Tamarindo Spanish School Offers Spanish on the Waves
The Spanish Wayra Language Institute offers courses in Spanish that include surfing lessons. The school was established in 1996 and offers a variety of Spanish courses for credit, including total immersion with home-stays.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica (PRWEB) November 5, 2007 -- While some are grabbing a board and hitting the waves, others are grabbing a board and hitting the books. One of Tamarindo's long-time Spanish language institutes is offering novel packages that include daily surf lessons.
Spanish students learning to surf in Tamarindo Costa Rica
Tamarindo has become the center of activity in the North Pacific region of Costa Rica. Luxury communities have sprouted like weeds dotting the oceanfront and hillsides, and no wonder, Tamarindo has world-class sport-fishing, golf, sailing, ATV tours, horseback riding, diving, beauty spas and... well you get the picture. You could pick a worse place to learn Spanish.
Living with a Costa Rican family is by far one of the best ways to get drenched in the local language and culture. For the first few days it can feel like you are swimming upstream, but you'll soon be jabbering and making up new hilarious words in basic Spanish with the rest of the Spanish Noobies. Half the fun of learning Spanish in a group is mistakes. One of the problems you'll encounter is that locals will not correct you when you make a mistake. Ticos (as Costa Ricans are affectionately called) are so polite they will just smile and listen even if you are speaking something akin to Swahili and not Spanish. Unless you specifically ask them to correct you (and even then they may not), you'll remain happy in your ignorance speaking Swahili. This may not be the case with your host family, they are likely more accustomed to foreigners and have been instructed to correct you as part of the learning package.
Typical country Casas may be different than what you'd expect back home. Most are built of concrete block, covered with a cement façade then painted. The roof may be tin so if it rains it can be difficult to hear yourself speak. Hot water heaters are a luxury, so most homes have a small instant water heater that attaches directly to the shower head; some of these work and some just take the chill off the water. If this seems to rustic for you, you might want to contact the school management and ask if you can get a room with a real hot water heater.
Expect hospitality. Ticos are famous for spoiling guests so get ready to eat more rice and beans than you've ever dreamed possible. Oh, and the coffee is addictive. You'll never want another cup of 'Gringo' coffee after tasting the deep rich flavor of Costa Rican coffee.
Even if you've never surfed before most are able to stand up on the board on your first lesson. The school arranges all the surf lessons but that doesn't mean you can't extend your stay and add a few more. Just check a few of the local surf shops in the area. Instructors are abundant and they teach in gentle wave areas.
Finally and most importantly. Make up your mind to enjoy the cultural differences and you'll have a great time making new friends using a new language. Oh…and don't forget your board wax.
The following links will get you started on your Spanish surfing adventure:
Tamarindo Spanish School
Programs available for all levels of Spanish. Offers Surf/Spanish combo courses. College credit available.
Spanish Wayra Language Institute
Established in 1996 and managed by a Swiss couple, Spanish Wayra Language Institute has been offering comprehensive Spanish courses for all ages for more than a decade. This organization also owns the above listed Spanish School.
Costa Rica Travel Information
Good general info site about Costa Rica. Includes information about hotels, national parks, tours etc., ideal for those who are considering enjoying more of Costa Rica than just Tamarindo.
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Learn Spanish » Tamarindo Spanish School Offers Spanish on the Waves
from spanish.yourblogsearch.com on Nov 14, 2007
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You can read the rest of this blog post by going to the original source,
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Mary
from Tamarindo Beach on Nov 7, 2007
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Tamarindo Faces Water Woes
By Dave Sherwood and Blake Schmidt
Tico Times Staff | dsherwood@ticotimes.net bschmidt@ticotimes.net
Government health and tourism officials this week and next will determine the fate of Tamarindo's upcoming tourist seas
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