Here is a great Instructor course review from one of our latest PADI Instructors from their PADI IDC here in Costa Rica.
All the way from England
I travelled from England to complete my PADI Divemaster and Instructor training in Costa Rica with Oceans Unlimited. It was worth the journey.
There was never a point in training that lacked in professionalism, structure or fun. The whole team were amazing people to work with, both the staff and the other trainees, and I am grateful to have met, trained with, and been trained by these people.
Challenges to face
I could not big-up the training at Oceans Unlimited enough. The waters may have been difficult at times, with visibility, surge and the lovely red tide. But I feel with the training they have given me, and with the conditions I received it in, I could happily go and teach in any water and know I can deal with the conditions safely and with full control of my students. They did not just prepare me for the Instructor Exam, they showed me how to teach afterwards.
I walked into that IE feeling fully prepared, very very nervous, but prepared. This was because of the process we went through in the week running up to the final exam. We completed multiple practices for each part of the examination process. Their marking was tough, making us try harder and prepare more thoroughly. This meant when it came to preparing for and doing our presentations for real we all knew what we were doing. We did get a few ones and twos but we were warned that would happen. Better for it to happen in the IDC than in the IE, and to learn from the others’ mistakes as well as our own.
So my thoughts afterwards
Yes, it was hard and stressful, lots to learn and remember.
And I may or may not have balled my eyes out on multiple occasions. But it was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. And I can now say I am a PADI OWSI!!
I would say to anyone that asked, get your instructors. And get it here. An amazing experience that I would do again! (with less tears next time).