Advice from a three-time student: Stop thinking about going and just go.
Joe’s first trip to Costa Rica and School of The World was in March 2019. He has since been back two more times, once in February 2020, right before the pandemic, and again in August 2022.
Joe traveled solo on his first trip to Jacó and with friends on the other two trips. Each of his stays offered new experiences. The one thing that Joe said was constant on all three visits was that the school was always filled with interesting people from different countries and backgrounds. Joe’s advice to anyone on the fence about taking a solo trip to School of the World is to stop thinking about going on a journey of a lifetime and just go!
As a three-time returning student, we knew that Joe had some excellent tips to share. Keep reading to hear how Joe fell in love with the Pura Vida lifestyle and why he thinks you should, too!
Falling in love with Pura Vida
SOTW: What initially brought you to Costa Rica and the School of The World, and what about your experience made you want to return two more times?
Joe: I’ll start by telling you a little bit about myself. I’m in my 40s and live in Brooklyn with my wife, Vannesa, our dog, Jasper, and our almost two-year-old son, Leo.
I’m telling you this because I’m not your typical jet-setting, wanderlust, 20-year-old solo traveler. I’m a 40-year-old working remotely for a software company based in Ohio.
My first trip to School of The World was decided on a whim. I had some extra vacation days that I would lose if I didn’t take them, so I Googled “Surf camps in Costa Rica,” found School of The World, and booked my solo trip. It turns out that it was one of the best spontaneous decisions I’ve ever made.
SOTW: Of all the options for a week-long solo trip, why Costa Rica and why surfing?
Joe: With the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn and New York City, I really wanted to go somewhere that felt like an escape. Also, surfing was something that I had always been interested in learning.
Most people know that Costa Rica is known for its incredible surf. I wanted to go somewhere that would allow me to get the most out of my lessons and be in the water as much as possible.
I loved the community-like feel of Jacó, and School of The World seemed like the perfect place to hone my surf skills, meet new people, and get some much-needed time to disconnect from the demands of everyday life.
Thankfully, when I arrived at the school, I was not disappointed. In fact, it was so much more than I had expected it to be.
The Jacó way of life
SOTW: Share some highlights from your times in Jacó. Tell us why you keep coming back!
Joe: My first time at the school was probably the most magical. Everything I experienced went so far beyond my expectations. .
From the time I got off the plane in San José to the first time I stepped inside School of The World, I was head over heels in love with the energy surrounding me. My favorite thing about Jacó is the easy nature of the people and the city. The people of Costa Rica are so warm and welcoming, and the school reflects that energy in its decor, staff, and the positive vibes of the other students.
One of my favorite nights in Jacó was during my first visit. I was really interested in not only meeting other students at the school and connecting with the staff but also meeting and interacting with the locals.
Our lead surf instructor helped us to experience how the locals let loose on a Saturday night! He invited us to a party at his tattoo shop in downtown Jacó. There was music, Costa Rican food, and great drinks. It was a fantastic experience because I got to know many of the other students on a more personal level and met some of the locals!
Before arriving in Jacó, I had no idea what Pura Vida actually meant. Now that I’ve fully experienced this little slice of Costa Rica, I try to integrate as much Pura Vida into my life as possible! Every time I return to Jacó, I understand the lifestyle more and more.
A new perspective on surfing and life
SOTW: It sounds like you’ve created some really great memories in our little piece of paradise. To wrap up, tell us why you’d recommend School of The World to other travelers considering a trip to Costa Rica.
Joe: I would recommend School of The World to anyone interested in learning how to surf, practice yoga, become an expert photographer, or speak Spanish. The dedicated instructors are truly passionate about their work.
Each time I pack my bags to return home, I am overwhelmed by the progress I’ve made as a surfer and a yogi.
Before my first trip to the school, I had never touched a surfboard or stepped foot on a yoga mat. After my third, and definitely not last, trip to the school, I can confidently say that I am a surfer and a yogi.
The key for me was learning how to truly relax. One of my favorite memories at the school is being in the ocean with my surf instructor and him telling me to relax.
I said, “I am relaxed!” But it was one of my first days at the school, and after a day or two, I realized that I wasn’t relaxed at all. Once I finally did relax, my surfing improved, and I realized what life and surfing are all about:
Relax, have fun, don’t be afraid to try new things, and keep chasing Pura Vida!
SOTW: Joe, it has been so nice to talk with you. See you in the lineup soon!!
Ready to experience Jacó and all that School of The World has to offer?
