Our dynamic approach to teaching Spanish includes constant conversation practice, and is made possible by the high level of professionalism of our teaching staff. All teachers have university degrees. Teachers are selected based of their teaching experience, alertness in the classroom, and their ability to engage the students.

Over the past 25 years, students have come from all over the world to study at the NRCSA Center in Alajuela. Most students, however, come from North America and Europe. The centers alumni is made up of college students, teachers, business people, missionaries, military personnel, and diplomats, among others. The participants arrive with different language backgrounds and expectations: some have no experience with Spanish at all; others have studied formally but have limited conversational skills while still others are fluent but want to improve their interaction with native speakers. Students may receive and send faxes from the school, with incoming faxes being free of charge, and e-mail accounts are available.

The northwest central valley town of Alajuela is Costa Rica's second city. Alajuela has a busy downtown area and a slightly warmer climate than nearby San Jose. The International Airport is just one kilometer from the town. A provincial capital, Alajuela's red domed cathedral completes its central square and park which, during the heat of the afternoon, is the perfect place to hang out and people watch. The city market takes up an entire city block where both locals and visitors can get a good deal and every year on April 11th the town celebrates Juan Santamaría day with a large parade through town and a public carnival and dance in and around the central park.