Marianela Ballar
Teacher
Studies:
- Bachelor Degree in Spanish Philology, Universidad Autónoma de Centroamérica.
- Master Degree in Spanish as a Second Language (attending), Universidad de Costa Rica
- Languages: English Intermediate, Mandarin Intermediate
Background / Experience:
- Jury member for beginners test in Philology, UACA University, 2010
- Currently, Spanish teacher as a second language: in several schools and Costa Rican Language Academy, since 2001
Specializations:
- Spanish at all levels
- Advanced grammar for high Spanish levels
- Latin American and Costa Rican Literature
- Medical Spanish
- Costa Rican history and culture
Skills:
- Deep interest in cultural diversity, Eastern Philosophy and veganism.
- Knowledge in alternative medicine and martial arts.
- Great ability to work with seniors and people with special needs.
- Dynamic and enthusiastic. . Constantly searching for new materials and new ways to facilitate the students´ learning process.
Abraham Calvo
Teacher and Copy Editor
Studies:
- Bachelor Degree in Spanish Philology, Universidad de Costa Rica
- Languages: Advanced English
Background / Experience:
- Proofreading (thesis, articles, advertisements), 2000 – Currently
- Language and literature tutor, Universidad estatal a Distancia, 2000 al 2001
- Spanish teacher as a second language, Costa Rican Language Academy, 2001 – currently
Specializations:
- Spanish at all levels.
- Advanced grammar for high Spanish levels.
- Latin American and Costa Rican Literature
- Medical Spanish
- Legal Spanish
- Costa Rican culture and history
- Business Spanish
Skills:
- Linguistic researcher.
- Deep interest in cultural diversity.
- Highly interested in sports and encourages his students to get involved.
- Text and materials designer for teaching Spanish as a second language.
- Great ability to work with children, teenagers and seniors.
Gabriel Álvarez
Teacher
Studies:
- Spanish Philology, Universidad de Costa Rica.
- Languages: Intermediate English
Background / Experience:
- Spanish teacher as a second language, Costa Rican Language Academy, 2007 – currently
Specializations:
- Spanish at all levels
- Medical Spanish
- Legal Spanish
- Costa Rican culture and history
- Spanish for children and teenagers
Skills:
- Deep interest in cultural diversity strong social commitment.
- Active member of non-profit organizations that encourage leadership through the young population to positive strengthen and increase help in their communities.
- Deep interest in history and arts. Active participant in cultural activities.
- Great ability to work with children, teenagers and seniors.
- Dynamic and enthusiastic.
Stephanni Cruz
Teacher
Studies:
- English Bachelor, Universidad de Costa Rica.
- Bachelor in Education (attending), Universidad Estatal a Distancia.
- Languages: Advanced English
Background / Experience:
- Spanish teacher as a second language, Costa Rican Language Academy, 2000 – currently.
Specialization:
- Spanish at all levels
- Advanced grammar for high Spanish levels.
- Medical Spanish
- Legal Spanish
- Costa Rican culture and history
- Spanish for children
Skills:
- Deep interest in cultural diversity
- Great ability to work with teenagers and seniors.
- Text and materials designer for teaching Spanish as a second language.
- Dynamic and enthusiastic. Constantly searching for new materials and new ways to facilitate the students´ learning process.
Mariana Zumbado
Academic Director
Teacher and professional dancer
Studies:
- Bachelor in Spanish Philology, Universidad de Costa Rica.
- Professional Degree in Spanish Philology, Universidad de Costa Rica.
- Master in Linguistics, Universidad de Costa Rica.
- Languages: Intermediate English
Background / Experience:
- Text editor, 2000 – currently
- Language and literature tutor, Universidad estatal a Distancia, 2001 to 2003.
- Spanish teacher as a second language, Costa Rican Language Academy 2001 – currently
- Delivery speaker for oral expression, strategies to class development and pragmatic analysis.
Specializations:
- Spanish at all levels.
- Advanced grammar for high Spanish levels.
- Latin American and Costa Rican Literature
- Medical, legal and business Spanish
- Costa Rican culture and history
Skills:
- Linguistics researcher. Deep interest in pragmatism, Latin America literature and comparative grammar.
- Researcher and activist of the indigenous and afro Costa Rican cultures.
- Great analytical ability for multicultural related topics and language teaching. Deep interest in cultural diversity.
- Highly interested in sports and encourages his students to get involved.
- Text and material designer for learning Spanish as a second language.
- Costa Rican folklore knowledge
- Knowledge in modern and contemporary dance.
- Great ability to work with seniors and people with special needs.
LEARN SPANISH & LEAVE A POSITIVE FOOTPRINT
CRLA students have the opportunity of contributing to make a tangible difference in our world and to leave something positive for future generations.