Have a question?

Chances are you aren’t the first person to ask. Read through the frequently asked questions below and see if they’re helpful. If you don’t see the answer you are looking for, feel free to ask your own question below or contact us directly.

Click the question or arrows to see the answer.

• programs
• lodging
• travel
• general

•  How much spending money do I need to bring?

  Answer:

  Personal spending money varies from person to person, depending on eating preferences, how much shopping you want to do and how many activities/outings you would like to participate in outside of the school.

•  Are Surfboards provided? Can I use them on my own time?

  Answer:

  Surfboards are provided for use during class, however to minimize our equipment loss and damage we do not loan them out after class. If you wish to surf outside of class time you will need to bring your own board or rent one from a surf shop in town. Surfboards cost about $10-20 per day to rent.

•  Can I start or finish my course in the middle of the week?

  Answer:

  Our classes run Monday to Friday. Room check-in is on Sunday between 12pm and 5pm, and check-out is on Saturday at 12pm. Because of our limited number of spaces and busy class schedule we can't promise that exceptions can be made, but if you have a serious travel schedule conflict contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

•  What is the average age of the guests?

  Answer:

  Guests must be 18 or older to attend. Every week is a different mix of ages, backgrounds, and nationalities- we have had students from 40+ different countries and every walk of life. Generally speaking, here are some stats: Sex: 65% are females, 35% males; Age: 65% 18-30 year olds, 25% 30-45 year olds, 10% 45+

•  If I stay longer than one week can I do different combinations of programs during my stay?

  Answer:

  Yes, absolutely. Let us know in advance which class combinations you are interested in for each week of your stay and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

•  Do I need to bring my own towels?

  Answer:

  Yes, please, we do not provide towels or laundry service. There is a laundromat nearby. If you forget or don't want to travel with towels you can buy them in town once you arrive. It is recommended to bring an extra if you are taking surfing or yoga classes.

•  When is the best time of year for surfing?

  Answer:

  Our stretch of coastline is considered to be the most consistent for surf in all of Costa Rica, a country that is blessed with warm water and waves all year round. The biggest swells tend to hit between May and December, but we surf almost every day of the year.

•  Do I need to bring a rashguard or wetsuit?

  Answer:

  Costa Rican waters are warm and you will not need a wetsuit. Rashguards are recommended as they protect from the sun and surfboard wax rashes. If you cannot buy one before you arrive there are many surf shops in town where you can get one.

•  Is food included?

  Answer:

  Food is not included in our programs. Our guest rooms have refrigerators, the school has a fully equipped shared kitchen, and there is a wide array of restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance.

•  How far away are the homestays from the school?

  Answer:

  The homestays are a ten to fifteen minute walk from the school.

•  Which airport do I fly into?

  Answer:

  You will want to fly into Juan Santa Maria airport (SJO) in San Jose. We can arrange for an airport pickup for $90 US. When possible we help arrange car pool for guests arriving at the same time so they can share the costs. If you would like us to organize this for you we will need your flight number, airline name and arrival date and time.

•  Can I use American dollars or do I need to exchange them?

  Answer:

  It is not necessary to change your dollars ahead of time, as they are accepted in most tourist towns and areas of Costa Rica. You can also withdraw money in the local currency through an ATM or exchange money at one of the local banks if you wish.

•  Can I drop in on any classes that I am not signed up for?

  Answer:

  If you want to sample a class you can drop in on surf, photography and yoga if your schedule permits and class sizes allow it. You would just need to arrange this with the program coordinator first.

•  Can I change my program half way through if feel like trying something else?

  Answer:

  Yes, absolutely. If you are here for a few weeks and would like to change classes for one or more of those weeks you are welcome to do so. We will just need to know by the Thursday beforehand so we can make sure the schedule works for you.

•  How far is the school from the beach?

  Answer:

  The beach is about 3 blocks, or roughly a five minute walk from the beach.

•  How many students are there in a class?

  Answer:

  Spanish classes typically have no more than five students per instructor. Surf generally has no more than three students per instructor.

•  What type of outlets (electricity) does Costa Rica have and do I need an adapter?

  Answer:

  The outlets (electricity) are the same as in the United States (110v). If you are coming from a European country, or Australia, you will need an adapter.

•  Is there Internet access at the school?

  Answer:

  Students with a laptop computer or (other device with Internet capabilities) can access the Internet via Wi-Fi from anywhere on the property (and it's free to use).

•   How can my family reach me while I am at the school?

  Answer:

  The guest phone number here at the school is +506 2643-1064. Guests with a laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, etc. with WiFi can access the Internet via our free Wi-Fi at the school. If you are not traveling with a WiFi capable device, there are several internet cafes in town you can use for email access or international phone calls.

•  Do I need shots?

  Answer:

  For the most up to date medical information for travelers check with the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga. U.S.A. www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm Malaria medication and other tropical disease preventatives are usually only recommended if you plan to travel to the remote regions of the rainforest.

CONTACT US

Our office hours are 9 AM- 4 PM Monday-Friday (Costa Rica time). Feel free to call, Skype, or email us. We answer emails promptly (usually within 24 hours), so if for some reason you do not hear back from us within 48 hours please let us know (and double check your junk mail/spam folder to make sure our response didn’t end up there).