Costa Rica

Quick Facts:

Regarded by many as the country with beautiful green landscapes and a peaceful and biodiverse environment. Not only are Costa Rican terrains extremely attractive and full of life but its people is without a doubt very friendly. This country is like a paradise, you will be able to find tons of jungles, hidden beaches, and imposing volcanoes. If you are an adventurous person, this is the place to be. Zipline across the air, go scuba diving, enjoy road trips, and much more! This country will help you connect more with nature and to a culturally exciting society.

Costa Rica has a population of about 5 million people and the predominant language is Spanish. Its climate is usually tropical and subtropical with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November.

You will be living under the motto “Pura Vida” which literally translates to “Pure Life”, it is a way of life… the good life.

Culture:

Costa Rica has a very progressive social and environmental culture. The “Ticos” understand the importance of conserving their environment for the wellbeing of the generations that are yet to come. Costa Rica has a mix of indigenous origins and Spanish influence. This country is filled with colorful traditional dresses during national holidays and has had a recent boom in contemporary art. Lots of indigenous handcraft in ceramics, ornaments, and jewelry can be found around the country.

Living Arrangements:

Housing in Costa Rica can usually be found at pretty good prices. Both rent and buying a home can be relatively cheap. A person can find a very comfortable way of living with low-cost apartments, food, and transportation. It is important to mention that the type of transportation most commonly used is a personal car given that the public transportation system is not as developed. Usually, the most expensive goods are the ones that are imported like technology, cars, and clothing. 

Education:

Costa Rica has a very good education system because the government has dedicated a lot of resources into educating its population. The country’s literacy rate is one of the highest in Latin America. Like many other Hispanic countries, education is split into primary and secondary with students being able to decide between a high-school diploma or a more technical certificate by the end of their pre-bachelor’s education. Both local and international high-schools are high quality but international ones could be focused on other languages (other than Spanish and English).