 Spanish
Classes: The intensive Spanish
program at the school in Playa Jaco 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 lessons per day in class and then meet
with an instructor for another one to two lessons 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 duration's year-round and can also
be combined with Surf or Art classes.
 Surfing
Classes: 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 in Playa Jaco 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 duration's year-round and can also
be combined with Spanish or Art classes.
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.
 Art
Classes: Costa Rica is known to many artists to be
one of the most inspiring locations on earth. 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. A typical
day includes a two hour morning drawing lesson, and another
two hour lesson in the afternoon. Classes may include studio
lessons or field trips for on-site instruction.
Note:
Students Enrolled in the Art Classes are required to provide
their own supplies including:
- Pencils (at least one of each) 4B, 2B,
HB, 2H, 4H
- Pencil sharpener
- Art Gum eraser
- Vine charcoal
- Sketch Pad with textured paper (as large
as you feel comfortable carrying on the plane, but the bigger
the better)
- Clips (2, for clipping paper to a drawing
board)
- Optional:
oil pastels, colored pencils, colored paper, and any other
mediums of choice.
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. Lodging is
included for all Art Program participants. Art programs are
available in one, two, and four week duration's year-round
and can also be combined with Surfing or Spanish classes.
Spanish
& Digital Photography Classes: 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 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 newest program
offered at the School of the World. A typical day includes
a two hour morning Spanish class, and another two hours of
Digital Photography classes.
SUPPLIES
Students are responsible for bringing their supplies with
them.
Students should bring:
Personal digital camera (It is a good idea to bring the manual
along as well)
Personal laptop computer (This is only required if you wish
to participate in the editing portion of the program)
Optional: (It is a good idea to bring an extra memory card
and back-up battery for your camera, but not required).
Note: There are two professional photographers
on staff at the school with professional printing, matting,
and framing equipment. Supplies for printing and matting are
hard to get in Costa Rica, so if you are interested in bringing
some supplies in exchange for help printing and matting some
of your favorite photos let us know.
Special note : All fieldtrips are subject
to availability. The school 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.
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. |
