Cactus Language Blog

Learning Spanish and catching waves in Costa Rica…

Posted by Sarah under Cactus Languages Abroad, Learning a language, Spanish

Student Jonathan Edwards reports back on his Spanish & Surfing Course in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica (Feb 08)

Costa Rica is fascinating mix of the modern and the undeveloped. It’s a country in its adolescence, growing quicker than it perhaps knows how to cope with, but with an optimism and self-confidence that makes it an exciting place to visit.

The Spanish school that Cactus work with in Jaco is a great example of this: a simply gorgeous building offering a high quality teaching experience, set amongst the quickly growing beach town of Jaco with its great surf beach, boom town feel and crazy nightlife.

After 10 years of running the Spanish, surfing, photography and yoga classes, the folk here have really refined their product and do a great job. Brian (the director) actually lives in the building which gives it a homey feel and with only a maximum of 18 or so students the environment is friendly and intimate.

This is a school where fun is high on the agenda, with great surfing and the opportunity to hang out with fellow students and party in Jaco, whilst at the same time being serious about teaching good Spanish.

I did a month long course (which I highly recommend) as did ten other students. We were a mixed bunch with the oldest being 50 and the youngest 16, but most being in their mid 20s. Americans, Aussies, Danes, a German, some Swedes and a Canadian or two gave the group a welcome multicultural feel which always gives you plenty to talk about and lots to learn.

Spanish started early on day one and I found that four hours of class a day was going to be challenge - but that’s why I came after all, to learn Spanish. My teacher was engaging but thorough and after the month I can certainly say I was satisfied with my improvement.

Surfing lessons when high tide was at the end of the day meant a magical two hours watching the sun set over the warm tropical waters, catching (and falling off) waves with our instructors. I’d had some lessons in Australia before but these instructors were far better, and with 5 instructors to a class of say 14 surfers there was always someone nearby to give you the help you needed.

When we surfed in the mornings the conditions were better and what a great way to get rid of a hangover from the night before!

Studying at the school in Jaco gave me the best holiday I’ve ever had - thanks to the great instruction, good location, but most of all cool people. Thanks to Cactus Language for making it happen.

Spanish courses in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica

Tags:Costa Rica, language course, Spanish, surfing