Does anyone have any comments about studying abroad in Costa Rica?

Question

I have not applied yet, but I am intending to study abroad in Costa Rica at Veritas Universidad. I will be living with a host family so that I can practice my Spanish. I am not really sure where Veritas is or what it is like to live there so any comments and/or advise are welcomed. Thank-you!

Also any suggestions about how to fit in and what to expect in a Costa Rican home are greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Earlier this year my wife and I (mid 50s) spent 3 weeks in a language school  in San Jose and  travelled by  bus for 2 more weeks.  We visited Tortugera, Samara, Manuel Antonio and Fortuna/Arenal.

San Jose is a little scary but we never had any real problems.  We didn't go out late at night and we were careful.  

In San Jose we stayed with a host family and it was OK.  Other students had better experiences - others worse.  None I heard of were intolerable.

The local food is really pretty good and the local sodas (restaurants) serve ridiculously inexpensive meals.

Costa Ricans tend to pay more attention to appearance than north americans.

Use local transit, colones and get out of your comfort zone.  It'll be worth it.

Answer 2

Hello!

Veritas is a very cool university, I studied there, is very close to downtown San Jose. What does a costa rican family expect, believe me, I have tons of friends who host as families, and their bigger concerns, usually are: bad odors, pot, and loud behavior inside the house, Thats what they hate, most of them never have those problems. Besides that ticos are nice, friendly and helpful, they will make you try all their typical foods, and coffee for sure (ask for Britt), and dont forget to try an Imperial beer!

Answer 3

You will love it! I was there for four weeks and Costa Rica is amazing. The people are welcoming and its so gorgeous. I stayed with a family for two weeks and that was the best part of my trip.

Answer 4

Veritas is a wonderful university. The students there are really nice in general and artsy and cool. Got lotsa friends there and theyre always welcoming to other people.

Veritas is located in Zapote, which is like 2 minutes away from San Pedro, a major district with lots of entertainment, shopping, bars, etc.. Not the safest part in Costa Rica, but youll be ok if you take care and dont hang out there alone.

It´s about 5 minutes away from the Capital San Jose, which isn´t really a pretty sight, but I guess it can be convenient at times. Living there in Los Yoses-Zapote is generally nice. Quiet yet pretty much as urban as costa rica can be, dangerous when you dont know your way around, when youre on your on, and at night. But mostly cool place with many nice cool people.

To fit in Costa Rica, don´t talk like USA is the greatest thing to ever have happened in the world. Cause, well, it gets annoying and its rude to kinda be talked to as less of a person or country. Don´t dress with shorts, a sweatshirt and flip flops all the time, thats too stereotypical tourist. If youre under 21 and its your first time drinking, dont drink too much or be S****y, cause thats generally not appreciated worldwide I guess. After meeting people a couple of times, in friend basis, its ok to greet with a kiss cheek to cheek. Don´t ask for american beers at bars. drink local!Be corteous and open minded. Study hard at school, its a very hard one! and just enjoy your stay!

As of what to expect in a Costa Rican home, its very relative, in general, be polite, respect curfews if there are any, taste the food before you reject it. Do nice things like making your bed or washing the dishes every so often.

:)

Answer 5

YEA,,,,,

LEARN THE LANGUAGE