LEARN SPANISH AND SURFING IN COSTA RICA !

Have you dreamed of studying abroad? Now you can take education up a notch by enrolling in one of the courses offered in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Studying Spanish at your university? Talk to your registrar or the Study Abroad office about taking a university level course in Costa Rica to earn those credits. Not in school, but always wanted to learn another language? Need a vacation? Costa Rica Surf Camps can combine the two and include surfing lessons and you have the perfect package.

In the paradise-like surroundings of the Costa Rica Surf Camps, you’ll spend two hours a day in classroom instruction in Spanish and then the adventure begins! The learning curve is ramped up when you spend two hours with fellow students in applied learning: board games, scavenger hunts, beach combing, strolling around the village chatting and shopping - all the while practicing your Spanish. You will be immersed in a culture where you will quickly learn to use your new language. What a great classroom! The sights and sounds of the Costa Rica village - like bongos, flutes, guitars and the voices of the local artisans -will surround you and you’ll quickly pick up words and phrases.

Adventures in education don’t end with just the academics! At Costa Rica Surf Camps you can combine your need to study Spanish with your desire to learn to surf. With their program you’ll add a day of learning the safety and technical information about surfing – on land. Then you’ll practice paddling and balancing in the water with Costa Rica Surf Camps qualified staff. With Costa Rica’s location close to the Equator, anytime of year is perfect for surfing. Warm water and gentle waves is the ideal way to begin what may become a lifetime passion. At the Costa Rica Surf Camps your surfboard rental, books, instruction materials, and hotel accommodations are included in the price of the course. When you’re not surfing you can enjoy a hike and see the spectacular, abundant wild life, or kayak on one of Costa Rica’s many rivers.

Go online and check out the website www.laescueladelsol.com for other fantastic programs offered at the Costa Rica Surf Camps. You can take learning to a higher level in an environment that makes learning fun. These Costa Rica Surf Camps include other activities such as waterfall hiking. Costa Rica has many beautiful waterfalls, some of them with their own natural pools. Surrounded by the tropical beauty of the land you can enjoy a cool swim under the falls.

You might choose to combine your Spanish learning with a program that includes yoga or learning Poi (fire dancing). Whatever program you decide on, at Costa Rica Surf Camps you will have the vacation of a lifetime and will take home, not only the language of the country, but the memory of the wonderful people and places and the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

The Unique Costa Rica Surf School

For those lucky enough to live near a coastal section of the USA, there can be no better activity than paddling out beyond the breakers, turning around, catching the best wave, and riding it back to the shore balancing on a surfboard.

Surfing is not a recent sport. It is believed that the Polynesians were the first to use a simple surfboard, approximately 500 years ago, when traveling among the islands in the Pacific. References to surfing were even found in Captain Cook’s journals written when his travels took him to Hawaii. Since then, surfing has become a major sport around the world.

However, those who live near the waves are not the only ones who dream of learning to surf. For those without access to any body of water, there is another option. Many of the best surfing spots around the world are now opening surf camps, allowing beginner to advanced surfers to learn the sport no matter where they come from.

One area well known for its abundance of accessible beaches and waves is Costa Rica. Because of the varied coastline, this island has waves perfect for beginners to learn the basics as well as for the very experienced to improve their skills. In the past, if one wanted to learn to surf, he/she was his/her own teacher and learned by experimenting. But now, there is a better way to learn.

In Montezuma, Costa Rica, there is a unique school, La Escuela Del Sol. When attending this Costa Rica surf school as part of one’s education/vacation, learning does not always take place inside in the classroom. In addition to the opportunity to take Spanish classes for college credit, the school also gives surfing lessons for all levels. By attending this Costa Rica Surf School, this tropical island offers perfect conditions for all who wish to work on their surfing skills, in addition to expanding their knowledge of the Spanish language.

Beginning surfers can work on their new skills at Playa Grande, a beach which is a short walk from the Costa Rica surf school in Montezuma. With its soft, rock free bottom, as well as water that is not very deep, one can practice without being afraid of wiping out and feeling trapped under the water.

When attending this Costa Rica surf school, those surfers who are more advanced can take part in the Surfing Safari. These surfers are taken to areas with the best waves each day, either by jeep, or at times, by speed boat. There are five sites where one can surf, depending on the type of waves desired. Three of these sites are even kept secret in order to avoid crowds.

There is no Costa Rica surf school that can compare to La Escuela Del Sol. From Spanish lessons to surfing lessons, along with the natural beauty throughout the island, this school allows one to obtain a unique education not available anywhere else.

Learn an ancient art form by taking a costa rica poi course

Poi is the ancient art form of fire dancing. It dates back to nearly 3000 bc. The art was originally developed as a strength training exercise. Later, it was transformed into the gorgeous dance that we know it as today.

Where to learn

La Escuela del Sol offers world class poi courses in Costa Rica. One of the best and well-known schools is La Escuela del Sol. What sets this school apart is the attention to detail they provide. The course offers a 1:5 ratio of instructor to student. The hands on lessons provide the students a chance to fully learn the moves before going on to the next lesson. It's based on self-progression. While there are other schools, the student ratio makes all the difference.

What you will learn

You will learn numerous techniques and moves. Some of the moves you learn will be butterfly, weaves, behind the back, turns, fountains and more. The lessons will start with the basics and add each technique one by one as the student is ready to progress.

Length of course

Courses can be from one to four weeks in length. Obviously, you will be limited by the length of your vacation. However, the longer you study the courses, the more proficient you will become. At the end of four weeks, you will amaze all your friends and family.

Availability of courses

Costa Rica poi courses are offered year round, however, some schools have special workshops available during summer months. You will want to check with the school as to whether your vacation timeline will coincide with these special classes.

For more information

While on vacation, you can check with local resorts in Costa Rica for poi courses. You can also perform online web searches. One website well worth mentioning is www.laescueladelsol.com. Log on to the site to see a history of the art, availability of course and instructor information. No matter where or how you search, you will surely find an opportunity to learn this beautiful art and amaze your friends.