ATESA

Get to Know Us!

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ATESA is a small school located in Atenas, a rural town in the province of Alajuela in Costa Rica. For more than twenty years, we have implemented Spanish as a Foreign Language programs, internships, and community volunteer programs, connecting international organizations with local institutions in our country.

ATESA was founded in 2004 when teacher Mercedes Arias created community volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica. A few months later, Professor Juan D. Barquero joined the initiative. Together, they combined their experience in Spanish teaching with programs for cultural experiences, community service, and professional learning.

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Connecting people. Creating meaningful encounters. Building bridges between cultures.

Through authentic linguistic, educational, and cultural experiences, we promote intercultural exchange and a deeper understanding of the people, culture, and biodiversity of Costa Rica.

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Mercedes Arias serves as Academic Director and Spanish teacher. Juan Barquero is Administrative Director, Academic Assistant, and also a Spanish teacher.

The school also has seven additional teachers with extensive experience teaching Spanish as a foreign language to all age groups.

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Mercedes Arias

Academic Director and Spanish Teacher

Mercedes has shaped ATESA from the beginning with warmth, experience, and a deep sense for how language brings people together.

Experienced in teaching Spanish as a foreign language
Academic guidance for ATESA programs
Supports students from the first conversation into daily classroom life

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Diego Barquero

Administrative Director, Academic Assistant, and Spanish Teacher

Juan brings together organization, teaching, and personal care. He helps students feel at home in Atenas quickly.

Coordinates programs and local logistics
Teaches Spanish with practical connections to everyday life
Point of contact for students, families, and partners

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Maria Guerrero

Spanish Teacher

Maria brings experience, patience, and joy to the classroom, creating a learning environment that feels personal and welcoming.

Teaching for different ages and language levels
Small groups and personal support
A teaching style that connects language, culture, and daily life

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Marianela Vega

Spanish Teacher

For me, teaching Spanish is one of the most rewarding things I can do. My goal in every class is to guide my students with patience and dedication. I love seeing each student progress, overcome their fear, and learn to express themselves – from their very first word to forming complete sentences.

Patient and dedicated guidance in every lesson
Building confidence in speaking and overcoming language anxiety
Step-by-step progress from the first word to complete sentences

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At ATESA, Spanish instruction focuses on developing all language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. These skills are developed through classroom learning, assignments, and practical use.

Before starting the course, each student is interviewed to determine their Spanish level and is provided with the appropriate textbook. ATESA uses three textbooks developed by the school and adapted to its practical teaching method.

Learning is reinforced through real-life practice outside the classroom: interaction with host families, cultural activities such as Costa Rican cooking and Latin dance, and visits to local and tourist sites.

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The school is located in Sabana Larga de Atenas, on a working farm where classes take place in open-air classrooms. In this natural setting, students learn Spanish in close contact with nature and daily life.

One of ATESA’s distinguishing features is learning in harmony with a rural environment. Students can harvest, describe, and taste fruit during class or take walks through coffee plantations.

Another highlight is the close, friendly relationship between staff, students, and host families. Many families have worked with ATESA since its founding and consistently receive excellent feedback.