Behind every successful language school, there are individuals whose dedication, humanity, and quiet leadership shape the student experience in ways no brochure ever could. At Intercultura Costa Rica – Sámara, that person is Lázaro Rocha.
A folklorist, musician, carpenter, storyteller, and long-standing member of the Intercultura team, Lázaro has been part of the Sámara school almost since its very beginning. Over the years, he has become much more than a maintenance professional or security presence — he is a cultural bridge, a trusted colleague, and, for many students, the very first friendly face they encounter on arrival.
“Lázaro is full of music, poetry and stories,” says Francinie from Student Services. “He never gets angry, always finds solutions, and makes lunchtime unforgettable.”
Known for his patience, humour, and endless stories — including a legendary encounter with a raccoon determined to steal sugar — Lázaro is deeply respected and genuinely loved by colleagues across the school.
Born in Nicaragua in December 1964 into a large, deeply religious farming family, Lázaro’s early education was disrupted by political unrest. At just five years old, he moved to the city of León, where he began school — only to be forced to stop his studies due to the instability of the time.
Determined not to give up on education, Lázaro returned to primary school at the age of 21, attending night school while working. His ambition was to become a mechanical engineer, and he even secured a scholarship to study in East Germany. However, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet bloc abruptly ended those plans.
Rather than surrendering to circumstance, Lázaro adapted.
In 1987, he enrolled at Nicaragua’s National Technical Institute, earning a certificate as a cabinetmaker after three years of study. He went on to work in workshops across León and Managua, eventually opening a small workshop in his own home while completing his high school education at night.
A chance opportunity led him to Guanacaste, Costa Rica — a region whose music, festivals, and traditions felt comfortingly familiar. After several professional twists and turns, including work in hardware stores and furniture production, Lázaro was introduced to Sámara and, soon after, to Intercultura.
In December 2004, on the very day the new Intercultura Sámara campus was inaugurated, Lázaro joined the school as a security guard. Over time, his role evolved organically into maintenance and general support — wherever he was most needed.
This flexibility allowed him to draw on his carpentry skills, maintain the campus with care, and even restore an old guitar damaged during an earthquake — an instrument he still plays during quiet night shifts.
For Lázaro, Intercultura is not simply a workplace.
“At the school, I have found the best environment to work,” he explains. “There are always challenges, opportunities to learn, and respectful relationships. After 18 years, I have never once been reprimanded.”
To students, Lázaro is often remembered as “the nice man at the gate.”
Elaine Nichols, a returning student, beautifully captures his impact:
“After a long and exhausting journey, there he was — a kind man with a warm smile, ready to help. Students never forget him.”
Students consistently speak of Lázaro’s patience, his willingness to help them practise Spanish, and the confidence he instils simply by taking a genuine interest in who they are. As their language skills improve, many discover another side of him: a master storyteller with deep insights and a folklorist’s love of history and culture.
Intercultura staff echo these sentiments wholeheartedly:
Claudia, Student Enrolment Coordinator, describes him as “patience and tranquillity personified.”
Marianela, from Student Services, values his wisdom and thoughtful conversations.
Estefania, General Manager, sums it up best:
“Lázaro is like a golden gemstone that makes the school shine brighter.”
Having witnessed Intercultura navigate the 2008 financial crisis, a major earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Lázaro remains deeply grateful for the school’s resilience — and proud to have contributed to it.
“I hope to have enough energy to keep contributing my little grain of sand each new day,” he says.
For agents and partners, Lázaro’s story is a powerful reminder of what truly defines a quality language school. Beyond accreditation and programmes, it is the people — their integrity, warmth, and lived experience — that create meaningful, transformative journeys for students.
At Intercultura Sámara, Lázaro Rocha is not just part of the team.
He is part of the soul of the school.
2026 SchoolsandAgents (C) - Developed by Websuccess