J Bay Language School and Island Vibe Surf Camp

J Bay Language School

J Bay

Imagine the difference in learning environment if you compare the city to a relaxed seaside town. The idea of clean air, the sound of crashing waves, the sight of uninterrupted white sand beaches gives one an overall feeling of comfort. You have arrived in Jeffreys Bay.

Situated at the beginning OR the end of the Garden Route and Sunshine Coast (depending on direction of travel), Jeffreys Bay has the best of both worlds. The climate is ideal throughout the year, with only an average of 5 degrees difference between summer and winter. It borders on the breeding area of the Southern Right Whale which gives visitors to Jeffreys Bay the splendour of viewing these majestic animals right from the beach. Dolphins too pass these waters throughout the year, leaping and surfing their way across the bay.

The town is famous for its surfing and, during the winter months especially, surf culture takes to the fore and spreads its energy throughout the town. In July every year Billabong hosts one of biggest sporting spectaculars of the world, The Billabong ASP Pro brings the top ranking surfers to test the world’s longest and fastest wave, leaving fans cheering and gasping for more. In conjunction with the actual sport, the surf clothing industry has boomed and in Jeffreys Bay the brands of Billabong, Quiksilver and Ripcurl are abundant. Learning to surf has also become a thing to do and in JBay we have quality surf schools with accredited coaches.

Surfing

Adventure is aplenty in this vibrant town. For the horse lover, a 14km beach ride along unspoilt terrain is an ultimate thrill. The feeling of freedom exudes as the wind blows through your hair.

Those interested in dune adventure can try sandboarding, where beginners are welcome to start on the gentle slopes and graduate to the ‘Big One’.

Sand Boarding

Sea kayaking in the sparkling Indian Ocean is a must for any sea lover. The solitude and utter immensity of the ocean is inspiring. During winter months whales can be spotted blowing and breaching at a not too far distance, and dolphins splash past to paint the perfect picture.

As mentioned above, surf lessons are in themselves a fast growing culture. Being able to live in a surfers world for a couple of hours is a learning curb for anyone. Few sports allow a person to be so in tune with the wave, the current and high of standing. The standard of surf school in Jeffreys Bay is world class.

Outside Jeffreys Bay the wild life safari world has grown immensely over the last 5 years. Prominent reserves such as Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari and Schotia are all within a couple of hours drive. All these parks offer first class hospitality and viewing, and allow one to track the big five in a malaria free environment.

As Jeffrey's Bay is a small town, it offers a safe environment for its visitors. Although it is always good to practise caution, students can be sure to have a more relaxed stay and feel safer in this homely town.

Jeffreys Bay has a lot to offer English Language students. So make the right choice today and experience this town while studying English in South Africa.

Packages

So you want to learn English in South Africa and you want to have a good time too!

Improve your English Skills while learning to surf or scuba dive. Jeffrey's Bay Language School has specially designed packages to ensure you practise these skills. Join the General English course in the morning (while you are still fresh) and then practise your surfing skills with a professional coach in the afternoon, or else you can complete two weeks of General English or General English Focus before getting your NAUI internationally acclaimed SCUBA diving certificate.

After completing your afternoon in the water it is off to the school residence entertainment area to enjoy a long, cool cocktail to unwind while watching the sunset from uninterrupted viewing decks. Here you will also have a chance to practise your English skills learnt in the class.

These packages include English and your choice of surfing or diving only, or English with your choice of surfing or diving, and double room accommodation in the student residence. Stay with a friend or share a room with another student from a different culture to enhance your intercultural experience.

Accomodation

Jbay Language School has a host of accommodation options, really special places that will make your stay even more memory filled and exciting!

Students

School Residence
Jbay Language School Residence is literally around the corner from the school. Divided into apartments with each one housing a maximum of 4 students, the living here is comfortable and sociable. Each individual apartment is fully furnished and has all the necessary facilities. The kitchen and bathroom are shared within each apartment and a communal BBQ area between all allows for great intermingling.

The school residence is close to Island Vibe Travel Lodge, a place to meet travellers from around the world, who have come to enjoy the experiences of Jeffreys Bay. Students can practise their English while enjoying the Island Vibe atmosphere. The beach is across the road so early morning walks or a quick splash in the sea are invigourating options - even before lessons start!

Rooms can either be single or shared.

Island Vibe Travel Lodge
Island Vibe is perched on a dune with a 270º view of the Indian Ocean. As the name suggests this is a place that travellers from around the world meet to share their experiences. The unique vibe of the bar and restaurant area offer all day refreshments, meals and fun late into the night. An advantage is that Island Vibe is located within a minute’s walk from the school and the school residence. See below for more details.

Host Family
A few of Jbay's families have opened their homes to hosting students who wish to have a more all round immersion into the langauge and culture. Most of the homes offer en suite rooms, however please be aware that this may not always be available. Distances to the school vary and students should know that it is not always possible to walk - transport costs are extra to the basic homestay fee.

B&B
99 Mile Beach Lodge offers luxury accommodation which includes a basic breakfast as well as wireless internet access. It is also situated in the same road as the school and thus offers a great option for the more discerning learning.

Island Vibe Surf Camp

So you're on holiday....Island Vibe is kinda like an island...... cos you never really need to leave, may never want to leave.

Beach House

Perched on a dune with a 270º view of the Indian Ocean, this sea circled Eden has the perfect setting for any beach bum. Aloe framed views from our wooden decks overlook surf and sand, and are ideal for all year whale and dolphin watching.

We have excellent surf spots on our doorstep so as the swell pulls in you'll hear the crash of the surf from your bed.

All rooms have a sea view, all doubles are en-suite, and we are the only backpackers in J'bay catering for campers.

We have a fully equipped self-catering kitchen plus an awesome outdoor restaurant serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

We have a fully licensed bar with daily happy hour, weekly theme nights, and crazy acquaintance making punch parties.

We offer beach toys such as stunt kites, snorkeling gear, body boards and beach bats etc.; surfboard and wetsuit rentals, surf video library, broadband Internet facilities and secure off street parking.

Small and personal Island Vibe has the right balance to build relationships with strangers, friends and lovers... not to mention restore your travel weary soul.

Activities

Horse Riding

Horseriding
Take saddle to 14 kilometers of deserted beaches with the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins along the way. The trail follows natural dunefields, where at times the tall dunes engulf you. After heavy rains these dune fields are filled with sparkling emerald pools. Go at your own pace - easy stroll or gallop with the wind in your hair, the guide stays with the slowest!

Shopping
A special to all Island Vibe guests is our 10% Billabong discount card, making this shoppers paradise a dream come true. Click here for more.

Sandboarding
Epic sandboarding on pristine dunes. If you're mad about snow boarding, or there's no swell, this ones for you!

Kite and Wind surfing
Tours, lessons and rentals available through Island Vibe. Summer wind conditions are perfect for pros, while the protected lagoons are ideal for complete novices.

Township Tours
Jeffrey’s Bay’s township, Tokyo Sexwale, is small in comparison to ones in major cities. It however gives as much diversity and insight into the life of people living there as any other area would. The walkabout tour is spontaneous, giving you the freedom to choose where you want to linger – be it with a family you have met on the way, playing soccer with the children or simple sitting in a local shebeen drinking beer. Tours are about 3 hours, beginning and ending at the Vibe.

Game Viewing
Authentic, big 5 game viewing in the malaria free surrounds of J bay. We are ideally located, with game viewing just 10 minutes drive from J bay or an easy days outing to the bigger reserves like Addo Elephant park.

Mountain Bike Tours
Guided trails in different locations - waterfall trip, nature reserve or the ultimate of cycling amongst 4 of the big 5.