RAISE Them UP: Homeschooling, Education, & Parenting – by Brittany Stewart | May 13, 2025
An outstanding opportunity for homeschoolers and Spanish learners – MY INTERVIEW WITH KAREN SLADICK OF CISA!
Discovering CISA: A Life-Changing Spanish Immersion Experience for Homeschoolers and Families
I have had the special privilege to connect with Karen Sladick from CISA. She’s a delightful, inspiring, and lovely person who followed her heart and ended up living in Costa Rica with her husband, after enrolling as a CISA student. She now works for CISA and her passion is marvelous and undeniable. Our interview outlines her story and the amazing opportunity Christian Immersion Spanish Academy offers individuals and families.
For homeschool families and other students across the nation looking to take their education beyond the textbook and into the real world, CISA – Christian Immersion Spanish Academy, offers something truly extraordinary. Nestled in the lush and peaceful landscape of Costa Rica, CISA isn’t just a language school—it’s a transformational adventure that combines cultural immersion, academic excellence, spiritual growth, and lifelong memories.
Why CISA?
In a world where being bilingual is a valuable asset, CISA provides a powerful, real-world pathway to Spanish fluency. Unlike traditional classroom instruction or language apps that only scratch the surface, CISA’s immersive environment is designed to fully engage students—mind, body, and spirit. Students don’t just learn Spanish; they live it.
CISA specializes in serving homeschooling families, individuals, and other students, offering programs that are flexible, enriching, and family-friendly. Whether you’re a parent looking to supplement your child’s education with a global experience or a teen eager to stretch your wings and engage with the world, CISA is a safe, structured, and deeply rewarding option.
The Power of Immersion
What makes CISA unique is its commitment to full language and cultural immersion within a Christian framework. Students attend daily Spanish classes taught by native speakers, tailored to their skill level, and immediately practice what they learn through daily life in the community. From ordering food at the market to participating in church services or volunteering with locals, every moment becomes an opportunity to grow in fluency and cultural understanding.
The hands-on, relational approach means students aren’t just memorizing vocabulary—they’re engaging in meaningful conversations, building friendships, and navigating real-life situations with increasing confidence.
Costa Rica: A Safe and Welcoming Home Away from Home
One of the biggest concerns for parents considering study-abroad opportunities is safety. Thankfully, Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America, with a long-standing reputation for political stability, low crime rates, and friendly communities. CISA is located in a safe, family-oriented and rural town of Tuis where students can focus on learning and exploring with peace of mind.
The people of Costa Rica, affectionately called *Ticos*, are known for their warm hospitality and genuine kindness. Students often describe the locals as welcoming and eager to help language learners feel comfortable and included. It’s not uncommon for students to leave Costa Rica feeling as if they’ve gained a second family.
A Feast for the Senses: Food and Culture
From the moment you arrive, the sights, sounds, and flavors of Costa Rica create a vibrant learning environment. The local cuisine is a delicious and healthy blend of fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, and grilled meats. Meals are not just nourishment—they’re a cultural experience, often shared around a table with new friends and local families.
Beyond the food, students at CISA get to explore the richness of Costa Rican culture. Whether it’s learning traditional dances, exploring artisan markets, hiking through rainforests, or relaxing on a Pacific beach after class, the natural beauty and cultural richness of Costa Rica provide a dynamic and unforgettable backdrop to the learning experience.
More Than Language: Faith and Community
CISA is grounded in Christian values, creating an environment that supports not only academic and personal growth but also spiritual development. Students attend or participate in local churches, engage in service projects, and live out their faith in real-world settings. This integration of faith and learning is one of the academy’s most cherished strengths.
Parents frequently report that their children return from CISA not only more fluent in Spanish but also more confident, mature, and spiritually grounded.
A Lasting Impact
Alumni and families consistently describe their time at CISA as life-changing. The friendships made, the confidence gained, and the language skills acquired endure far beyond the final day of class. For many students, it becomes the springboard to future international missions, global careers, or simply a deeper appreciation for the world and its people.
In a time when many educational experiences can feel disconnected from real life, CISA stands out as an authentic, impactful, and deeply human adventure—a journey that combines the joy of learning with the richness of travel, the depth of faith, and the bonds of shared experience.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you’re a homeschool family looking to expand your classroom to the world, or an individual seeking to truly master Spanish in a meaningful way, Christian Immersion Spanish Academy in Costa Rica offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to grow, learn, and be inspired. Safe, enriching, and unforgettable—CISA may just be the highlight of your educational journey!
