School of the World

School of the World is a small school in Jacó that combines four programs on one campus: Spanish, surfing, yoga, and photography and video. The idea is a "learning vacation": you pick up to three subjects, take classes each day and stay on site or with a local family. It's been running for more than 20 years.

The campus

The school is in a quiet street near the center of Jacó, a few minutes' walk from the beach. The campus has 12 guest rooms, a pool, a garden, an outdoor lounge and a shared kitchen and dining area. You can choose a shared room, a private room, a deluxe private room or a homestay with a Costa Rican family, which is a good way to practice your Spanish.

Surf

Instructors teach every level. Beginners learn paddling, standing up and reading the waves on Jacó's main beach, which has softer waves than the beaches nearby. Intermediate and advanced surfers get coaching and trips to stronger breaks along this coast, such as Playa Hermosa, a few minutes south.

Yoga

Yoga is one of the four programs, and it's often paired with surf: stretching, balance and core work help in the water. Classes are open to beginners and to people with a regular practice. The school's site doesn't list a fixed style, so ask what's on the schedule during your weeks. If yoga is your main reason to travel, a dedicated retreat center will give you more of it; see how to choose a yoga retreat in Costa Rica.

Spanish and photography

Spanish classes run in small groups or one-to-one, and the photography and video program covers shooting and editing, with the coast and the town as your subject. Many guests combine Spanish in the morning with surf and yoga in the afternoon. Check their website for current program lengths and rates.

Jacó for yoga

Jacó is the closest beach town to San José and is busier and more built-up than the Nicoya Peninsula towns. For surf and yoga, it's convenient rather than quiet. For other places to practice nearby, see Vida Asana and Aurora Yoga Jacó, or our guide to where to do yoga in Costa Rica.

Getting there

Jacó is about 1.5 hours by road from San José airport, on the paved Route 27 and the coastal highway. Shuttles and public buses run several times a day.

Frequently asked questions

What can you study at School of the World?

Spanish, surfing, yoga, and photography and video. You can combine up to three programs in one stay.

Do beginners learn to surf at School of the World?

Yes. Instructors teach all levels, and beginners usually start on Jacó's main beach, which has gentler waves than nearby breaks.

Where do students stay?

On campus in one of 12 rooms, shared or private, or with a local host family.

How far is Jacó from San José?

About 1.5 hours by road from San José airport.

[Updated on: 4 November 2026]