The canal, islands, culture, richness, tourism.
The country, whose Indian name means "abundance of fish" is mostly known for its man-made canal, one of the engineering marvels of the world, but has much more to offer. In total there are 1518 islands off the long coasts and surfers, deep sea fishers, divers as well as sailors have discovered Panama as their heaven on earth. Contrary to Costa Rica, Panama's indigenous population (there are 7 tribes) constitutes a sizeable minority that proudly tries to preserve its traditions. Traditional Spanish Festivals are celebrated often in the interior of the country. The history of Panama is full of riches; Peruvian gold was carried by Spaniards from the Panama City to Portobelo on the Caribbean Coast, where it was shipped to Spain. Nowadays, Panama has the highest per-capita income of the Central American countries, but half of the population is living in poverty and by the end of the week has no money in its pockets. Tourism in Panama is booming and many foreigners have already discovered Panama as a wonderful country to travel or retire.
Bocas Laid - back caribbean, Tourism, National Marine Park, Sea turtles.
Food, architecture and language in Bocas originate from other parts of the Caribbean and are therefore different from the rest of the country. In Bocas everything still goes slow, but relaxed as it is, the town is experiencing a development boom and tourism is the most important business sector. The archipelago is also called Bocas del Toro and is a biologist's fantasy.
The national marine park is protecting mangroves, reefs and other important reserves for many species of Caribbean wildlife. Four of the world's eight sea turtle species nest on the beaches of the archipelago, but are threatened with extinction. Isla Colon (named after Christopher Columbus) is where the provinces capital with about 4500 inhabitants is situated
The school In town, outside classrooms in the garden, Caribbean house, adventures.
Spanish by the Sea - Bocas, founded in 1998, is conveniently located on fourth street, right behind the now busy Main street. Classes are held everywhere around the building. In high season you can see teachers and students everywhere. They are on the balcony, the little huts, the café and students love the casual setting in which classes are conducted. In breaks we serve coffee and tea and sometimes tropical fruits. There is a café where you can buy sandwiches and shakes among others. Students are welcome to use the teaching stations to study in quiet hours and also the library with dictionaries and all kind of other helpful books. In the garden you find palm trees and banana plants. You can walk into town and find hotels, restaurants, tour operators, a bank, internet cafes, bars, shops and an airport.
The school in Bocas is perfect for adventurous people that love to learn the language without being rushed. Spanish and Sea adventures like diving, surfing and sailing makes your study time so much more pleasant. If you look for night life, every night, the popular Barco Hundido (Sunken ship) is open until very late.
Three schools
We have two other schools. One in the Chiriqui highlands in the town Boquete and the other is located in neighboring Costa Rica, in Turrialba. Each school has its own beauty and personality within a unique environment, taking advantage of its personality by offering particular excursions and volunteer work. We give you clear, printed instructions at the schools on how to travel. The trip between the Spanish by the Sea - Bocas and River - Turrialba goes partly along the Caribbean coast. The trip costs less than $15.00 and takes about seven hours in total. The trip between Spanish by the Sea - Bocas and Spanish by the River - Boquete can be done by traveling first to David and then back into the highlands. This trip takes about 6 hours and costs $15.00.
Spanish by the Sea & Spanish by the River
Language Schools in Costa Rica & Panama
Study Spanish at three different locations without losing Academic continuity
BOCAS SCHOOL