Your Typical Itinerary
Spanish Classes in San Jose
The classes teach Spanish in the many aspects it comprises; as well as an emphasis on speaking, you will also be taught grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, pragmatic use and cultural understanding.
Language classes will generally consist of three to four students but you will never be with a group of more than six. With smaller, more intimate classes, it allows the school to tailor the programme to your specific needs. In order for you to be placed in the correct class according to your Spanish proficiency level you will have a written test, which is sent to you by email, and an oral evaluation exam during your first day of class.
Throughout the course you will have your progress assessed by your teacher and the Academic Director. Each day, your instructor will hand in a progress report for you and this information will help the Academic Director determine the steps for reaching your language goals.
An example of your daily schedule:
09:00-12:00: Morning classes
12:00-13:00: Lunch break
13:00-14:00: Afternoon class
After your Spanish classes you will have the chance to participate in afternoon cultural activities:
- Latin dance classes (every day from 15:00-16:00 and 16:00-17:00)
- Cooking classes (Wednesdays from 16:00-17:00)
- Conversation classes (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16:00-17:00)
Surfing
For new surfers, the programme is broken up into two sections - a five-day beginner’s course and five days of further surf lessons, to fine-tune your newly acquired skills. If you have previous surf experience, then you may be asked to join the start of the course as a refresher and then you will join a more advanced group. As you advance, you will travel to other beaches with breaks suitable to a higher standard.
The timing of lessons each day can vary according to the local conditions. The surf school will always aim to take you out during peak surfing conditions, so that you can get the real surfing experience. This may mean early starts, so this programme may not be suitable for those wanting a long lie-in each day!
Please Note: Surf lessons last for up to two hours. Weather conditions can affect the lesson length. The average group size is four people per instructor. If group sizes are smaller, lessons will be more intense.
5-day Beginner's Course
Lesson 1/Day 1 - The first part of the lesson is held on the beach, where you will mainly cover the safety aspects of surfing. You will learn how to identify and avoid hazards in the water (i.e. rip currents, reefs and rocks) and how to respect other water users, such as other surfers and swimmers etc. Surfing etiquette is an important aspect of learning to surf. The second part of the lesson focuses on learning to stand on your board, how to paddle correctly and how to ride small waves.
Lesson 2/Day 2 – This day is about attempting larger waves and surfing at less-sheltered beaches. You will travel to beaches further away to find the correct waves for your standard.
Lessons 3-5/Days 3-5 – These lessons are focussed on teaching you wave judgment and timing, so that you can ride the face of the waves properly. You will learn further tricks to improve your speed at standing up and will also learn how to make basic turns. By teaching you how to identify signs quickly, your instructor will help you to use your skills automatically and hopefully start to develop your own surfing style.
Please Note: Different people pick up surfing at varying speeds. Do not undertake individual surfing practise without the approval of your instructor. You must always pay attention to the local conditions and follow the guidelines set by the lifeguards.
Lessons 6-10
Once you have completed your beginner course, you will have a further five lessons (one lesson each day). These may be one on one or group lessons, depending on the number of students there at your level. Again, you will have the opportunity to experience other beaches in the local area and will have your lessons based on how far you have advanced. These lessons will focus on the areas that you and your instructor feel need improving the most, for you to become a more accomplished surfer.
Surfboard Use
During your programme, you will have unlimited access to the surf school’s boards. This will allow you to practise and perfect your skills and to make the most of the swells and waves in the area. Due to the warm waters, consistently between 70 and 80 degrees all year round, you will not need a wetsuit!
Instructors
All of the instructors at our surf school are fully trained lifeguards, with important knowledge regarding local safety, first aid and changeable weather patterns. All lessons are conducted with your safety in mind, but with an approach that encourages you to get the most from your Costa Rican surf experience.
The instructors know the local beaches and waves extremely well and have all the secrets to the local surf hotspots.
Please note: itineraries and activities are subject to change.
