Languages abroad - Costa Rica

Costa Rica - ’the rich coast’; this is what Christopher Columbus used to call this area so rich in breathtaking natural beauty. However, the country located between Panama and Nicaragua has much more to offer than just a stunning coastline. Despite its relatively small size, which with 51,000 square kilometres is comparable to the size of Switzerland, Costa Rica is considered one of the most diverse countries in the world, and is particularly exciting for all nature and adventure lovers.

A third of the country’s surface is protected and large areas of the land have been declared national parks, many of which have not yet been explored. Visitors to Costa Rica’s many national parks will have the opportunity to discover a unique flora and fauna consisting of exotic wildlife such as birds, monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, tapirs and jaguars. You can also take part in a day or night trip to one of Costa Rica’s 72 volcanoes, ride across the Valle Central on a mountain bike, explore the many waterfalls whilst rafting, or take advantage of the ideal conditions for surfing and diving on the 1500 kilometre long Caribbean and Pacific Coast.

Costa Rica is a breathtakingly beautiful tropical country that attracts visitors all year round. Here you can experience ’La Pura Vida’, as the locals like to call it. The high season is during the dry season which runs from December to April, but Costa Rica is definitely also worth a visit during the ’Green Season’, because at an average temperature of 22 °C/75 °F, you can‘t really speak of bad weather, can you?

The locals - also known as „Ticos“ - have a reputation of being very friendly, relaxed and welcoming people with whom you can easily practise your newly acquired Spanish skills! They are very helpful and will always help you out with any questions or problems you might experience. Also ask them for their advice on the best places to go out, have a cocktail or go on a weekend trip! Costa Ricans also tend to pronounce quite clearly, making them easy to understand especially for beginner students.

Costa Rica is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America, and has been free of political unrests since the 1940s. It possesses a democratic government and is one of four countries in the world that do not maintain any armed forces.