"Aloha" (Welcome) to a Country like Hawaii where the first language is Spanish. There are many Islands but they were created off the Mainland.  Hawaii was created as a series of Islands only, with no mainland.  Both Hawaii and Costa Rica are tropical paradises, with the plant life and animal life that go with such places.  They both have volcanoes too!  I founded Aloha Onda Language School in September of 2008. 

"Aloha Onda Costa Rica" will engage in various  endeavors:   Offer some real estate for sale in Costa Rica in off the beaten path areas instead of "glitzy developments."  I spent about 2 weeks looking at various houses and propereties with the experienced folks at http://remaxricorealty.com/ the fall of 2009.  I highly recommend Rene, Jim or Elizabeth for any properties around Lake Arenal. 

Also, I studied graduate business at Southern Methodist University as a regular student for a year, in addition to having a B.A. degree from Arizona State University in Theatre/English Literature and a Masters degree in Informations Studies from Texas Woman's University.

Aloha Onda will also  help people relocate to live part or all of the year in Costa Rica.  We have very small (1 to 4 people) tours of Costa Rica.   Spanish, German or English study in small groups (1 to 4 people) with some excursions to rainforests, volcanos and beaches to see and learn about flora, fauna and some bird watching.

The courses at the school are one month long, 4 days a week, 8 hours per day.  Three day week ends allow the students to travel or simply stay and enjoy the resort, swim and study.  Although week end travel is not included in the price for the courses listed below, one of our Spanish teachers and/or myself will accompany you on these week end trips, if you like, for just the amount of expenses (food, lodging and transportation).  Each student will also have the daily use of a new mountain bike for the month long Spanish course.

A trail through the Monteverde Rainforest below.---

I will meet you at the airport in Liberia, not San Jose, and bring you to the  resort.  All meals, lodging, language instruction with materials, and transportation are included.  You arrange for your transportation to and from Costa Rica.   

Continental and American Airlines serve the International Airport in the Northern part of the country, Daniel Oduber International Airport, in Liberia, which is closest to my Language School.  The total cost for one person is $5,000.  For two people it is $4,000 per person.  For three people it is $3,500 per person.  For four people it is $3,000 per person.

I lived in Costa Rica from 1981 to 1989 almost continuously.  During that time I primarily earned my living teaching English.  I taught at The Costa Rica Academy, The American Cultural Center, Intensa and Escuela Boston.  When I went to live by the ocean for a year, I taught at Puntarenas High School and formed some private classes for The Chinese Fishing Association and the staff of a large hotel there.  I also had some individual students study with me privately.

 I will also offer private tours and retreats but these will necessarily be organized, designed and priced  individually.  We are available anytime, all year when you want the month long class or a tour.

I have taken many  photographs and noted prices and quality of places to eat and stay on these week ends, including taxi fares, bus fares, time and place of departures, etc.  Please email me at: 

Leo@LeoMcCormick.org

Federico Fellini, one of my favorite film makers, once said "A different language is a different vision of life."

"Pura Vida,"

Leo McCormick

Apartado Postal 197

Tilaran

Costa Rica

CentroAmerica

My shadow again in the photo of the beach.---

And and turning around, another shot out into the surf.---