|
|
 |
List of Questions' Categories
Panama
Costa Rica
Homestay
Registration & payment
Learning Spanish
Leisure activities
Accommodations/Arrivals
Category: Other
About ILISA
Panama
show/hide all
 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
-
Latinoamericano de
-
Idiomas
-
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.
Costa Rica
show/hide all
- 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.
- Religous Sevices
-
Baptist - The International Baptist Church of Costa Rica is located at Faro del Caribe, San Francisco de Dos Ríos (286-1755).
Catholic - Saint Mary's Chapel, adjacent to the Sheraton Herradura Hotel in San Jose, has an English mass Sunday at 4 p.m. The San Rafael de Escazú Church holds an English mass Saturday at 5 p.m.
Episcopal - English services are Sunday at 8:30 a.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Avenida 4, Calles 3/5; 222-1560).
Jewish - Reform: Bilingual services are held Friday at 8 p.m. at Congregation B'nei Israel (232-9626). Conservative: Synagogue Shaare Zion (Calle 22 bis, Avenida 1; 233-9222) has services Friday at 5:30 p.m.
Methodist - Sunday services are at 10a.m. (Avenida Central, Calles 9/11 (222-0360).
Mormon - Sacrament meetings are on Sunday at 9 a.m.; the temple is in Barrio Los Yoses (Avenida 8, Calles 33/35; 225-0208).
- 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
-
Latinoamericano de
-
Idiomas
-
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.
- What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
-
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: a dry season called summer which begins at the end of November until April and as rainy/green season called winter which starts at the end of April until November. Durnig the rainy season we recommend, taking an umbrella with you because it rains almost every afternoon.
- What kind of clothes should I bring with me?
-
Costa Rica is very diverse in temperatures. San Jose the capital is located at a higher altitude, tending to have a cooler climate compared with the rest of the country. We suggest summer clothes and a summer jacket for cooler nights. A raincoat is also a good option, if you are coming during the rainy season.
- 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.
- What is the typical food in Costa Rica?
-
Costa Ricans have a diet based on rice and beans. Most of the dishes are accompanied by meat. Nevertheless it is easy to accomodate vegitarians, as the country is rich in fruit and vegetables.
- 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.
- Is there food service at ILISA?
-
We have a small family restaurant where you can take a break or have lunch with other students and staff members. The menu contains both typical Costa Rican food and international dishes. We accomodate vegetarians.
- 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.
Homestay
show/hide all
- When should I arrive to my homestay?
-
Ideally you should plan your arrival on a Sunday and depart on a Saturday. Staying beyond Saturday or arrriving before Sunday is possible on a case-by-case base, depending on the time of the year and other factors. If you want to arrive earlier or depart later, please contact us first before you make your flight reservation.
- 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.
- If need a special diet, can this be accomidated by my host family?
-
All of the families that work with ILISA are aware that some students may need a special diet. It is very important to let ILISA know a head of time if this is your case and to put your dietary information in the registration form so our homestay coordinator can communicate your needs to your host family.
- How far is ILISA from my host family's house?
-
Our host families are located in different surrounding neighborhoods. The longest distance from your house could be approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
- Should I bring a gift to my host family?
-
A little token of appreciation is always a good gesture. Families love things that are from your country. They also enjoy candies, chocolates and other types of food are good gifts.
- What does a homestay include?
-
A homestay includes two meals a day, laundry, a room of your own with a desk and lamp. You may have to share a bathroom with a couple members of your host family.
- 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.
Registration & payment
show/hide all
- How can I pay? Do you take credit cards?
-
We take Mastercard, VISA and American Express. We also accept personal checks and offer electronic online check payment (US only).
You can also pay us using PayPal.
Cheques should be written out to ILISA Instituto de Idiomas.
Travelers cheques are not accepted.
- Do you offer discounts?
-
Former students receive a 5% discount on theri language programs. We do not offer other discounts but do offer several partner programs what allow you to gain reward points that can used to get free classes. Check our partner program page for more information
Recommended Links:
- Partner with us
- Refunds
-
WE NEED TO ADD some stuff for pre-departure discounts
No refunds are made for any portion of classes or homestay once the program has begun unless there is some case of dissatisfaction with the program or services as stated in our satisfaction guarantee. All cancellations or changes in program must be submitted in writing and may incur a 20% cancellation fee.
- 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.
Learning Spanish
show/hide all
- 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 are the advantages and disadvatages of private and group courses?
-
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Group classes are basically as effective as private classes but they cannot be tailored as much to your specific needs.
Group classes have their own very good dynamic. Other students may ask questions that you didn't think about yet and you benefit from the answer. Furthermore, you have more interaction with other students to practice.
If you are only here for one week, we strongly recommend private classes. You'll make most out of your time and our pre-arrival assessment will help us begin classes at an appropriate level.
- How many weeks of classes should I take to get to a certain level of Spanish?
-
It depends on your present level. It normally takes 60 hours to go from a low beginner (no functional ability) to a high beginner, 60 more hours to go from a high beginner to an intermediate mid. 80 hours to go from intermediate mid to an intermediate high, and 100 hours to go from an intermediate high to an advanced low. One would normally require 120 hours to go from an advanced low to an advanced mid, and 130 before an advanced mid becomes an advanced high.
- I have studied Spanish grammar already. Would I go to an advanced group?
-
Not necessarily. Many programs are mainly based on teaching grammar. For us, the most important thing is not what you know about Spanish but what you can do with the Spanish you know. We provide an oral interview, not a written test to set the new groups on Monday. There you will be given the chance to talk as much as possible and prove the level that you have.
- Do I need private classes?
-
Private classes are always an excellent option to advance to your own rhythm and interests. If you need Spanish for specific purposes, make sure you enroll in any type of the private classes that ILISA offers. Although our teachers do their best to conduct discussions and presentations based on everyone’s interests; it is not feasible to deal with very particular fields of work or study due to respect to other members of the group.
- How does ILISA select their teachers?
-
Our team of teachers has been carefully selected, according to their academic qualifications, experience and personality. If they have had experience teaching Spanish as a foreign language, they are asked to participate in a two week intensive course where they learn about ILISA’s methodology, plan, and give sample classes to the rest of the participants. After this course, teachers are required to observe different level real classes for 20 hours. Once they have finished with observing classes, they are assigned their first group and must participate in workshops on topics such as: teaching activities, working with heterogeneous groups, different types of intelligences, how to correct mistakes, how to teach students with dyslexia, the use of grammar, etc. The class evaluations that students fill out every week are an important way to keep track of how well a teacher is performing.
- How many different levels of Spanish does ILISA offer?
-
Groups are formed based on ten levels: novice low, novice mid, novice high, intermediate low, intermediate mid, intermediate high, advanced low, advanced mid, advanced high, and superior. Besides the oral proficiency levels; we consider age, interests, field of study and work to form groups.
- If I begin my courses with a group of students, does this mean that I will finish my courses at ILISA with the same group?
-
No, based on daily reports to our Academic Director, a group can change. If someone in the group is advancing faster or having difficulties, this moved to the appropriate group.
It is important to ILISA to place students in their respected language level, where they can advance at a comfortable pace.
- University Credit
-
Students participating in ILISA's Spanish courses may earn undergraduate or graduate semester hours in Spanish. It is recommended that arrangements be made your University prior to departure or at the latest, during the first week of classes. Further information can be found at www.ilisa.com/courses/p-univ.htm.
If you are participating for credits, please notify the Program Director shortly after arriving and present her with the documents as soon as you arrive, as we will need to prepare your tests. See also Certificates/Diplomas, CEUs/CPEs, CMEs
- 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.
Leisure activities
show/hide all
- 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.
Accommodations/Arrivals
show/hide all
- 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.
- 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.
Category: Other
About ILISA
show/hide all
- What does ILISA stand for?
-
When ILISA was founded in 1987, the company was called:
Institututo
-
Latinoamericano de
-
Idiomas
-
SA (Sociedad Anónima or 'Inc.'
That soon became 'doing business as' ILISA.
And, we focus on teaching just one 'idioma': Spanish.
|
|
|
|
|
