SPANISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS JACO BEACH
School of the World

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The School of the World was founded in 1997. Our goal was to take a creative approach to learning by combining aspects of a language school, adventure travel, and art workshop to create an unforgettable travel experience. To date we have hosted students from all across the United States, Canada, France, Germany, England, Holland, Italy, and Australia. The school's innovative programs have been featured in guidebooks, magazines, and newspapers from the U.S.A. to Hong Kong.

Jaco Beach

The town of Jaco is located on the Central Pacific coast, approximately an hour and 45 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport. Jaco's close proximity to the airport and the central valley (where the capital city is located and most of the population live) has made it a popular beach destination for Costa Rican and international tourists. Jaco's central location makes it an ideal home base for travelers that want to explore up and down the Pacific coast. It has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, banks, hotels, internet cafes, and grocery stores.

School of the World Jaco Beach

The School of the World is a traveler's education school located 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.

Useful Facts

• School Founded: 1997
• Average number of students enrolled: 15
• Maximum number of students enrolled (summer): 30
• Nationality mix: 80% American, 20% European and other
• Age mix : 18-30, 80%; 30+, 20%
• Minimum qualification for teachers: College Degree, Training Course, and an Assistantship
• Accredited by: College Credit is run through Seattle Central Community College

Programs Offered

Spanish Language
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.

• Levels offered: Beginner, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Advanced
• Classes per week: 10 + 10 hours of language lab
• Length of each class: 50 minutes
• Length of course: 1, 2 or 4 weeks
• Maximum number of students per group: N/A
• Minimum age: 18

Spanish Language + Surfing
For this program the Spanish class schedule is written with the tides and best surf times in mind. 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 of the World has designed special surf programs that include guided surf trips to local spots as well as other field trips and activities. (N.B.: Surfboards are provided while students are surfing with the instructor.)

• Levels offered for Spanish classes: Beginner, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Advanced
• Levels offered for Surfing course: Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced
• Spanish classes per week: 10
• Daily surfing
• Length of each class: 50 minutes
• Length of course: 1, 2 or 4 weeks
• Maximum number of students per group: N/A
• Minimum age: 18

Spanish Language + Art
This program includes two hours per day of Spanish instruction with a native Spanish-speaking instructor and approximately two hours per day of Art classes. Art classes include short trips to some of the most beautiful locations around Jaco for on-site instruction. Art classes focus on drawing skills that are applicable to artists of all levels from beginner to advanced. (N.B. Students are responsible for bringing all supplies with them.)

• Levels offered for Spanish classes: Beginner, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Advanced
• Levels offered for Art course: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Spanish classes per week: 10
• Art Instruction: 10 hours per week
• Length of each class: 50 minutes
• Length of course: 1, 2 or 4 weeks
• Maximum number of students per group: N/A
• Minimum age: 18

Spanish Language + Digital Photography
The rich colors and beauty of Costa Rica make a perfect setting for a photography class. The digital photography course is designed to give students a working knowledge of the elements of photography including lighting, composition, apertures, shutter speeds, and much more. It 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.

• Levels offered for Spanish classes: Beginner, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Advanced
• Levels offered for Art course: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Spanish classes per week: 10
• Digital photography: 10 hours per week
• Length of each class: 50 minutes
• Length of course: 1, 2 or 4 weeks
• Maximum number of students per group: N/A
• Minimum age: 18

For more information on any of the above courses, please visit the school's website: School of the World Spanish Language School Costa Rica.

Accommodations

Comfortable lodging is provided for all participants of School of the World programs. Each room at our primary location* is equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, hot water, and air conditioners. Having a kitchen allows students to choose between eating at home or out at one of the many nearby restaurants. All rooms are double occupancy and are included in the price of your course.
*In the event that our primary location is full we arrange for students to stay at another location nearby with similar amenities.

If you prefer you may opt for Homestay with a local family. You will get a single room, plus breakfast and an evening meal.

Activities

There are a number of activities included in the basic program, such as:

• Nature Hike - Take a trip with a naturalist guide to see the rainforest and all that it has to offer. Monkeys, toucans, poison dart frogs, and other wildlife are often seen on this trip.
• Waterfall Hike - Hike to a beautiful waterfall known as "Three Pools" and spend the morning swimming in the refreshing pools.
• Kayak/Snorkel Trip - Kayak along the coast and snorkel in the warm tropical waters of the Pacific. A variety of marine life can be seen around the reefs including tropical fish, lobster, corals, and much more.

The School of the World staff can arrange additional field trips for students. Possibilities include deep-sea fishing, sailing, kayaking, horseback riding, canopy tour, and sunset boat trips to name a few. Prices for these vary according to availability, number of people going, and the season, but we can definitely help you receive a discount on these fun activities in our area. In addition to helping you set up extra-curricular activities, we can also help you plan your weekend trips to other destinations in Costa Rica.

The weekends are free for independent travel. We also provide students with a travel planning class and a long weekend during the four week program.

College Credit

Students can earn credit for Spanish* (equivalent of SPAN 101, 102, 201, 202). College credit fees are in addition to the regular program fees and are handled separately between each student and our host college in the U.S. College credit is only available for four-week sessions.

School Website

For more information on any aspect of School of the World's Spanish programs in Jaco, please visit the school's website: School of the World Spanish Language School Costa Rica.