite was the visit to the orphanage, where I was able to spend time with the babies waiting to be adopted. I would suggest participating in a homestay to force yourself to practice Spanish outside of the classroom, but I stayed in the beautiful villas with a mango tree right outside my door which was amazing! The excursions are a must.

Costa Rica is such a beautiful country and there is so much to do and see. Fofo, the tour guide, is super informative and usually has some recommendations or tips for best places to visit in Costa Rica. Thanks to hospitality of the entire staff, I extended my stay and extra week to take classes. This was such a great experience that I ended up moving to Costa Rica a year later. Thanks Alejandro, Diego, and Fofo for showing me the Purda Vida lifestyle.