Environmental & Cultural Odysseys
Sustainable Student Travel
Od-ys-sey:
[od - uh - see].
1. a long wandering and eventful journey with adventures. 2. An intellectual
or spiritual quest: an odyssey of discovery...
Spanish, Surf, Art, Photography
The programs offered at our partner School are some of the most original and innovative options available for travelers today, offering more learning vacation options than any other language school or surf camp in Costa Rica. Costa Rica 's beautiful countryside, friendly native Spanish speaking people, and stunning beaches form the perfect backdrop for studying Spanish, surfing, art, and digital photography.
Spanish
The school's Spanish courses incorporate international Spanish teaching guidelines with Costa Rica 's local variations of the language. While the program covers all aspects of Spanish, teachers place a heavy influence on developing verbal skills. Studying in a Spanish speaking country allows students to immediately practice what they have learned with native Spanish-speaking people. The intensive Spanish language program at the School is designed to help students become proficient and comfortable communicating in Spanish. Students attend language 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.
The Spanish lessons cover new material for approximately two hours per day in class and then students meet again with an instructor for another one to two hours per day for labs. Labs are optional (unless you are getting college credit) 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 meet Monday through Friday, and 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 . Lodging is included for all Spanish Program participants. Spanish programs are available in one, two, and four week durations year-round and can also be combined with Surfing, Art, or Digital Photography classes.
Surf
Surfboards are more common than cell phones in this small town. The Playa Jaco area is well known to have great waves and warm water year-round, it is only natural that so many people come here to learn how to surf. Catering to both first-time and advanced surfers this program has quickly became one of the premier surf schools in Costa Rica . Costa Rica is home to some of the best surf in the world. The Playa Jacó / Hermosa area is widely regarded as the most consistent surf in the country. There are a wide variety of breaks nearby and plenty of un-crowded 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 can also be combined with Spanish, Art, or Digital Photography classes.
Beginners:
Learn to surf in the warm tropical waters of Costa Rica with the help of our 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 Surfers:
Surf students with previous surfing experience are taken on guided surf sessions in the Playa Jacó / Hermosa area. Let our local guides show you where the best breaks are so you can make the most of your surf vacation.
Art & Digital Photography
The lush tropical surroundings of Costa Rica form the perfect classroom for expanding your art and photography skills. Costa Rica is known to many artists to be one of the most inspiring locations on earth. Lodging is included for all Art & Photography Program participants. Art & Photography programs are available in one, two, and four week durations year-round and can also be combined with Surfing or Spanish classes.
Art
Use the medium of your choice and learn a variety of techniques for capturing your Costa Rica experience on canvas. Field trips are taken several times each week to new locations for on-site instruction. Art sessions are open to all ages and skill levels. Classes for beginners (or more experienced artists wanting to brush up on their skills) focus on basic drawing skills such as contour, shape, value, perspective, depth, and texture. The goal of the program is to help students use the language of drawing to describe the world around them. Intermediate and advanced students can focus on other areas such as landscapes, portraits, abstraction or another area of personal interest after a quick refresher of the basic techniques.
Photography
The rich colors and beauty of Costa Rica make a perfect setting for a photography class (for example all of the photos used on this site were taken with digital cameras by members of our staff). 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 great photo locations, so whether you are a beginner with a basic digital camera or an experienced photographer with professional equipment you will love this program.
Yoga programs now available!
Program Dates
Starting dates are listed from Sunday to Saturday. Check-in is on Sunday
after 12 noon and check-out is Saturday at by 11am.
One week programs start every Sunday year-round
2010 Four week programs start: Jan 3, Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 25,
May 23, June 20, July 18, Aug 15, Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 7, Dec 5
Two and Three week programs available upon request
Program Costs
One Week - approx. $525 - $675 (w/ lodging)
One Week - approx. $375 - $525 (w/out lodging)
Four Week - approx. $1680 - $2160 (w/ lodging)
Four Week - approx. $1080 - $1560 (w/out lodging)
Credit Offered
College credit is currently available for the Spanish* program (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. Contact a School of the World representative at info@schooloftheworld.org for more details concerning the college credit process.
*5 Quarter hours (3 Semester hours)= $300**
*10 Quarter hours (6 Semester hours)= $550**
Students may only earn 5 quarter hours or 3 semester hours of Spanish during
a four-week session.
**Fees for credit are additional and handled separately from the regular
program prices, between each student and the host college in the United
States. College credit is only available for four-week sessions.
Apply Now
Program Details:
Accommodations
Lodging is included for all students. Each room at our primary location* has access to a kitchen with a stove, microwave, coffee maker, etc, private 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 (food is not included in price). All rooms are double occupancy**.
Homestays: Homestays (recommended) are also available for those that wish
to stay with a local family. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price
and the cost is $120/week.
*In the event that our primary location is full we arrange for students
to stay at another location nearby with similar amenities.
**Private rooms are available for an additional cost of $130 per week, but
must be reserved in advance. Private rooms may not be available during peak
months (December-March and May-August).
Transportation
Students are responsible for international airfare and transportation from and to the airport. Students can choose to setup a private transfer (recommended) from the airport to the School, hire a private taxi, or take local transportation. A personal vehicle is not necessary for the program, but if students wish, you can rent cars in Jaco for weekend excursions.
Excursions
Included in the program fee are weekly fieldtrips: sea kayaking, waterfall hike, and others. The third weekend of the four week program is a long weekend so students are able to explore other areas of Costa Rica on their own.
Highlights
Warn tropical waters of the Pacific, friendly welcoming Ticos (Costa Ricans), beautiful sunsets, and Pura Vida or pure life
