Random you say? Yes. You mean, you guys have no students with a negative experience? Well, sometimes we do . Not everything goes right every time. But, it can always be fixed. And many times, after a student sees how we follow through on problem solving, they like ILISA even more.

This is what former students say about ILISA. If you would like to speak with one of them, check out  the e-mail and phone reference lists.

For a more in-depth look of what kind of students visit ILISA and what they have to say about their experiences, visit the Featured client section.

"Costa Rica & ILISA were both invigorating and enriching experiences. I will, without a doubt, return to Costa Rica for another visit."

-Eric Goedecke, Medical Student, Mississippi, USA

"The setting for the school is extremely pleasant and conducive to studying. The staff, without exception, motivated to help and were very caring."

-Reynaldo Rodriguez, Doctor, California, USA

"ILISA cares a lot to satisfy its students. Professors and the whole staff are very friendly and helpful. I appreciated the clear rules, punctual beginning of classes, security and cleanliness."

-Esther Lenhard, Student, Switzerland

"ILISA exceeded my every expectation."

-Dana Wicks, USA

"I thought that my overall experience with ILISA was wonderfull. The teachers were awesome and the trips were great, I'd definitely recommend Ilisa to my friends!"

-Sean Derry, US Coast Guard, Florida, USA

"I was impressed by the warmth, organizational and professional competence of the staff of Ilisa. They know what they are doing!"

-Maureen O'neil, Minnesota, USA

"I was expecting a good program and to learn a lot, but this by far exceeded my expectations! I wish I could stay longer."

-Kathy Lindgren, Administrative assistant, California, USA

"I loved it! I learned a lot, really enjoyed the openness of the teachers and their hospitality at all times"

-Paula de Man, Customer relationship manager, the Netherlands

"An excellent course."

-Lars Madsen, Software Engineer, Gentofte, Denmark

"All staff, from the office workers, to the teachers, to service people in the cafeteria, to director are extremely friendly, supportive, and serious...Our home mother treated us as her own family, served delicious meals, and provided us with everything possible...(The building is) a pleasure to the eyes and a great ambience for study and interaction with people. I would definitely recommend ILISA's program to others. Everyone treated me with the utmost friendliness and kindness. The teachers are professional and supportive. I'll miss your professionalism and respect towards all."

-Bina Guerrieri, Educational Consultant, Los Altos, CA

"I needed to learn Spanish for my job. I had to learn a lot in just five weeks. It took just one week to surpass all my expectations. Amazing experience. My interaction with everyone in ILISA was great. Let me stay longer!"

-James Maida, Narcotics Officer, San Diego, CA

"The one thing that made me comfortable here was that the staff made such an effort to get the students together. They were always willing to go out with us and help with anything we needed regarding our classes, homestay, flights, etc. It really made us feel like the school cared about us, and it made such a difference for me and the other students."

-Jennifer Grace, Sales Executive, Chicago, IL

"This was an excellent program. I wish I had more time here."

-Randy Ashmore, International Trainer, Yorktown, VA

"My trip to Costa Rica was wonderful, and I hope to return next year, or at least in the next two years. I have been to ILISA twice, and both times I met some wonderful people, and the instructors are excellent. They are wonderful teachers and lots of fun. Now I go to the Spanish church as often as possible, and listen to Spanish programs on the television. I am even teaching a beginner's Spanish class one day/week! I am 70 years old and still learning. If I can do it, anybody can."

-Polly Harrell, Retired Secretary, Morristown TN

"I highly recommend ILISA. The superbly organized program, complimented by a professional and caring staff, created an incomparable and rich learning environment."

-Tom Thornburg, Paramedic and Teacher, Culver, IN

"I think it's a very good school with professional teachers. You feel comfortable here and the atmosphere is very open and nice."

-Vanessa Horner, Business Administrator, Minas Gerias, Brazil

"My teacher was wonderful and patient. One can tell that she enjoys what she does, and I was fortunate to have her tutor me. My host family was wonderful, and everyone at ILISA makes one feel right at home and like family. The director was very helpful. I enjoyed the hospitality and convenience of the program. It really helped me immerse myself into the culture with ease. Excellent program. I would refer my friends. I wish I could stay longer!!"

-April Stevens, HR Manager and MBA Student, Chapel Hill, NC

"I have taken many types of courses in French, Portuguese, and Spanish, but ILISA seems to get the mix right. The energy level of the teachers in the morning classes is exceptional. The morning classes are the best that I have ever experienced! The coordination and follow-up at the administrative level is excellent. I give very high marks for the efforts of the ILISA staff to make students feel welcome. The social contact may be part of their job, but they do it well. The general cleanliness and maintenance of ILISA is first rate. Kudos to the janitorial, maintenance, and restaurant staff. They are also friendly to the students. Nice ambiance. Keep up the good work!"

-James Hill, External Relations Officer, Washington DC

"I would definitely recommend ILISA to a friend. The professionalism of the staff is what makes this an excellent school to learn and practice Spanish."

-Tim Keeney, Naval Officer, Virginia Beach, VA

"Excellent organization and teachers."

-David Williams, Marketing Director, Greensboro, NC

"Our family has done an excellent job. They were very hospitable & flexible. The atmosphere was very nice and relaxed. We truly recommend the homestay to other students"

-Antonio Keijsers, Industrial Engineer, Eindhoven, Holland

"I had a great time and learned a lot! My profesores and profesoras were incredible! I would love to come back again. Adios, muchas gracias."

-Travis Fuller, Coastal Law Enforcement, San Diego, CA

"Every day, every week, I was amazed by the noticeable progress I made. Not only did I hit a rhythm quickly, but I've been dreaming in Spanish regularly. The quality and diversity of ILISA's staff is exemplary. I really appreciated the varied styles, backgrounds, and interests that helped to animate classes so they were not off-the-shelf drills. The ILISA staff goes the extra mile to customize the teaching process so both the student and the professor are fully engaged."

-Richard Friend, Management Consultant, Chicago, IL

"ILISA was a great place to learn Spanish and experience Costa Rica. The classes were small, which allowed me to progress much faster than in our larger group classes (at home). The balance between cultural activities and classroom time was perfect. And we still had plenty of time to explore on our own."

-Angela Rodin, Audit Director and MBA student, Chapel Hill, NC

"Even after 4 visits to ILISA, the experience was more than I could have expected! The professional staff are totally effective and make each stay a pleasant time, whether for one week or four months!"

-Judith Luke, Volunteer ESL Teacher, Johnson City, TN

"The instruction was very effective and fun at the same time. I really enjoyed learning from my teachers, and they are very professional. The activities are fun, and the setting is great."

-Matt Cooper, Supervisor, Yankton, SD

"I did not expect such a good school! I will certainly recommend ILISA to friends and family. I loved the atmosphere in the school: Nice people, teachers, students, and it was fun to go out with everybody (the staff as well as the students)."

-Margherita DeLuca, Administrative Assistant, Rome, Italy

"The facilities at ILISA are great. The modern, yet tico-style open-air feel is a welcoming buffer for the initial culture shock of the immersion program. The staff is also great, providing a warm, personable atmosphere where everyone knows your name- perfect for those traveling solo."

-Aisha Mills, Grad Student, Washington DC

"The director was very personal and attentive. The family was very accommodating. And the instructor was helpful and patient. The program and family stay improved my Spanish in only a week's time. I would have loved to stay longer."

-Linda Chaplin, Procurement Engineer and MBA student, Chapel Hill, NC

"I thought the teachers were excellent and all very personable. (The) school environment is very pleasant and conducive to learning."

-Joyce Noonan, Video Producer, NYC

"(My daughter) and I had a great time learning Spanish. Our activities were fun and we were able to interact with other students and teachers. Dance, cooking, cultural classes were fabulous. I will definitely recommend ILISA to others."

-Cheryl Chisolm, Flight Attendant, Los Angeles, CA

"Thanks for a course with emphasis in my profession. (The director) is a pleasant, friendly person who appears to be very comfortable with all of the students and interested in talking with them. I would recommend ILISA to others."

-Thelma Fellows, Speech Pathologist, Flushing, NY

"I greatly enjoyed my experience at ILISA and thought my teacher was fabulous! The homestay was a great experience. The entire staff was very helpful and always friendly. Everyone was wonderful, helpful, and supportive! I would recommend it to others."

-Margeret Herbst, Clinical Instructor of Nursing, Chapel Hill, NC

"I was very pleased with the entire experience at ILISA and Costa Rica. I gained a better grasp of the language and people than I ever imagined possible in 4 weeks. I look forward to returning. I would suggest this experience to anyone who was interested."

-Rudy Martinez, University Student, NYC

"I was mostly impressed with the quality of the professors. I came here unable to speak Spanish- and I feel I'm leaving with a lot of knowledge and a great foundation to continue learning."

-Trish Cestone, Industrial Engineer, Mine Hill, NJ

"Sorry we couldn't stay longer. We were impressed with the facility, the helpful staff, and the personal attention. The restaurant was extremely convenient and the food was very good."

-John Solosy, Deputy Marshal, Centerville, VA

"Everything went well. I have studied at a school in Quito, Ecuador, and ILISA was a very good experience in comparison."

-Brian Radics, Marketing Manager and MBA Student, Chapel Hill, NC

"This was the third school in as many countries that I've attended, and I can say without a doubt that ILISA is the most professional and successful I've seen."

-Greg Sutton, Naval Officer, Virginia Beach, VA

"I enjoyed the program very much; very professional, very interested in the student learning Spanish. I had a good time with my family- they were very nice and happy."

-Philip Davis, Retired Surgeon, Asheville, NC

"Excellent program."

-Dick Senese, Associate Dean, Minneapolis, MN

"Everyone at ILISA was very helpful. The program director did a great job placing us in classes. The program specialist helped in too many ways to mention. The office staff was always available. The director was always available at the breaks, and open for conversation. The professors are top notch. I learned a lot from them- about Spanish, of course, but also about Costa Rica and their lives... I consider some of them good friends now."

-Wendy Skinner, International Student Adviser, Boston, MA

"ILISA was like a big family. The variety of teachers is great, and all of them are excellent!"

-Nicole Hinterman, Secretary, Obererlinsbach, Switzerland

"The program was fantastic, and my homestay family could not have been better. It is overall a very-well run program with outstanding people. The instruction was the best part of my experience. My teacher was superior, and I learned more than I thought possible."

-Gene Saunders, Cardiologist, Chapel Hill, NC

"This experience was excellent. From the moment the driver picked us up at the airport to the salsa dancing lessons, the experience was unforgettable and one that I truly would like to enjoy again. The staff at ILISA is warm and considerate and always ready to help. Thank you all for providing this experience."

-James Heyden, Network Analyst, Phoenix, AZ

"All of my teachers were absolutely wonderful. Patient, helpful, kind, smart, and they all worked very hard to help me learn."

-Brenda Heyen, Administrative Assistant, Phoenix, AZ

"Ilisa was great. They helped me with all my needs and solved all my problems. I would recommend it to anyone. Your staff is really friendly. Our homestay was really nice! The computer lab was really nice. It is a fun way to learn Spanish with people all around you that will help you. I loved it. It was great!"

-Mitchell Sauers, K-12 Student, Sugarloaf, PA

"No way it could have been better! We enjoyed every minute of our ILISA experience- Spanish lessons, professors, staff, food, and facilities. You made everything easy and fun! The (homestay) family was fantastic. We felt very welcome and food and facilities were excellent. The enrollment coordinator was especially helpful with suggestions on restaurants, tips on taxis, phone call assistance, and we loved her personality. I would definitely recommend ILISA to my friends. You were able to accommodate all ages and backgrounds and needs. Every professor and class was adjustable and unique. The field trips for the children were appreciated- we simply had a wonderful time."

-Mary Attick, Co-Owner, Import Business, Conyngham, PA

"It was so refreshing to be treated like family by everyone. The school, the homestay, and the other students all were great"

-Fred Attick, Co-Owner, Import Business, Conyngham, PA

"I enjoyed the cultural activities the best. The class was great and I learned a lot. I would recommend ILISA to my friends"

-Amanda Attick, K-12 Student, Conyngham, PA

"Enjoyed my time here very much- keep hiring excellent teachers- we love them!"

-Michael Hannaman, Medical Student, San Antonio, TX

"I enjoyed most the interaction between the staff and students. It is definitely a positive atmosphere. My family is top notch. They went out of their way to make me feel part of their life. Living with them was the best experience of my life. They opened their home and hearts to me. That is irreplaceable. There was a lot of love in the house. I was really lucky! I look forward to continuing the relationship in the future. Muchas gracias."

-Bill Lafferty, Coastal Law Enforcement, Norfolk, VA

"The teachers I had were outstanding. They really cared about teaching me. They are the heart of this program. The development director was very helpful with everything. He really interacts with the students and is a great addition to your team."

-Chad Stetzler, Coastal Law Enforcement, San Diego, CA

"Thanks for all your time. I had a great 3 weeks."

-Sherry Spitz, Speech Pathologist, Portland, OR

"I was very happy with all aspects of my time at ILISA. From the first e-mail I sent 3 weeks ago to present, I could not ask for more attention!"

-Toni Allison, K-12 Teacher, Greeley, CO

"I thoroughly enjoyed my stay! The professors were well prepared and patient. I enjoyed the cultural activities, the tours, the other students, and the cultural interaction. I will recommend it to friends."

-Kay Shurden, Retired Therapist/Professor, Macon, GA

"I mostly enjoyed the location and everything about the school. Everyone was very nice and helpful, especially the office staff."

-Audrey Batts, K-12 Student, Dalton, GA

"I would definitely recommend ILISA to my friends. It was exactly what I expected. I learned a lot of Spanish and practiced it with my family and outside. Everyone was really friendly and I got to see how beautiful Costa Rica is! It was a great experience."

-Maneesh Gogia, Medical Student, Washington DC

"It was a wonderful experience. This is in large part to the kindness of your staff and your teachers. Everyone was wonderful and very helpful. I would recommend your program."

-Felicia Levine, Journalist, Miami, FL

"I've been here twice and enjoyed it both times. I will probably be back again. My Spanish has improved greatly."

-Keith Skroback, Teacher, Las Vegas, NV

"I thought my experience at ILISA was great. I would recommend the program to friends and family. I think what I liked most about ILISA is the quality of instruction. (The administrative staff) did an outstanding job. My family was very nice and easy to get along with. My only regret is I cannot stay for another month."

-David Sigler, Risk Management Consultant, Los Angeles, CA

"My experience at ILISA was excellent. All of my teachers were very good and I was able to learn a lot from them. I made friends with many staff members as well as teachers and I will miss them very much. I will definitely recommend ILISA to my friends."

-Dave Fortin, Coastal Law Enforcement, San Diego, CA

"Being situated in San Pedro, it offers a wonderful combination of culture, college environment, available transportation, convenience, and safety."

-Mike Schwab, University Student, Jasper, AL

"You have a great school and a great program here. I learned a lot last year and even more this time. The professors are professional and friendly. The program is organized and effective in training. The director is very friendly and approachable. The Spanish director and the program specialist are very nice and it was easy to approach them. I love my homestay family. I would highly recommend ILISA to anyone interested in language immersion."

-Wes Jones, School Counselor, Lawrenceville, GA

"I liked my teachers and I liked the pretty building and I liked the café and I liked everybody here!"

-Sophie Weitz, K-12 Student, Los Angeles, CA

"I appreciated the seamless way the program is run. The staff seems completely on top of things and if I ever had a question regarding ANYTHING someone was always there to help me. I also thought the design of the school building was conducive to relaxation as well as studying. The program was better than I expected!"

-Deirdre Higgins, Teacher, Los Angeles, CA

"I learned so much in less than 2 weeks and I was able to communicate with my friends and family via email. It was great."

-Brianna Higgins, K-12 Student, Los Angeles, CA