Learning a foreign language effectively increases the number of people on the globe with whom a person can communicate. In Sarapiquí, knowing how to communicate in English greatly enhances the employment potential of local community members as well as enriches their lives by being able to speak to visitors and exchange students in the region. The ESL program at the SCLC has students from ages 13 and higher participating in five different levels of English focusing on various aspects of the English language such as grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. The unique feature of the English as a Second Language program at the SCLC is that there are students characterized by a multitude of dynamic backgrounds varying from veterinarians to policemen, to high school students and aspiring tourist guides. 
 
Over one hundred and twenty students are now registered for classes which began in February. Due to the increase in registrants, we had to open up a whole new class in order to offer our services to as many locals as possible. We have also started a new class at the Center for all the ESL teachers in Sarapiqui so that they can practice their English language skills and receive teacher training.