Programs
Please select a program from the list below
to see its details, program description and pricing.
Spanish & Surf Camp Teens 14-17
Click Here
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Don’t think I realized how much fun I had until I got back. It was by far one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. I’m trying to talk my mom into letting me come back next year.
Kassidy
Richmond, VA
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We all miss Costa Rica so much its unreal! It was such an amazing and FUN experience! I still talk to a ton of the friends I made there and visit Cristina!
Tessa
Denver, CO
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One of the most unique and wonderful experiences of my life. It combined the fun and freedom of a perfect tropical vacation with the chance to not only be taught but emerged in the Spanish language and culture. The teachers were fun and funny, it was a rare time when I actually enjoyed going to classes! Looking back, I can’t believe how many different fun activities were fit into the short two weeks: zip-lining through the rainforest, snorkeling, hiking to waterfalls, surfing, white water rafting, and wandering through the little town watching the sunset that never failed too resemble the nicest of postcard pictures…I never wanted to leave. I came out of this program with fun memories, a better understanding of Spanish, and a whole new group of friends; it was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
Katie
Prescott, AZ
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The School
"The quiet little out of the way place that's not so out of the way"
While in Dominical, the programs will focus on three specific aspects; Spanish classes, Surf lessons and Adventure activities. Local professionals and organizations will handle each of these equally important parts of the overall program. The Spanish classes will be taught by Costa Rican teachers who have years of experience in teaching Spanish as a second language.
On the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica is one of the country's most beautiful uncut gems, Dominical. From its turquoise green water to its fiery red and gold sunsets, the natural beauty of the area is second to none.
The town sits on the Pacific Ocean bordered to the north by the Rio Baru, on the east by three thousand foot high mountains and to the south by dark, coffee brown, beaches and coves. One of the most striking features of Dominical can be found while swimming in the water, the town simply disappears. All you see are the tall beach palms and mangroves surrounded by verdant green hills reaching up into the mountains.
Dominical has been known for many years to the international surfing community because of its consistently good waves. Only recently has it been discovered by those people attracted to its natural beauty. Not more than 20 years ago the only buildings to be found were a few dilapidated fishing huts built by local fishermen. Since then the town has grown to over 700 permanent residents with a number of small beachfront restaurants, bars and cabinas (small hotels). Even with the emergence and growth of the town, it is possible to walk from one end of Dominical to the other in less than ten minutes. The area surrounding Dominical, especially to the south, is almost completely unpopulated. Because of this, the area is full of hundreds of different species of exotic animals including; three different types of toucans, giant green and red iguanas, all four types of native monkeys, parrots of all sizes and hues, three toed sloths and various small cats such as jaguarundis and montegordos. These two types of cats are smaller versions of the spotted jaguar and black panther found to the south in the Osa Peninsula. They are extremely rare and this is one of their last natural habitats found in Central America.
There are two national preserves in the immediate area with three more (Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park and Caño Island National Preserve) only an additional hour and a half away. North of town, on the other side of Rio Baru is Hacienda Baru, which is a private 2000 acre preserve. Stretching from the beach with its mangrove swamps filled with bright yellow beaked toucans to its primary forest crested hilltops, Hacienda Baru offers the ecological tourist the opportunity to see a wonderful diversity of tropical plants and animals. To the south is the country's only totally underwater national park, Marino Ballena. Here it is possible to see a pristine and virgin underwater world with scores of multi-colorful marine creatures, coral reefs and jagged, ash black, volcanic rocks and tide pools. In the hills directly east of town are areas of primary forest with numerous waterfalls throughout, including the county's tallest, a three level, 800 foot high mountain of cascading water.
In a country full of beautiful vistas and lush tropical landscapes, this area not only holds its own, it shines. Dominical, the quiet little out of the way place that's not so out of the way.
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School Credentials
BBB
School Nationalities
2005 brought students (approx. 15%) from Canada, New Zealand, China, France, England; 85% from the US with 23% from California, Washington DC; NYC; New England.
Notes
It is not necessary to bring surfboards. They will be supplied on-site. Surf times and beach selection will depend on the tides as well as surf conditions. Each of the 5 weekly Camp sessions has a different weekend adventure tour.
All activities are scheduled for the dates and times listed, but are subject to change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control. In case of a tour or activity being changed, we will do our best to reschedule. If a tour or activity must be cancelled and cannot be made up, there will be no refund.
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