Testimony
Dan Telfair (former student)
Dear Prospective Language Students:
The purpose of this letter is to furnish a completely unsolicited recommendation for the Costa Rica Spanish Institute (COSI). Simply stated, COSI is the best language school my wife and I encountered during three years of research and study in the US, Mexico, and Central and South America.
In addition to the university courses we have taken here at home in New Mexico, we spent three months in Cuernavaca, Mexico attending a full time language program, five months in Costa Rica in full time programs at two separate language schools, and three months in Uruguay taking part time classes at the US Embassy language program.
In preparation for our trips, we reviewed brochures and other information from approximately 30 schools in Mexico and Central America. Where possible, our review included direct communication with the school administrators, etc. Prior to enrolling, we visited the ten most promising schools, interviewed directors and staff, and sat in on classes.
Despite our prior research, we were less than satisfied with all of the schools except one. The notable exception was the Costa Rica Spanish Institute, located in the San Pedro barrio of San Jose. COSI is a small school, owned and operated by a married couple, both of whom are experienced teachers and curriculum developers, and both of whom worked at other language schools prior to opening their own school.
Many aspects of COSI set it apart from other schools, but the principle differences lie in their professionally developed curriculum and the structured approach followed by their instructors, all of whom are excellent. Most of the language schools we visited and/or attended were more or less adequate for a shor course in introductory Spanish. COSI was the only school we found that also has a well structured program for intermediate and advanced students. Additionally, the owner/operators are personally involvedm in all aspects of instruction. Classes are frequently monitored to ensure quality control; instructors are qualified and evaluated prior to being allowed to work with students; there are frequent instructor training meetings, student progress is constantly monitored and individual needs are addressed, etc.
The second aspect that sets COSI apart from other schools we visited and/or attended is the personal attention and involvement of the owners, Marvin and Xinia, in all aspects of their students' experiences while in Costa Rica. The only description of their attention and assistance that seems adequate is to liken them to concierges at really good hotels. All student wants and needs, from help with long distance calls and faxes, to cashing personal checks, to arranging tours, accommodations, transportation, etc., are taken care of promptly, efficiently, and without either fees or commissions!
One final observation has to do with the relative concern for profit we observed at the various schools we visited and attended. All of the schools are set up to make a profit. All are also set up to teach Spanish. However, the relative emphasis on these two goals varies widely between schools. Particularly at the larger schools, we had the impression that the rule was: "Profit first, effective teaching second." That was certainly not the case at COSI. Like any other business, COSI is set up to make a profit. However, their philosophy seems to be: "Quality instruction and attention to students equals profit." Their school could be used as a good example of Total Quality Management in action.
Anyone interested in additional information on COSI, or on any of the other schools we researched or attended, may contact us directly by mail, fax or e-mail at the above addresses.
Sincerely,
Dan and Zia Telfair
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