Centro Panamericano de Idiomas

CPI was founded in June 1991 by Romy Morales and her family in the small town of San Joaquín de Flores. Their mission was to create the best language program in Latin America.

CPI was created to meet the demands of individuals, organizations and companies at a time when borders are more fluid, the economy is becoming increasingly more globalized and when knowing a second language, especially Spanish, is of great importance.

CPI offers three campuses across Costa Rica, in Heredia, Monteverde, and Flamingo, each operating independently with the same high quality service.

Different services and programs CPI offers include:

Study Abroad Program:
Students may earn university or high school transfer credits while studying at one or all three of our fantastic CPI locations in Costa Rica. Students earn approximately 2-3 credits in 2 weeks (or 6 credits over a 4 week period or 12 credits over an 8 week period).
Credits are issued from one of the following participating U.S. universities: New Mexico State University (NMSU), Brookhaven College or University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Approved credits are then transferred from the issuing entity (either NMSU, Brookhaven, or USM) to the student’s own school.

Language Program:
CPI offers two Spanish programs, group and private classes of 4 hours and 5½ hours per day. The MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE IS 4 STUDENTS in order to provide each student the greatest level of interaction with other students as well as personalized attention from the professor.

Family & Kids Program:
CPI offers a family friendly learning environment for parents traveling to Costa Rica with their children. Classes & tours for all age groups & interests.

Teen Program:
For unaccompanied minors aged 14-17, this supervised program provides a combination of Spanish classes and optional excursions, both cultural and adrenaline inducing.

Program Specialized for Spanish Teachers:
"Spanish as a foreign language" or "Spanish as a second language" professors are taught various CPI techniques created, developed, and applied during our many years of experience as institution that specializes in Spanish as a second language.

Social Work Program:
Prepares psychologists and social workers to increase their knowledge of Spanish as well as their understanding of Latin American culture.

Medical Spanish Program:
Assist medical students and professionals to become more effective health care providers through Spanish language development and real world cultural training.

Public Safety Program:
The perfect option for individuals, for examples policemen and firefighters, working in the areas of public safety and public service who find it necessary to know Spanish to perform their daily job expectations.

Volunteer program:
CPI´s Volunteer Program is designed for students who wish to enrich their stay by working in an area of their interest that will benefit the country. The volunteer opportunities offered through CPI are for students at least 18 years of age and registered for classes at CPI for a minimum of three weeks. Most of the programs are half time, so you may take classes and volunteer at the same time.