Costa Rica Custom Spanish

Our partner Spanish school is a traveler's education on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in the town of Playa Jaco. the programs offered at the school are some of the most unique and innovative options available for travelers wanting to study abroad or take a learning vacation. Knowledgeable instructors and local guides use hands-on teaching techniques and field trips to provide visitors with a wealth of information and the adventure of a lifetime.

The School was founded in 1997. The goal was to take a creative approach to learning by combining aspects of a language school, surf school, art workshop and adventure travel to create an unforgettable travel experience. To date the school has hosted students from all across the United States, Canada, France, Germany, England, Holland, Iceland, French West Indies, Italy, South Africa, Switzerland, Norway, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The school's innovative programs have been featured in guidebooks (Lonely Planet, New Key to Costa Rica, Frommers) magazines (Wahine, Outside, Surfer), and newspapers from the U.S.A., Hong Kong and Costa Rica. It started small, a staff of two, a good website, and one laptop computer (which was in the one room shared as both office and classroom). Thirteen years later, after exponential growth due to a great response from students, the staff has grown to 15 year-round employees (there are up to 20 employees working during peak seasons) and constantly expanding facilities.

Today the school offers a variety of programs designed to allow people to learn Spanish while at the same time discovering Costa Rica. Overall we feel that these are some excellent programs and are perfect for anyone looking for a different type of language program. Current programs offered include Spanish, Surfing, Digital photography and Yoga. You can take any of these programs individually or you can combine any of the two.

Spanish Classes: The intensive Spanish program at the School is designed to help students become proficient and comfortable communicating in Spanish. Students attend classes with native Spanish speaking instructors and class sizes are small to assure each student receives personal attention. Beginner, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, and Advanced class levels are available.

Students cover new material for approximately two hours per day in class and then meet with an instructor for another one to two hours per day for labs. Labs are optional and are designed to reinforce the lessons covered in class through homework assistance, games, readings, conversational practice, study aids and lessons about Costa Rican history, culture and foods.

Classes are Monday through Friday. Weekends are left open for students to relax or travel independently. The third weekend (in the four week program) is a designated long weekend (no classes on Friday through Sunday) so that students can take a longer trip to explore Costa Rica. Spanish programs are available in one, two, and four week durations year-round and can also be combined with Surf, Digital Photography or Yoga.

Surfing: Costa Rica is home to some of the best surf in the world. The Playa Jaco/ Hermosa area is widely regarded as the most consistent surf in the country. There are a wide variety of breaks nearby and plenty of uncrowded waves for everyone. The school has designed special surf programs that include guided surf trips to local spots as well as other field trips and activities. Lodging is included for all surf program participants.

Surf programs are available in one, two and four week durations year-round and cn also be combined with Spanish, Digital Photography or Yoga. Beginners learn to surf in the warm tropical waters of Costa Rica with the help of the friendly and experienced staff. You will learn the basics of paddling, standing and turning as well as wave selection and other fundamental skills. We have to warn you though: Surfing is addictive! Intermediate/ Advanced surf students take our guided surf sessions at the Playa Jaco/ Hermosa area. Let the local guides show you where the best breaks are so you can make the most of your surf vacation.

Digital Photography: The rich colors and beauty of Costa Rica make a perfect setting for a photography class. Digital cameras have revolutionized photography, allowing for artistic experimentation without the hassles of a chemical darkroom or the wait and expense of film processing.

This course is designed to give students a working knowledge of the elements of photography including lighting, composition, apertures, shutter speeds, and much more. This program also provides an explanation of how digital cameras work and how to improve your shots. In addition, students who bring their own laptop computers are tutored in basic digital photo editing using programs such as Adobe Photoshop. Students go on excursions in search of photo locations. So, whether you are a beginner with a basic digital camera or an experienced photographer with professional equipment, you will love this newest program offered at the school.

Yoga: Our yoga program is focused on providing a spectrum of alternatives to meet the needs of every student. Whether you are a beginner or have years of experience, our intention is for you to leave with the tools necesary to enrich and deepen your practice. Adding yoga to your schedule is especially recommended to build the flexibility, balance and strength needed for your surfing techniques. Our certified instructors offer a wide variety of approaches including Iyengar based Hatha Yoga, Power Yoga, Vinyasa Flow and Anusara based classes. As part of your Costa Rica experience we try to mix in various settings so that you can enjoy practicing within the gorgeous natural surroundings available in the area.

Third World - Spanish School- Costa Rica