On the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Nicoya Peninsula is fringed by idyllic white-sand beaches. The beach at Samara is regarded as one of the safest for swimming. The town is small (3,000) and has kept its local character with a thriving fishing and farming community. There are plenty of facilities for visitors including bars, restaurants and watersports. It has a  friendly atmosphere, where students rapidly integrate into local life.

Language Programme

• Maximum number of students per class - 6.
• Spanish levels offered - From beginner to advanced. 
• Arrival first day of class - 8am for morning classes.
• Orientation - Students are given an information pack and an orientation tour on the first day.
• Class schedule - The schedule may alternate - some days classes are held in the morning and others in the afternoon.

School Atmosphere

• Students' nationality - Most students are North American or European with a mix of ages.
• Facilities - Classes are either held indoor in classrooms with air-conditioning or outdoor in palm-thatched open-sided ‘ranchos’.
• Capacity - 80 students per day (in 2 shifts).
• Organised activities - The school organises optional activities such as film nights and dance classes.
• Weekend trips - Most weekends there will be trips organised by the school visiting places such as Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Tamarindo Beach and Arenal volcano and offering acitivites including canopy tours, kayaking and snorkelling.

Homestays

You should arrive in San José on the Saturday before classes start. If you are staying with a family you will be picked up at San José airport and taken to a hotel for an overnight stay. The following morning you will be taken to the bus station for the 5-hour bus journey to Sámara beach. The bus fare is payable locally ($25 approx.).

• Distance to school - The homestays are within walking distance of the school.
• Number of students per home - Maximum two per family, but not all families can accommodate more than one.
• Private or shared room - Private (unless otherwise requested).
• Meals included - Breakfast and dinner provided by host family.
• Extra homestay nights - Yes, if available although ideally you should aim to arrive on a Sunday and depart on a Saturday.

General

Weather - The climate is at its best from November to May (dry season). From May to November it is rainy it is the rainy season with the heaviest rains falling from August to October. It usually rains in the afternoons, but it is still warm and sunny in the mornings.