PROGRAM OVERVIEW
SA Jaco Beach

Our partner school (SA Jaco) 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.

Our partner adventure 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 USA to Hong Kong.

The school philosophy is best summed up by 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.

• You can study close to one of the most beautiful beach/park areas that Costa Rica has to offer.
• This region of Costa Rica is home to a wonderful array of plant life and wildlife. Close by you have wonderful rainforest and natural park areas that are all easy to get to.
• The area has endless activities to keep even the most avid outdoor enthusiast entertained.
• For surfers Jaco has an excellent reputation. It is considered by many to have some of the best surf in the world.
• San Jose is less than 2 hours away by bus or private taxi
• It is possible to get to most locations of interest in Costa Rica in less than 5 hours.
• It is the ideal location for those individuals who want to get away from the city life and experience something far more relaxing.

Spanish Classes: The intensive Spanish program at the school 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 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. 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.

• Shared room in the residence operated by the school.
• Access to the pool at the school.
• Phone service
• Books, handouts, etc.
• Cultural activities/excursion (1 per week & 3 per 4 week period)
• Academic credit available

Start Dates Below: Check the following dates closely to pick the appropriate date you wish to start on. Note: During May, June & July the school only offers 4 week programs.

• Cultural activities
• Weekend Excursions