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school of the world

learning vacations for travelers!

2019 TRIP ADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE! SEE OUR REVIEWS→

school of the world

learning vacations for travelers!

SEE OUR TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS →

Founded in 1997, The School of the World is the first Learning Vacation to combine the unique elements of a Surf Camp, Spanish Language School, Yoga Retreat, Photography and Video Workshop, and Boutique Hotel under one roof. For more than 20 years we have been creating unbelievable Learning Adventures in Costa Rica! The School of the World is a diverse community of travelers from all over the world who strive to be lifelong learners and experience the world first hand while interacting and learning from different cultures, pursuing our passions, learning new skills, meeting other amazing, like-minded travelers, and making lifelong friends. Combine any of our programs to create a transformative Learning Vacation in Paradise!

programs

We offer Spanish, Surf, Yoga, Photography, and Video programs. You can combine up to 3 programs at a time to create a custom Learning Vacation! Our expert instructors love to share their Passion and knowledge and they cater to all skill levels from beginners to advanced. Check out our different combinations and our affordable programs that are offered in 1,2,3, and 4+ week duration.

spanish

surf

photo

video

yoga

rooms

Our beautiful campus has 12 guestrooms, an outdoor lounge, pool, garden, a shared kitchen and dining area, free wifi, and lots of great spots to hang out and relax. It is located in a quiet neighborhood close to the center of town and is just a few minutes walk from the beach, dozens of great restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and everything else you could need.

shared

private

deluxe private

homestay

classes only

A Learning Vacation combines the fun and excitement of a vacation with the personal satisfaction that comes from exploring a long-time passion, trying something you’ve always dreamed about, developing a new skill, or mastering an existing skill. At the School of the World you can Learn to Surf, speak Spanish, practice Yoga, master Photography or Video, all in the beautiful tropical setting of Playa Jaco, Costa Rica. A learning vacation at The School of the World is the opportunity to Vacation with a Passion!

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Kind Words

“I booked SOTW because I was traveling alone and through the reviews I felt it would be a safe place to stay at especially since I’m a girl. At the last minute my girlfriend came with and all I have to say is WE HAD A BLAST!! I went for the surfing classes, it being one of those bucket list type of things for me. The staff is friendly, the instructors were awesome, and the school itself is simply breathtakingly beautiful.”

“I was heading off on my first solo travel adventure, armed with a whole load of enthusiasm and next to zero Spanish… Laura, my Spanish instructor, was fantastic and managed to get the girl who couldn’t do languages to a point where traveling and chatting was easy and fun! The school gave me the confidence and the necessary tools to have the adventure of a lifetime.”

“The founders and staff of SOTW have created such an incredible and unique opportunity for travelers. The vibe cultivated between students was perhaps the most memorable thing. The 18 of us, from ten different countries and spanning a couple of decades in age, felt like one big chilled-out, respectful family the entire time. So cool.”

“School of the World is a wonderfully unique concept. A beautifully designed place of learning where surfing, Spanish, photography and yoga all coexist. Every day is packed with as much or as little activity as you want and your fellow students are friendly and adventurous spirits from all over the world.”