The nature and peace found in Costa Rica rivals that of its neighboring countries because its government has ensured that much of its land remain preserved and well nourished. Remarks Bangs, "How did Costa Ricans fend off the miners, loggers, farmers, burners, developers and others who have felled and flattened rainforests around the world? How did they trick time?"

Costa Rica is a wonderful place to surround yourself in nature's beauty – and not a bad place to study Spanish, either! Monteverde is a hugely popular site for those who want an in-depth tour of the rainforest and proximity to the country's largest national park.

Learn about our Monteverde Spanish school

See where you can learn Spanish in Costa Rica

Read the Huffington Post's "Costa Rica and the Quest for Pura Vida"

Kate S., '15 Minutes of Fame' Contest winner and current Great Travel Abroad participant, gives us expert advice for entering rainforest territory

 1. Most language schools can set you up with guides and places to stay. This is safer (for you and your money) than winging it with a tourist agency in town.

2. Find out all you can about where you're going and what to expect. How long will it take to get there? Will you have electricity? Will you be asked to hike or visit an indigenous village? Do not be afraid to ask so there is no shock later.

3. Be prepared (One): You need clothes that cover you, including a hat. This keeps bugs away (bug-spray too). Makeup and lotion attract bugs.

4. Be prepared (Two): Don't be afraid to ask your guide to tell you exactly what you need to bring. You shouldn't haul a poncho and rubber boots if your cabin provides them, and you'll want to know if you're supposed to bring a mosquito net.

5. It will rain and be noisy. Sounds obvious, yet many of us expect the sunny rainforest of movies. Don't be stunned by loud birds and an abundance of mud.

6. Your guide wants to teach you about animals, plants and indigenous peoples. Be ready to listen and ask questions.

7. Bring a camera! If you have video or amazing zoom, even better. If you have a weather-proof camera (I'm telling you, it rains), you win.

8. Be open to adventure. Your guide might suggest that you try eating lemon ants, swinging from a vine, or fishing for piranha. Trust in them and experience something you can't anywhere else in the world.

9. Respect the ecosystem, its beauty, and its dangers. Do not litter, pick flowers or lose sight of your guide.

10. Enjoy every moment. It's a truly special place.

Discover a popular rainforest location and Study Spanish in Monteverde

Learn more about our Great Travel Abroad Contest

By Jennie M., guest blogger studying Spanish in Heredia, Costa Rica

I have always wanted to go to a tropical rainforest.  So when the opportunity came to go to the Cloud Forest – El Bosque Nuboso – in Monteverde for my first weekend in Costa Rica, I jumped at the chance.

We left on Friday afternoon.  The first stop on our journey was the town of Fortuna, near Volcan Arenal, an active volcano.  Lucky viewers may see the lava at night, but luck was not on our side.  Clouds obscured our view of the mountain.  We did, however, enjoy the aguas calientes at Baldi Hot Springs.

The next morning, The first leg of our journey was by boat across Lago Arenal.  Once we landed on the other side, we got into passenger vans and experienced the incredibly windy roads leading up to Monteverde. Luckily, I grew out of my childhood motion sickness or it would have been a very 
uncomfortable ride. I observed the very green countryside, full of trees, bushes and ferns. In this part of Costa Rica, it's still the rainy – green – season. The dry – high – season begins around December.

Finally, after an hour and a half, we arrived to the town of Monteverde. We had the afternoon and evening to get acquainted with the town. There are plenty of small tourist shops and restaurants. We 
browsed through them and discovered one where a local artist makes small glass figurines of local wildlife, such as hummingbirds (colibri), frogs (ranas), and butterflies (mariposas).  That afternoon, we got to see him work in person. We watched as he created a multicolored butterfly with glass and flame.

When night fell, we went on a night hike in hopes of seeing the animals of the night. While the wind and full moon prevented us from seeing much, we did see a tarantula and a group of coati (looks somewhat like a cross between an anteater and a raccoon).  The night hike tour was mostly in Spanish, so it was also a great opportunity to practice.

On Sunday, we headed at last to the Cloud Forest, first to the hummingbird garden and then to traverse the suspension bridges.  I could have spent hours watching the multicolored hummingbirds (colibri) drink nectar from the available feeders.  There were so many different types, and they eagerly zoomed in and out of the area.  While it rained for most of the time during our walk through the Cloud Forest, I still enjoyed being outside in nature.  The bridges are suspended above the forest canopy, and it was incredible to look down and imagine how many species of plants and animals there could be. 

All and all, it was an amazing experience.  If you choose to study Spanish in Costa Rica, I highly recommend a weekend trip to Monteverde. 

(Editor's note: Rainy season in the Monteverde area of Costa Rica typically occurs in June through the end of the year.)

Learn more about studying Spanish in Costa Rica

Read all of Jennie's blogs from Heredia

This video gives a close up view of our Spanish School in Monteverde, Costa Rica in the words of past participants.  The Monteverde cloud forest makes for a perfect backdrop for this incredibly enjoyable kind of learning!  If you're not interested in zip-lining through the canopy …

… then you can take a "sky walk" along a hanging bridge 100 ft high!  Haha!

Seriously, AmeriSpan offers a program for everyone including Spanish for all ages, volunteer/internship placements, College Study Abroad and summer abroad teenager programs programs throughout the country. 

  Want something specialized?  Try our Spanish and International Business program.  Or how about the Maestro program for educators who come in contact with the growing community of native Spanish-speaking students and their parents? And of course, our SALUD Medical Spanish programs are perfect for doctors and nurses, as well as those studying within those fields.

No matter what the case and where you choose to study in Costa Rica, you'll be able to explore many parts of the country.  Remember, Costa Rica is a small country, and so most of the country is an easy weekend trip: the white sand beaches of the Pacific, the Caribbean coastline, volcanoes, ranforests, and so much more!

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

Monteverde Spanish School