Questions and Answers About CLI

Common questions from students

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least four weeks in advance but accept reservations at any time. To ensure enrollment for your preferred dates, it is always safer to book early.

Where is CLI located?

We are located in the neighborhood of ProCab in Cabarete on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.

After you enter ProCab you walk on the entrance road which will turn right. Just after the entrance road turns right you will make a right turn and then go left at Ali’s surf camp. (The surf camp has a metal fence link fence on top of a stone wall.). The school is just after the surf camp on the right and has a big wooden sign that says Cabarete Language Institute.

What documents do I need for entry into the Dominican Republic?

Citizens and residents of the United States, Canada, and the majority of European countries can enter the country with a 30-day tourist card, which can be bought when you enter the country for US $10. Any person, no matter what their nationality, may come into the Dominican Republic with a tourist card if they have any of the following valid visas in their passport: United States, Canada, United Kingdom or the European Union (Schengen). If you wish to extend your tourist card to 90 days, you will need to pay US$20 to immigration when you leave the country. Please refer to the nearest Dominican consulate or embassy if you are unsure of your need for a visa.

What airport should I use in the Dominican Republic?

Puerto Plata (POP) airport is only 20 minutes and $40 US from CLI, which makes it the most convenient airport for our students. The other airport close to Cabarete is Santiago (STI) which is a 1.5-hour taxi ride and costs $100 US. Sometimes it is less expensive or more convenient to fly into Santo Domingo (SDQ), or Punta Cana (PUC). Arriving in Santo Domingo one can take a taxi-bus-taxi combo that will cost around US $70 and take six hours from the airport to Cabarete. Punta Cana is very far away from Cabarete and can only be recommended to use if one has a specific reason to spend time on the south side of the island before and after visiting Cabarete.

How do I get from the airport to Cabarete?

CLI is more than happy to arrange transportation to and from all Puerto Plata and Santiago.   Just provide us with your flight details, and we will do the rest.  If you plan to fly into Santo Domingo or Punta Cana we can also give you some advice on how to get to Cabarete.

What is the minimum age to enroll in CLI?

There is no minimum age to enroll. We encourage the participation of youth and have courses geared towards students of all ages. All students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We do not take responsibility for minors traveling alone.

What should I do if my health insurance does not cover me in the Dominican Republic?

We work closely with Tours Trips Treks & Travel who will create an international health, travel, and emergency evacuation insurance package to fit your needs. Please let us know in your Enrollment Form if you are interested in an international insurance plan.

What type of currency should I bring?

The Dominican Peso is used in Cabarete, but your country’s currency can be changed at any bank in Cabarete. Traveler’s checks can also be changed at any bank with your passport. ATM’s and Cash Machines are located throughout Cabarete and can be an easy way to access your money. Keep in mind that all ATM’s and Cash Machines dispense Pesos. Credit cards are accepted at many places but you may be charged an extra 5% to use a credit card.

How do I pay for my tuition to study Spanish in Cabarete?

In order to secure your class, you need to pay a deposit of 55 % of the tuition. This payment is typically done via PayPal, QuickPay or wire transfer. Your full payment for classes is due in cash after your first day of class. If you chose to pay via PayPal we will add 4% to the payment to cover the transaction costs.

What supplies do I need for class?

Most beginner Spanish students will need their own copy of “Easy Spanish Step-by-Step,” published by McGraw-Hill. This book is available for purchase at CLI. You should also bring along writing utensils, a notebook, and a Spanish dictionary. Cabarete has a few bookstores where you can buy any supplies you forget. While you are studying at CLI, you will have free access to our library.

How does CLI determine my level?

In your Enrollment Form you must indicate your approximate level and you will take a placement test created by CLI either prior to or upon arrival.

How can I contact my family and friends once I am in Cabarete?

At CLI, we offer free WiFi internet so you can connect your laptop to the internet. Also, several internet and call centers are located throughout Cabarete. Cellular service (Orange and Claro) is also available in Cabarete. Please ask your cellular company about international service.

How do I get around town?

You can walk just about anywhere in Cabarete in under 30 minutes. Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are available throughout town, as well as carritos (public cars) and guaguas (public minibuses). Each ride costs around a dollar. Private taxis are also readily available. Please pay attention when getting on and off the motoconcho so you do not to burn yourself on the muffler of the motorcycle which is on the right side of the motorcycle.  Therefore, it is advised to always get on the motorcycle on the left side of the motorcycle.  For longer rides – more than 5 minutes – we recommend that our students look for a carrito or guagua as they are a much safer way to travel than motoconchos.

Will I receive a certificate of participation?

Yes, students receive a certificate of participation and achievement at the end of the course. This certificate is often useful for confirming participation and language level to employers and/or universities.

Ready for a good time in the Dominican Republic?