About Us

Our founder and director, Karina Carmona, is a philologist and certified Spanish teacher from the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica.

Why My Spanish First?

Hi! I’m Karina Carmona. For years, I taught students from all over the world who came to Costa Rica for immersion programs: university students, missionaries, teachers, nurses, and professionals from many fields.

I saw how much they grew when language and culture came together, and I wanted to offer that same experience to anyone, anywhere. That’s how My Spanish First was born: immersive, culture-rich Spanish learning, now online, with no travel time or expenses. The name says it all: put your Spanish first—before your trip, your move, or your next project in Latin America. Today, we’re proud to teach students from all walks of life—from travelers preparing for their first trip to expats who already call Costa Rica home.

Professional Memberships

FOCOELE
RIBIE
ASELE
ACTFL

    What Our Students Say

    Discover what it’s like to learn with My Spanish First. Read real reviews from students who have boosted their language skills and confidence with us!

    What Guides Our Programs?

    Every program we offer is designed around the same frameworks used by language schools worldwide: the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the Instituto Cervantes curriculum. That means clear goals at every level and classes that adapt to you, with the culture of Costa Rica and Latin America in every lesson.

    Coming soon, we’ll also be offering language tourism in Costa Rica, so you can experience our vibrant culture firsthand!