Introduction

Did you know that Costa Rica is recognized as the happiest country

in the world?

According to the “Happiest Place Index”, Costa Rica is not only a magical country full of amazing people and beautiful places but also the happiest in the world!

Yes! That is true.

25% of Costa Rican territory,

including many “rich coasts”, are claimed

as official protected areas. In fact, Costa Rica´s nature represents 5% of the world´s

biodiversity!

Its special location in the middle of Central America turns it into a rich biological bridge with a great variety of animals and plants

Another outstanding characteristic of this small but great country is its pacification,

strengthened by the abolishment of the army in 1948. Since then, peace has reigned all over the

land.

As an organization that strives to promote a rewarding cultural exchange experience,

we welcome you to Costa Rica!

Welcome to

Costa Rica!

About the Program

It is important to remember that this is a cultural exchange program, which means that our main objective is learning and the exchange of culture.

Although you will get to know beautiful places, this won´t be the program´s priority.

However, every two months you will have the chance to participate in a supervised tour to

the Central Valley, Caribbean Coast, Northern Pacific Coast and Southern Pacific coast,

Central Pacific Coast, Nicaragua and Panama.

The price of these trips are not included in the price of the program.

The fact that this is a cultural program and not a touristic one doesn´t mean you won´t have fun; learning a language and a new culture always brings new and exciting experiences.

Orientation in Costa Rica

As soon as you arrive to the airport in San Jose, you will meet Paola, Maria, Carmen and/or Andrea, the representatives of ICIES, with whom you will pass the next two days with, before going to your host families.

Welcome Seminar

During these two days you will be staying in a hostel, as the ICIES

will orientate you through talks and

group activities

about Costa Rican important traits and

culture, (as how banks and other institutions work here). You will also receive the rules from your Host Family and some relevant information about being an exchange student in Costa Rica and about Spanish lifestyle.

In order to make your

arrival as comfortable

and nice as possible,

most of times there

will be a show and a

guided visit

to a town.

Got a problem?

In the case you have any problem we will ask you to make your coordinator your first contact.

This person will help the exchange student to solve the problems by assisting her or him in the best possible way.

We would like to remember you to not use parents or family as the main contact.

Well, remember that your family is on the other side of the world and they will easily get

worried by not being able to immediately assist you. Do not worry your loving ones

unnecessary and let`s avoid the risk of having misunderstandings.

Remember that coordinators are here to help you solve any problematic situation.

Why?

Culture

Do you know what culture is? There are

certainly many definitions and you may even

have your own.

The following one is from Ralph Linton

quoted from “Sociology, Themes and

Perspectives” by M. Haralambos and M.

Holborn (1990: third edition)

“The culture of a society is the way of life of its members; the collection of ideas and habits which they learn, share and transmit from generation to generation. Members of society, usually take their culture for granted. It has become so much part of them that they are often unaware of its existence. Culture defines accepted ways of behaving for members of a particular society. Such definitions vary from society to society”

Exploring a new culture involves a sense of adventure, spirit to take risks, humbleness to learn from your mistakes, respect to others, and the willingness to accept how others are.

You will adapt to new cultural traditions which will be composed of new friends, family, teachers, language, and different situations.

When people from different cultures meet the possibility of making friends and sharing nice experiences is very probable, however, there could also be misunderstandings and dislikes in these encounters. Let´s remember that great part of our personality and the way we look at the world is influenced by the culture in which we grew up.

If you are finding some situations frustrating

think for yourself; “Do I need

to change my sunglasses?”

Growing up in one culture

is often like wearing a pair

of colored glasses. Every

time you look through them

your view of the world is changed. If you have green glasses, the world will seem green, if you have blue glasses, then it will look blue and so on. Sometimes we need to take off our glasses and have a very fresh look at our new families,

friends and houses.

Learning to do this is something you can take with you and use it anywhere in the world,

including Costa Rica, it will certainly make you a better person, and remember, do not lose

the sense of humor and the ability to laugh at yourself. There might be times when you

might make mistakes but do not worry; this is also part of having an international

experience.

Believe us, it will be great!

Costa Rican Culture

Family is very important for Costa Ricans; these are based on respect and sharing. Nuclear

groups are usually formed by a mother, a father, and their children. Parents respect their children very much, and youngsters must respect them as well. Sons and daughters are used to discuss their wishes and decisions with parents, looking

for approval and advice.

Although Costa Rica it´s a very safe place, you cannot go anywhere without your parent´s permission, and you shall not return home

late at night, they will certainly worry if they do not know where you are. You can also bring friends at home but you must ask permission to your parents in advance,

normally is not allowed friends to sleep at home.

If you are not used to do these kinds of rules, this will be a cultural difference you must keep

in mind.

Remember to give your

Host Family your trust

because they will give

you theirs.

Costa Rica is very religious and traditional; most of families are catholic and assist to church on Sundays. As a guest you must try to adapt to your new family´s culture. Religious activities are part of cultural exchange, this is why we would like you to try to participate and be part of them.

Other Costa Rican characteristics that are very different from European countries are time, traffic and cleanness.

A meeting with friends?

Do you have an appointment at 2:00 pm in a park or in a cafe? Normally people here are not as punctual as in Europe. Generally you can - apart from a few exceptions - assume that your friend will need about twenty to

thirty extra minutes to arrive. This is part of our culture so don't take it personally.

However, this also depends a lot on the person, some people are very punctual, but remember that it is common to find people

that is not that much.

Traffic is a little bit chaotic,

especially at rush hours

when everyone’s starts to

honk the horn. Bus stops

usually do not have a

timetable, if you ask around probably people will tell you that buses arrive every 30 minutes.

An easy tip that may just help you is to know that depending on the area you are traveling to, buses usually arrive every 30 minutes in urban zones, or

every hour when traveling to rural zones.

How can you overcome not knowing exactly the time of buses arrival? You must decide it for yourself, you can wait while reading a book, listen to music, or you use this time to look

around you paying attention to details, watch people etc. Try to use this opportunity to get

to know our culture a little bit more.

One good thing is that with time you will get used to the buses` different schedules, or in

any case, you can always ask someone,

usually people are very kind, especially to foreign people.

Last but no less, Costa Rica has many beautiful and clean places, however, there are others that are very dirty and smelly, like some cities. It is also important to remember you that Costa Rica does not have an advanced wastewater system, that is why we must

dispose toilet paper on the trash can and not on the W.C., and that some houses do not have hot water

for showers

The richness of having different cultures and being able to be part of them opens a new world to you. You will not only learn about

new traditions but you will also grow up as a person, making important values like respect,

solidarity and cooperation, stronger.

Cultural Change

According to Berg, “Individuals differ greatly in the degree in which cultural shock affects them”

Although most of times cultural exchange programs result in a great and positive way, sometimes it may also turn in effects such

anxiety, frustration, stress, sickness, loneliness, and desperation.

A person used to take decisions in their usual role and in their native country suddenly

cannot properly behave or even express in basic and normal situations such as meeting people, giving gifts, shopping, accepting or

refusing invitations, etc.

t panic! If it happens, please do not worry.

Cultural shock is completely normal and it can be fixed. How? If you feel homesick, angry or

irritated, the Program will give you the necessary support to overcome this situation.

However, because it is a 50/50 work, you must also make an effort to stay strong and be open

to the new environment in which you are.

The process of cultural shock has four phases. The first one starts with a sensation of beauty;

everything will seem very nice but when you get to the second one you might feel loneliness and rejection towards the things related to the new

culture; food, people, clothing, etc. The third phase is characterized by a sensation of

acceptance, and finally, the best part of all: the complete adaptation and acceptance of the new

culture.

Let´s enjoy and learn!

Ticos

People born in Costa Rica are called “Ticos” because they usually use the ending “tico” to

say something is little, for example, if you want to refer to a chocolate as a small candy, you say

a “chocolaTICO”.

The “tico” is a very typical way of speaking in Costa Rica, sometimes we use it even if theobject we are referring to is not small! With time, you willunderstand the different ways ofusing the “tico” ending but more

important, you will learn to speak Spanish. This is why we want to encourage you to use your Spanish knowledge a lot, do not be afraid of practicing with Ticos, most of times they will be glad to help you learn the language.

Pura Vida!

Some people say that Costa Rica

is a paradise, that it is a “Pura vida”

country!

“Pura vida!” is a saying that means everything is going just fine, great. Most of people in Costa

Rica are Pura Vida, nice and gentle, a characteristic that exchange students really

appreciate and maybe the reason why many of them don´t want to leave.

Language

Sometimes, when arriving to Costa Rica and finding yourself surrounded by the Spanish language you

could feel confused and somehow frustrated while adjusting. However, as you practice, particularly

with your Host Family and at your Host School, you will be surprised at the improvement in your

language skills.

Costa Rica offers you one of the best Spanish from Latin America. It is very clear and without

any strong accent, so it is easier to learn. Spanish warmth and exuberance are often expressed by talking in loud tones. At the

beginning of your stay, when you may not have the complete fluency in the language yet, you might think that some members of your host

family keep arguing among themselves because of the tone used, but they really are not.

The way of speaking for many Costa Ricans is blunt, so do not take it personally if you feel

they are speaking to you in a different tone or way that you are not used to.

As well as the “pura vida” saying, Ticos also have other phrases that at the beginning might be confusing for foreign. When you make plans

with your friends, you should confirm the appointment various times.

Sometimes Ticos say “Let’s do that on Saturday” and you may save the day for your friend but suddenly, he or she does not shows up! Costa

Rican use “Let’s do that” or “we are going to do something together" to express the wish of

doing something with you at some moment, at an uncertain time.

Little by little, you'll catch this mentality. Make sure to speak about specific dates and time

when making plans, and asking a day before or hours before if the plans still on.

Food

Meal time is important for

families because it is the moment in

which all members share and spend

time together.

Ticos usually have a light breakfast of coffee or tea with crackers or bread with jam and/or butter. On weekendsthe traditional and popular dish “Gallo pinto” is

prepared; rice mixed with beans accompanied with scrambled eggs. The main ingredients of Costa Rica´s cuisine are rice, beans, corn fish, meat, cooked banana or vegetables.

These are high in vitamins, proteins and iron, and not to mention delicious. In fact, one of the reasons why scientists

believe that Costa Rica is one of the Blue Zones of the world (areas with the highest rates of age longevity) it is because the high consume of food like corn and beans.

a fruit paradise. You will find delicious and sweet papayas, mangos, pineapples, bananas

and watermelons, even some others fruits that are very weird to find in Europe, like cases,

mamones, carambolas, marañones, and manzanas de agua.

Do you know them? If not, you will probably love them!

Are you into fruits?

If you are, then you are lucky of visiting Costa Rica because it is

Weather

As you know, Costa Rica has summer season

(known as dry season) almost all the time; we

have temperatures between 18 and 35 degrees during the

whole year.

This is why you should carry some main important things not only in your luggage but also within you; we advise you to bring patience, humor, and be ready to feel some heat!

Be sure to carry with you all the time some sun cream, cap or hats, a sweater, and sunglasses.

Fortunately, we are use to sudden rains so if it happens and you don´t have any protection, you can easily find a cheap umbrella almost at any convenience shop or mini market and at a low price.

The weather differs partly drastically from region to region and depends on month and height.In upland areas, it maybe colder and windy, while in low areas is tropical and hot, like the beach. There are two seasons, the dry one (from December to April) and the rainy season (May to November).

Currency

The currency in Costa Rica isColon and it is called this way in honor to

Cristobal Colon, the first European who came to our country. Amazed by the beauty of the coasts he name it “Costa Rica” which means “Rich Coast”.

In banks, you can change Euro or Dollar into Colon, and in many commercial places you can pay with

Dollars but not with Euros. However, it is better to use the national currency as long as you can.

Please bring 2 credit cards; one in case you want to use it for personal expenses and another you

will keep in case of emergency; if there is an accident and you need an operation, the private hospital must be paid trough a deposit you will

have to do from the second credit card.Later on, the insurance company will pay you

back.

Master card and Visa are accepted almost everywhere and if you need to get cash there are ATM´s that not only take these cards but

also Maestro.

Host Family

Family life in Costa Rica still remains one of the cornerstones of society.

Families are very united and depend quite a bit on each other for both

material and moral support in everyday life.

Young people tend to stay at home for a long time, generally until they get married, mostly because it is difficult and expensive to find an apartment after finishing high school and/or

when getting into college.

Children talk to their parents about almost everything, they share their lives with their parents much more than teenagers in other

countries do.

We like to enjoy a lot of time at home and sharing with the kids, therefore, your Host Family will expect you to chat and share with them about your daily experiences.

Take this Costa Rican habit as an opportunity to get closer to your host relatives, practice Spanish, and create

bounds.

Costa Rican families are usually very big; the central family could be formed by a father, a

mother, and two or four kids, but you will also have to add all the aunts, uncles, cousins,

grandparents and close friends of the family. You will meet a lot of people just by staying with one

Host Family.

Tico´s lifestyle is very nice and warm; usually mothers are at home to be with their children

when they come back from school and to spend time with them in the afternoons.

Costa Rican fathers generally work and spend many hours a day away from home, because of this, sometimes they don´t help much with the domestic chores, however, they spend much of

their free time with the family and fully participate raising the children.

Many Costa Rican mothers also have a job outside home, in these cases domestic chores

are even more divided among all family members.

Costa Rican moms remain the central figure in the family and a respected

authority in the house. In our program, most of the families we chose have

mothers that still being at home.

Although some beaches are close to San Jose, families are not used to go there very often; weekends are used to share with the family,

going to church, watching television or visiting grandfathers, some friends or relatives. Besides,

taking the whole family to the beach is expensive; therefore it is saved for especial

occasions like holidays.

It is quite common for Tico siblings to exchange and use their belongings (clothing, shoes, books,

accessories).

Observe whether or not this is the case in your Host Family and pay close attention to the

values given to things possessed by your host brothers and/or sisters. Wait until there is

enough confidence and the relationship is solid enough before “joining in”.

Costa Rican homes are kept very clean and people generally do not like to be untidy. You

should talk to your family about how they want to keep your room and how often you should

clean it.

Families help each other with the house chores, so they will expect you to collaborate with them

as well. If you don´t know how to collaborate feel free to ask, your family will be glad and they

will specify to you in which tasks you can collaborate.

Your Host Family will provide you a room with a bed, desk and space to place your clothes and

belongings. In most houses there are not private bathrooms for each room, so you will have to share the main restroom with the rest of the

house members.

This means that as you are being accepted and welcomed in a Host Family, you are the one who

should try to adapt to the Costa Rican culture, and not the other way around. Make an effort and you

will see things will work out.

The different home-loving, conservative and traditional dynamic of Costa Rican families might

be surprising for you, but if you come with an open mind and a great desire to know and even live as a Tico, you will find integrated sooner than you think.

“When in Rome, do as Romans”

More important than material things, your Host Family will offer you a place

in their hearts.

Although is becoming more and more rare for grandparents to live in the same house as the

rest of the family, their opinions and advices are still highly considered because there is a culture of great respect towards elderly. Remember to be patient with elderly people, they are more

experienced than you and sometimes have structured ways of thinking.

Remember that if a family accepted to be a host family, it is because they are willing to overcome

any cultural difference and to embrace the marvelous experience of having a cultural

exchange. However, the success of the host experience not only depends on them, but also

largely on you and your willingness to demonstrate your effort, cooperation and

sensibility.

The emphasis will be put on you to adapt to the family by giving careful consideration to the particular rules set down by your host family

and to what is acceptable in Costa Rican culture, this way you will be able to avoid making certain

mistakes which could upset your family´s household. For this experience to be pleasant

and rewarding for both parts, you must respect the rules and the culture of your guest country.

Don´t be afraid to ask questions if you don´t understand something!

School

As a requirement for the Exchange Program, you

must attend school, which functions from Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm.

According to your educational level you could have a good time with the subjects or get a little bit

bored.

Sometimes public schools have “free lessons”, that means that you might not have a certain class. This happens because sometimes the

professor is sick and there is no one to replace him or her, or because there was some kind of

problem hiring the teacher on time.

If this gets to happen or if you think Costa Rican schools are too easy for you, use your

knowledge to help your classmates, this way you will make more friends, create new and positive

experiences and practice your Spanish.

Make your best effort and you will see that your grades will increase little by little. Do not feel bad if you feel a little bit lost at the beginning,

you can ask for help to your professors or classmates, they will be glad to assist you.

Most schools start on February and end at the beginning of December. The school year is

divided into three trimesters with 3 holidays break; during Easter, on July and from December

to January.

If you start your Program in July and it is for ten months, the second trimester has already

begun. In this case, you will have to catch up with the school system.

The third trimester starts on September. By this moment you will already speak some Spanish, so you are supposed to get better grades. You must also participate in every school activity.

From February to May next year, you will have to get good grades.

Class attendance is mandatory and if a student misses one or more days of school they must have a note from their parents explaining why

the student didn´t go.

Similarly, students are not allowed to arrive late or leave school early without a written

permission from their parents.

Costa Rican students have a lot of homework to do at home. You should try to complete all of it from the very start of your stay, in order to get used to it and to participate more actively in

school life. Some schools – not many however – provide

extra-curricular activities in the afternoon (sports and artistic groups etc).

If your school does not provides after school activities you are permitted to organize them with your local community. Please note that

extracurricular activities might or might not be available in your community.

Depending on the activity, there will be a fee to pay and students should not rely on their Host Family to provide transport to and from these

activities. Public transportation is very advanced and you will be able to use it to get to your

activities.

Subject choices are generally not available. Most schools do not allow the use of nail polish, heavy makeup, piercings or dyed hair with flashy colours.

Remember that your main goal is learning the language and the

culture.

Final Tips

Now you know more about the program and Costa Rican culture. Remember,

different cultures is equal to different life styles so be open minded, have the

willing to learn and communicate, and you will see how you will get adapted to

the country.

Bring a pair of old jeans and tennis for the first two days; probably we will walk trough nature. You can also use a raincoat, an old cell phone, a laptop, and a thick sweater. In case you need to buy some extra clothes, clothing is Costa Rica is

cheap.

As your Host Family will receive you with open arms you can bring some gifts to them, as

chocolates, t-shirts with your country’s name, or souvenirs.

Get ready to have a great experience!

To know a little bit more about Costa Rica, you can visit the following

videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXj11L34yE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td4yssC77e0