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Medical Services

In Costa Rica if you have an emergency, you can go to “urgencies” (urgent care) at the Clinica Bĺblica in San José at Calle Central y Primera y Avenida 14.  Though it's an emergency room, the wait is usually short.  No appointment is required and the cost of a visit is comparable to an office visit. “La Farmacia” (pharmacy) here also can provide you with safe, inexpensive vaccinations.

 

If you have an emergency in Panama, you can go to Urgent Care at the Clínica Hospital San Fernando in Carrasquilla on Via España Las Sabanas.  This hospital also serves as a general doctor’s office.  No appointment is required and the cost of a visit is $15-30. “La Farmacia” (pharmacy) here also can provide you with safe, inexpensive vaccinations.  For emergencies call the following numbers: 278 6300 or 278 6305.

 

Addresses and phone numbers of several doctors and dentists and the major hospitals are available through our office staff.  Please ask for suggestions. 

Mola

A popular handicraft souvenir from Panama is the mola a colorful intricate, multilayered appliqué textile sewn by the Kuna women. Small, simple souvenir molas are widely available in Panama City and can be bought for as little as $5, but the best ones are sold on the San Blás islands and can fetch several hundred dollars. People from all over the world collect them as fine art pieces. 

Does ILISA offer courses for families and children?

We offer Spanish classes for all ages, including children starting at age 5.  Normally, classes for children under 18 are given in the form of private tuition unless other kids of very similar age (and level) happen to be at ILISA. 

Remember, the difference between a 30 and 35 year old means nothing in terms of instruction method but a 5 year and 8 year old require a whole different approach.

 

Starting 2006 we plan to offer summer camps for teens in Panama that include classes and with educational outdoor activities, and service learning opportunities.  These will be fixed date programs.

 

We make every effort to place you and your children in a family with children of similar ages. It is something incredible to watch how children work together to overcome language barriers efficiently.

 

Also remember that you can always contact us to discuss a tailor-made program for your family.

Does ILISA supply the books and classroom materials?

Yes, they are and their cost is included in your tuition fee. Besides our ILISA-developed course books our teachers also use hand-outs about actual topics to make our classes up to date with current events.

 

ILISA students also have access to our growing online classroom at eSpanish.com.

 

Are private courses availible at ILISA?

Private instruction is one of the avalible options at ILISA. Please contact us to inquire more information about this program.

 

We also offer other classroom options: one-on-one 4 hours a day or 6 hours a day, instruction with groups of 4 students for 4 hours and another very popular program is our Group-4 Plus program which combines 4 hours of group instruction with 2 hours of private instruction.

 

Please browse our website to see our new upcoming programs

What does ILISA stand for?

When ILISA was founded in 1987, the company was called:

 

Institututo

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Latinoamericano de

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Idiomas

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SA (Sociedad Anónima or 'Inc.'

 

That soon became 'doing business as' ILISA.

 

And, we focus on teaching just one 'idioma': Spanish.

What is the minimum length of a homestay?

One week. This includes 6 nights and 7 days. ILISA highly reccommends its students to stay with a host family, not only is it good way to practice your Spanish, but it is the best way to learn about the culture of the country you are staying in.

What alternatives can I choose from if I do not want a homestay?

The alternatives that ILISA offers are: hotels, apartahotels and bed & breakfasts.

 

In Costa Rica there is the option of staying in a studio apartment.

Can I drink the water in Costa Rica and Panama?

The water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the two countries, however we recommend that when traveling to areas far away from main cities to drink bottled water.

When can I receive a discount?

You may receive a discount of 5% on classes if you are a former student (if you are a former student for the second time your discount would be 10%). You may also receive a 5% discount on homestay if you are coming with your family; or a discount on the whole program if you are apart of a large group. Children between the ages of 5-15 will receive a 20% discount on all of our regularly-priced programs and homestay. Children under 5 can be acccommodated in homestay for a 40% discount.

How can I register?

To register, fill out the registration form(www.ilisa.com/courses/p-online.htm) or send it back to us via fax/email and we will send you a confirmation with all the details. To request a registration form you can also email us at regis@ilisa.com.

How far in advance should I register?

We advise you to register at least 2 months in advance, especially if you wish to come during the high season (May-August and December-January). If you register late, we can also accommodate you.

What type of information and documentation will I receive after I register?

We will send you a confirmation letter, our A-Z guide and additional information about the Panama or Costa Rica Campus. This information has been proven to be very helpful to students. Please take the time to read over them.

Will I be picked up at the airport when I arrive?

Airport transfers are availible upon request. The pickup service is 24 hours. It is an additional cost of $25 or less, depending on the number of people you are coming with.

Where can I eat lunch at ILISA?

There are two restaurants within walking distance from the ILISA building. The restaurants have a selection of meals, including a meal of day for a special price. Nearby there is also a coffee shop and a bakery.

What is the weather like in Panama?

Panama has two seasons: the dry and the rainy. The dry/summer season ranges from mid-December to mid-April. While the rainy/green season occurs durning the rest of the year. Typically it rains for a couple hours in the morning or afternoon hours.

 

Temperatures are hotter in the lowlands, ranging from 32-10 Celcius and cooler in the mountains 18-1o Celcius. These temperatures maintain the same year round. In Panama City cool breezes from the ocean are felt during the hot temperatures, also it is not uncommon to have days high in humidity.

Is it possible to do a mixed course of a couple weeks in Costa Rica and in Panama?

Yes, there is not a problem. If you start in Costa Rica all your information is transferred to Panama and vice versa. There is only an extra charge if you wish to be transferred from the international airport. The ILISA's academic programs are the same in both locations, however you will have the chance to experice two amazing cultures.

What is there to do close to ILISA Panama ?

A short walk will take you to a olympic size pool or the gymnasium. ILISA students get a special discount to use the City of Knowledge's facilities. Also there are other activities that occur during the week, such as ultimate frisbee. Check with Jennie to find out what is going on in the City of Knowledge or in the city.