Bilingual Bible School
Our bilingual program provides a great experience for these students to take a “gap year” to grow in their personal relationship with God and experience the reality of Christ living in them through Bible study, living in community, and serving in ministry.
Grow deeper in the knowledge of Christ
Through our time in the Bible, Community and Ministry, we aim to achieve these goals:
- Build a strong Biblical foundation in the life of each student through Bible classes, personal Bible reading, and directed Bible study.
- Expose students to cross-cultural ministries by working in the local community every week and on a one-week mission trip.
- Start or build upon second language acquisition of Spanish.
- Learn to live in community and serve one another through shared responsibilities and activities.
- Equip them to be leaders and disciple-makers.
Our program is composed of two 4-month terms that run each year from mid-January to early May, and mid-August through early December. Students can start in either January or August. Admission is for either or both semesters.
During the first month, students are placed in small group language classes along with Bible classes. These language classes offer the benefit of students to start developing a second language acquisition of Spanish. The next three months are focused on Bible classes and weekly ministries.
Bible
We offer a varied program that combines theoretical Bible study in two languages (English and Spanish) with practical application in ministry. Grow in your knowledge and study of the Bible through:
- Interactive Bilingual Bible Classes
- Daily Bible Reading
- Weekly Bible Study Methods Practice
- Small Group Study & Discussion
Typical List of Courses
Actual course may vary
- Intensive Spanish (February/ August)
Old Testament
- Genesis
- Deuteronomy
- Judges
- Ruth
- 1,2 Kings
- Nehemiah
- Psalms
- Proverbs
- Daniel
- Minor Prophets
New Testament
- Mark
- John
- Acts
- Romans
- Galatians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1Thessalonians
- 1,2 Timothy
- Hebrews
- James
- Revelation
Christian Living
- Prayer in the Bible
- Perspectives in Missions
- Principles
Theology
- Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
- Progress of Redemption
- Introduction to the Bible
- Bible Study Methods
Community
Students at Portantorchas become part of a Christian community that is focused around Christ. Community at Portantorchas looks like:
- Putting into action the Biblical principles that we see in God's Word.
- Honoring, loving and serving others from diverse cultures.
- Developing profound friendships among 20-30 other students.
- Sharing meals, family time, lodging, and doing life together.
- Loads of fun, adventure, and great memories.
“Learning to live in community with people from different cultures was an amazing experience that showed me what the Body of Christ really is.” ~Ricky Rojas (student)
Ministry
Throughout Bible school, students will have opportunities to put into practice what they are learning as they go on outreach, into the the local communities and abroad, sharing the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ.
Weekly Outreaches
Students participate in weekly Ministry Outreaches:
- Orphanages
- Day Care Center
- Women’s & Men’s Shelters
- Senior's Center
- On-campus Worship
- Neighborhood Soccer Club
Short-term Mission Trip
Plan and go on a one-week mission trip to share the Gospel and love of Christ through relationally based activities:
- Community Development
- Local Church Programs
- Community / School Outreaches
Costs
Summer Programs: USD $1425 each
Fall or Spring Semester : USD $5500 each
Fall and Spring 2023 price each includes
- Room and Board (3 meals a day, sheets, blankets and pillow provided)
- Spanish Language Classes (40+ hours) – each semester
- Bible School Classes
- Visa Renewal Trip Outside of Costa Rica
- Access to Washer/Dryers
- Week long Mission Trip*
- Shared Internet Access
- Day/Overnight trips (beach, volcano, rainforest)
* The basic costs of the Mission Trip are covered by your tuition payment. However, raising additional funds may become part of the student preparation for the mission trip if the group chooses to purchase additional materials, supplies, etc. in order to meet a need in the community where the mission trip takes place.
Program Dates
2023 Fall (16 weeks)
Student Arrival: Aug. 12/13 Student Departure: Dec 2
2024 Spring (16 weeks)
Student Arrival: Jan. 13/14
Student Departure: May 4
2024 Summer #1 (25 days)
Arrival: May 22
Departure: June 15
2024 Summer #2 (25 days)
Arrival: July 10
Departure: August 3
Summer Bible Program
Not everyone can come to Portantorchas for a year, so we offer a 25-day summer program for those who still want to experience Bible school in Costa Rica.