Bocas del Toro

Program Outline

All materials are included in both the mini-group and private lessons. Private instruction, which makes it possible to structure the course to meet the individual’s needs. The Mini-Group program has a maximum class size of 2 students. Emphasis is on conversational skills. By joining the exchange program, you will quickly improve your conversation skills. Payment in cash on the fist day of classes. Traveler’s checks are always an option, easily cashed at the local bank. We do not accept credit cards, but there is an ATM in town.

Lodging

There are three types of lodging; School Stay, Homestay and Hotel Stay. The school stay accommodations have a shared bath. Students can also use the school's kitchen to prepare meals. The school building has a spacious veranda with hammocks and study areas as well as a full kitchen. For 2007 the school has also rented a nearby house to increase the number of beds that students have available to them. This house is also available for families or groups with a daily, weekly and monthly rent. If you want more information about the house, please ask. The home stay program is very limited, so it is imperative that we have as much advanced notice as possible. If you choose homestay be aware that the homes are very rustic and there may be only one meal served a day. For students wishing to find their own lodging, there are numerous options available on the island. One very good option that caters to our students is Casa Max. For $22.00 single and $25.00 double you can stay in a beautiful room with private bathroom, hot water, coffee and fruit in the morning. Average cost for a good meal (not including extra drinks) on the island is $2.50 for breakfast and $6 for lunch and dinner. Inexpensive laundry service is available to students in town. Homestay Lodging per week $85, 7 nights including breakfast and dinner. Extra Homestay night $12. Schoolstay $15.00 per night private room.

Cultural

A visit to Bocas del Toro can definitely be called a rich cultural experience that appeals to people that are adventurous, love nature and culture and are looking for something different. We offer the possibility to participate in volunteer sea turtle protection projects in their breeding season (April till October). The conversation exchange program will help you to get in contact with local people while improving your Spanish language skills.

Location

The school is located on a Caribbean island amongst a group of islands that just recently have been discovered by international tourists. It still retains its typical Caribbean architecture and relaxed, slow pace. The school is not right on the water, but is a block away.

There is a selection of small restaurants, some of them over the water, that serve typical Caribbean food with an abundance of fresh fish. There are also bars where you can enjoy a tropical cocktail or a Panamanian beer. On weekends there is great salsa and meringue dancing in the local Calypso dance hall or you might choose to go to another island to dance the night away. The classrooms are informal and outdoor. We use thatched roof ranchos in our tropical garden.

PADI Dive Program

Bocas archipelago is an undiscovered gem for those looking to scuba dive in a pristine and relatively untouched underwater environment. We don't charge an extra fee for making a reservation with our partner dive shop, in order to make sure you can start the course exactly when you want. Prices include materials, equipment, classes and dives. Prices, average amount of days and dives are as follows: Regular Dive Courses: Open Water (4 days, 4 dives) $190, Advanced (2 days, 5 dives) $190, Open Water & Advanced combination $350, First Aid (2 days) $75, Rescue $200, Dive Master $500. Other products of PADI: Discover Scuba (1 day, 2 dives) $65, Review Scuba (1/2 day, 1 dive) $65. Newest product of PADI: Scuba Diver Certification (2 days, 2 dives) $140 (This will get you ready to dive accompanied by a certified Dive Master or Dive Instructor). Dive Tours, 1 day, 2 dives from $40 to $75 per day.

Start Dates

We start every Monday with new courses. We don't close the school for Panamanian Holidays, or for the end of the year. We do not offer refunds for people that miss classes. Students taking private classes can start their program any day of the week.

Main points about the Bocas del Toro campus:

• Possibility of combining Spanish language study with PADI dive courses and other outdoor activities.
• Bocas Archipelago is famous for both its beautiful miles of virgin coast line, the incredible underwater world, lush rain forest and its interesting culture due to the population mix of black people of West Indian Ancestry, many Latinos and different indigenous tribes.
• Great for people that love the outdoors: Mountain biking, hiking, sea kayaking, sea fishing, snorkeling & diving, swimming, knee boarding/water skiing, surfing, and wind surfing are a few of the possibilities.
• Small school, private classes with attention for your individual interests.
• School, lodging, town, beaches all at walking distance.
• Free or inexpensive, special attractions:
  • Inexpensive canoe rental.
  • Free Conversation Exchange Program.
  • Free Central American travel information