About us

Mission

To satisfy the need of our students to communicate as functional multilinguals through the use of an innovative methodology and personalized attention, in a reasonable time span and at a reasonable cost.

Vision

To be an innovative institution of higher education, a leader nationally and internationally in offering educational programs that are practical and intensive.

Why Intensa?

Experience: Over 40 years of experience and thousands of students back up our methodology!
Methodology: We want our students to be able to have fluent conversations in day to day activities, at school and/ or professionally… So, we focus on intensive oral practice to achieve that proficiency, without neglecting writing and underlying grammar.
Flexibility & adaptability: Small groups in dynamic and interactive lessons, all year round!
Multiple locations: Intensa has 4 different locations in 3 provinces to choose from!
Accommodation:Being in a safe and comfortable environment is one of the most important things to consider when studying abroad, we have diverse options to offer our students, including homestay families, that have been meticulously picked and that comply with our standards.
Activities: We have multiple activities for our students to participate in and immerse in the Costa Rican culture like cooking, dance, walking tours and others.

Expeditions: Costa Rica offers something for everyone. Whether you wish to spend your day hiking through the rain forest and gazing at exotic birds, or sipping tropical drinks in a natural hot spring while admiring the explosion of an active volcano. Both oceans provide excellent surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. With over 15 different ecosystems, students will have a wide variety of landscapes, climates and activities to choose from our selected expeditions.
Volunteering: Volunteering helps not only to develop or improve hard and soft skills that will advance your career, but is also proven to make you happy! From taking care of baby sea turtles, to teaching English to young adults in high vulnerability contexts; from translation for non-government organizations to learning how to run a sustainable and organic farm… We have many options to choose from to volunteer and make a difference!
International programs coordinator: Student support before, during and after the program.
Credits: Students can receive university credits for studies at Intensa, further information provided upon request.

Intensa History

May 6 | 2017

Portugues

Você fala português? Now you can do it with Intensa!

September 7 | 2016

Program 60 Plus

The 50 plus program opens the first group

February 20 | 2012

Location Alajuela

Intensa Alajuela moves to its current location

July 7 | 2009

Kids

Intensa opens the first group for Kids

June 26 | 2009

Heredia

Located in Plaza Bratsi

July 10 | 2008

MET Test

Intensa manages to be part of the accredited Center for the ECCE exam (Examination for the Certificate of competency in English)

January 8 | 2003

Business courses

In this year, Intensa launches the English program for companies

April 17 | 2002

Escazú

Intensa opens its headquarters in Escazú, in the Trilogía building. An event to celebrate

September 26 | 2000

Semi-Intensive Courses

Semi-intensive programs are included in the academic offer

March 20 | 1995

Barrio Escalante

Intensa Barrio Escalante was the first location that was opened for this institution

our Sites

Barrio Escalante

Located in a trendy neighborhood in the heart of San Jose. It is characterized by its diverse cuisine and by being within walking distance of downtown San Jose, as well as museums, cultural centers and much more.

Alajuela

Known as the city of mangos, this city is located near the Juan Santamaria International Airport. It is the ideal point to move around to visit volcanoes and mountains of the Central Pacific.

Escazú

Located in the west side of San Jose, it is close to shopping centers and important office centers that are the headquarters of large multinational companies. It is only 45 minutes away from the beaches of the Central Pacific.

Heredia

With a privileged climate, it is considered the province of flowers. It is characterized by its friendly people and its picturesque historical towns such as Barva, Santo Domingo, among others. In addition, it is close to shopping and business centers.