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Costa Rica’s history and geographyreflect the interesting variety of people, flora and fauna that make up this small paradise in Central America. Columbus discovered and explored Costa Rica’s rich volcanic lands as early as 1502; but, it wasn’t until 1524 that the Spanish conquistadores landed on her pristine beaches in search of gold and tales of untold riches. Instead, they discovered a plethora of flora and fauna among the estimated 400,000 Indians that inhabited her rich coastline, hence the name Costa Rica.
Today, flocks of tourists descend on her shores in search of the warmth of her golden beaches, the rhythmic pounding of her perfect surf and her easy and comfortable pace of life. Her motto, Pura Vida or “Life is good” reflects this attitude. They arrive to painstakingly search through her lush tropical rainforests in order to catch a glimpse of the stealthy brilliant green quetzal among her 850 species of birds or to carefully surreptitiously spot the brightly stunningly colored poison dart frogs. As if that wasn’t enough to fill the senses, they can also choose to be serenaded by the piercing screech of howler monkeys swinging among the dense jungle canopies while taking in the aroma of her prolific native orchids. The more adventurous can choose to navigate the rough white water rivers at breakneck speed or watch an erupting volcano from a mere few feet away.
Located in Central America and nestled between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica offers staggering beauty combined with a sluggish and seductive pace of life. To the east and west, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean embrace her tropical and subtropical coastlines; and, in between this small country, roughly the size of New Hampshire and Vermont, coastal plains give rise to rugged mountains, active volcanoes, cool highlands and gently rolling wooded pastureland. In the temperate central plateau where the majority of her 4.3 million people reside, is San José. San José, the bustling cosmopolitan capital where roughly half of the predominantly Europeanized Roman Catholic mestizo population lives. It is not a rare sight to see a blonde haired, blue-eyed barefoot farmer working in the campo (countryside) or in the rich elevated cafetales (coffee plantations).
Other attractive and interesting facts about Costa Rica are that since Don Pepe Figueres, then president of the Republic, abolished the armed forces after the civil war of 1948, Costa Rica became known as the “Little Switzerland” of Central America. Costa Rica’s sole method of organized defense consists of a Guardia Nacionál, or National Guard, which has contributed heavily to her socio-economic and political success and stability because money is spent on quality health care, schools, clean water and reliable modern sources of electricity. As such, Costa Rica is the only standing democracy in Latin America. Her name aptly applies owing to her high standard of living, temperate climate and large middle class that boast a per capita income of roughly $4,000 usd/year. Costa Rica also boasts an impressive 96% literacy rate and students wishing to continue their post-secondary education can choose among four different state funded universities. This is indeed a paradise for any teacher.
People from Costa Rica are typically known as “Ticos/Ticas” because they often attach the diminutive suffix “ico” to the ends of nouns. For example a “plato” (plate) would be called a “platico”. Ticos are renowned for their zest for life, love of food and dance and relentless humor. They are warm and hospitable and they will invite you over and feed you. They will typically offer you a cafecito and feed you wonderful cakes, breads and fruit frescos. When they invite you to "stop by," they mean it. Dropping by in Costa Rica is not considered rude at all. In Costa Rica, feeding people is a demonstration of affection. The main characteristic of the culture seems to be moderation; the ideal Tico identity encourages compromise and peace, instead of revolution and violence. Spanish is the official language with a small minority speaking a southwestern Caribbean Creole dialect of English. These descendants of 19th-century Jamaican immigrant workers live around the Limón area. As everywhere, slang is what is spoken by all, and Spanish language lessons will help you acclimate more quickly.
An interesting cultural note worth mentioning is the concept of personal space. North Americans are used to having a lot of personal space. It is common for us to go into a room, shut the door and enjoy "private time." Costa Ricans are very social and don't think it’s right to "leave someone all alone" in their room. So, friends and family will walk in and out of your room and look at your things, and don’t’ be surprised that the family will want you to sit with them and watch TV in the living room. Although this can be frustrating, try to take it as a compliment. Typically, Ticos don't like to be alone, so they don't want you to endure being alone either.
The province of Guanacaste, annexed to Costa Rica by Nicaragua is the hot tourist spot where beaches and hotels dot the coastline. It is Guanacaste that provides much of Costa Ricas’ Ticos their culture, including the baile típico (typical national dance), the gallo pinto breakfast (rice and beans prepared with cilantro and some species and served with hot coffee and tortillas). Food is a very important part of Tico culture and is offered upon entrance to anyone’s house and found in epic proportions at any social gathering especially weddings, first holy communions, and Quinceañera parties (sweet 15). Other typical foods that characterize Costa Rica is olla de carne (meat pot), a hearty stew consisting of a small amount of beef and as many vegetables common to the region, arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) and lengua (cow’s tongue). A very popular dish and one that reflects their sense of humor is a casado (married man), that derives its name from the ordinary daily fare a man supposedly receives after he is married. No meal is complete without a drink and the common refreshments are horchata (ground rice and cinnamon), pinolillo (corn cocoa) or resbaladera (rice & barley). Personally, I highly recommend you treat yourself to the veritable cornucopia of tropical fruit salad served at the local hotspot, “La Soda Castro”. Anyone on the street can tell you how to get there.
As for lots of great things to buy, there’s lots of shopping. You’ll find that half of them are made out of wood and the other half is made out of coffee. You will also find an inordinate number of bakeries (Musmanni and Merayo are very popular ones) and shoe stores. One of these can easily be found on just about every other block (100 meters), or “manzana”, which literally means “apple” (it’s all about the food). People walk and eat here! And, while on this topic, it is important to mention addresses. You need to be aware that addresses are not exact, everything is referenced to a building or site, including places no longer exist. For example, the Pavas (a town) busses are in front of the Ancient Building of Coca Cola in San Jose Downtown or the address of my parents is: "From University of Costa Rica 200 meters west and 100 meters north". If this is too frustrating, you can always take the bus. But, just think about it, where else in the world can you hike 2 active volcanoes in one day then go bask in the sun on a picturesque tropical beach after a long week of teaching?
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Take it from the Ex-Pats
First hand information and relevant links. Take it from ex-pats who have lived there for decades and tell you what they know you need to know.
History and Geography
Concise history, geography, culture and maps of the region.
Complete Culture Costa Rica
Researched and cited information about every aspect of culture from the state of physical and social sciences to etiquette and socialization to politics and nongovernmental organizations.
Cost Rica.com
Provides lots of information about the people and culture, holidays and festivals including national symbols (flag, constitution, anthem).
Costa Rican Customs
Aims to give you a picture of family life in this close knit, enjoyable society.
An overview of Costa Rican Culture
150 articles and 1,000 links that includes information about traditions, food and drink, language, legends, holidays, the national theatre, poets, paintings and museums
Where theres' culture, there's PBS
A synthesized report highlighting the national park land, biological reserves and wildlife refuges. Click on “visiting Costa Rica” on the sidebar menu. Complete and terrific lesson plans on frogs and volcanoes.
Holidays and Events
Listing all 11 feriados (holidays) and explaining that twice during the year, the whole country shuts down completely. Intrigued? Check out this site.
Religion in Costa Rica
Essential information about religion in Costa Rica, including its role in public schools, government policies, holidays, missionaries.
National Symbols
Representing cultural ideals and symbols of beliefs, the national flag, shield and motto are explained.
A Polish Passion for Costa Rica
Beautiful pictures displaying the European flavor and the beautiful architecture you will come encounter in San José.
BBCs' Costa Rica at a Glance
This site gives you a quick insight into who the people are by what they like to listen to and watch and its famous Nobel laureate.
Common sense things you need to know
Comprehensive and synthesized information about culture, language, country facts and other specifics such as yellow pages, maps, bus routes, activities and photo tours by towns.
Cost Rica through Conde Nast, Why not?
Ample variety of restaurants, hotels and expeditions to “ see+do”. Plus, up to the minute information on local currency, time and weather. This site is not for those on a budget, but definitely take a virtual tour through some awesome pictures!
Costa Rican Spanish Language
Over 30 links to different Spanish language schools to choose from, plus link to over 100 books on Costa Rica online.
Learn Spanish in Costa Rica!
Choose the right language school or start learning online before you get there.
Language Schools in Costa Rica
Informative links to different language schools and cultural activities, entertainment, resources by geographical area.
Spanish Abroad
Learn Spanish language with a Costa Rican flavor, from executive to medical and online courses. Also offers good overview of the country including music and dancing and vaccinations.
Television and Radio in Costa Rica
Complete listings of communications, radio, television/cable TV and Direct TV
Local Slang, Television and Radio
Special vocabulary list of local slang, plus an interesting BBC country profile link that further links to popular radio and television stations.
Cultural Arts in Costa Rica
Detailed information about the arts and culture, music and dance and literature and theatre available. See a picture of the famous colorful oxcarts.
La Musica de Costa Rica
Folk, Jazz, Calypso, Classical and Contemporary musicians.
Transportation in Costa Rica
Public Transportation as well as Local and International.
Finding your Way Around
A must read to find your way around the country and San José using the Tico directions, very important!
Taxis!
Inexpensive and much quicker than the bus.
Hotels
Good synthesis of the most popular hotels in the most popular spots.
Food and Recipes
Recipes for popular typical and traditional dishes.
All 5 Senses: Coffee
The best all inclusive site of the veritable cornucopia of coffees this deliciously smelling country has to offer. Coffee by brands, coffee by region.
Thirsty in Costa Rica?
Tasting today's Costa Rican beers... one brewery, eight beers. Here's how they taste, smell, and look.
Two for One Specials...
Medical packages Get yourself taken care of while you teach! Prices for comparable treatments and quality care in Costa Rica can be as much as 50% less than what you will find in the U.S.
The Real Costa Rica
Lists all 5 and tells you about them.
Public Hospitals
Description of the public health system and a list of these first rate low cost hospitals.
Teach, Travel and Smile in Costa Rica
Gotta love this site! Pura Vida! Promotes a “Travel and Smile” program with affordable dental care and cosmetic surgery that will save up to 70% from US prices and includes three meals a day, 24 hr nursing staff and transportation to and from the hospital
Places to See in Costa Rica
Scenic and informative portal to the cultural icons in San José.
Read up from Amazon
Pick and choose from a veritable cornucopia of informative books.
Adventure in Costa Rica
A great site for independent travelers where you can customize your itinerary database and can choose from family, moderately active, active, relaxing and self-drive itineraries. Click on the “About Costa Rica” link and read! They’ll even get you tickets to a soccer game
Discover Costa Rica
Global Strategic Planning Meeting/teaching-abroad/ Everything you would like to know is packed into this website including information about shuttles to and from the airport, lawyers, festivals, crime rate, house sitters, imports, exports, etc.
Ecotourism
Packages specializing in Student Travel and programs include lectures and field work in the most ecological regions of Costa Rica.
National Geographic in Costa Rica
An array of different well organized adventure trips and expeditions from mountain biking to sea kayaking.
Top 10 Things to Do
Top 10 things to do in Costa Rica from visiting a perfect cone, active volcano to zip line sliding among Monteverde’s cloud forest canopy trees and white water rafting down a scenic river to Tortuguero where you can see thousands of green sea turtles.
A Seductive Pace of Life
Calling the case of creatures that inhabit this tropical paradise “Disneylike”, go to the “Blue lists” at the bottom of the page for esoteric information. very helpful. It’s easy and fun to explore Costa Rica and the myriad of tourism sites are testimony.
Butterfly farms
Offers information about a very interesting tour with exhibits, large greenhouses with enclosed recreated tropical forests and thousands of live butterflies. First commercial butterfly farm in Latin America.
Exotic Frog Farms
Learn remarkable facts of the lives of the Strawberry Posion dart frogs wearing blue jeans and the Red Eye Tree Frog among other extraordinary variations in colors shapes and habits.
A Teachers' Perspective
Everything you would like to know from a teachers’ perspective.
Equal Opportunity in Costa Rica
A shining example of democracy and equal opportunity practices in Costa Rica.
US Government for Citizens Abroad
Great site for additional information on international travel, women traveling alone, international driver’s license, crisis awareness and emergency services for US citizens abroad
All You Need to Know About Wiki Ticos
Consistent and true to form, this site reports a plethora of information about everything one would like or want to know from history, geography, culture, food, language, culture.
Employment, Business and Economy
Find a full listing of business resources, opportunities and contacts in Costa Rica.
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Information shown on this website is the result of a collaborative effort by Dr. Rod E. Case and the EDS491/691 Special Topics in Teaching English
as a Second Language Class, Wintermester, 2007. |
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