The 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 of the school is 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 the school has 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.
The school philosophy is best summed up by Zach McDuffie who is the Director and Cofounder of the school: "Traveling is one of the best learning experiences a person can have, and it is more enjoyable when you have someone that can answer your questions and show you things that you would have otherwise missed. I have had some of the most incredible times of my life here in Costa Rica…from swimming with a whale shark to watching a simultaneous moonset and sunrise from the top of Mt. Chirripo. We (the staff) love teaching students about Costa Rica and one of the best parts of the job is watching students make their own lifelong memories."
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 included Spanish, Surfing, Art and Ecology. Individually these courses are great, however where they get really interesting is when the school combines them to make a truly interesting program. Current combined programs include: Spanish & Ecology, Spanish & Surfing and Spanish & Art.
Shared room in the residence operated by the school. It may be possible at an additional cost to get a private room, but space is limited.
Access to the pool at the school.
Phone service. (some services not free)
Books, handouts, etc.
Cultural activities/excursion (1 per week & 3 per 4 week period)
Weekend Excursions (not free)
Academic credit available
Program Options
Spanish Classes: The intensive Spanish program at the School of the World 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 or Art classes.
Spanish & Ecology Classes:This program was the original program that the School of the World was founded on. The goal of this program is to give students an overall understanding of this beautiful country. Students learn about the language, culture, history, foods, tropical fruits, common plants, and wildlife that they are likely to encounter while visiting this incredibly diverse country. A typical day includes a two hour morning Spanish class, and another two hours of Ecology and Culture class.
Spanish and Surfing Classes: This combo is one of our most popular programs. The Spanish class schedule is written with the tides and best surf times in mind so that you can learn the language and enjoy Jaco's favorite pastime.
Spanish & Art Classes: Costa Rica is widely regarded as one of the most inspiring locations in the world. 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.
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