• Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

• Learn Spanish in Heredia.
• Learn Spanish in Monteverde.
• Learn Spanish in Flamingo Beach.
• Learn Spanish in Playa Jacó.
• Learn Spanish in Coronado.

Know Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country situated in Central America surrounded by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Caribbean to the east, and the Pacific to the west.

Costa Rica is a beautiful and peaceful country that some have referred to as the "Switzerland of the Americas". This impression of Costa Rica has come about due to its reputation as one of the most stable countries in Latin America. Political turmoil is unheard of in this country. The last major political crisis Costa Rica experienced was during the civil war in the late 1940's.

Following its conclusion, Costa Rica established a strong democratic system and did something unheard of in Latin America, abolished its armed forces.

To the north, A major reason why Costa Rica is such a great place to learn Spanish relates to its people.

"Ticos," as Costa Ricans are known, are generally very open and friendly towards visitors. These people love to "show off" their country to foreigners. Guide books are both helpful and recommended, but when you want the best information about something, ask a "tico". For those individuals studying Spanish, you will find that "ticos" are very patient and helpful.

The average Costa Rican is very well educated. In fact, Costa Rica lays claim to one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America. Also, unlike most other Latin American countries, there is not a wide divergence seen between rich and poor. Costa Ricans, like Americans, tend to have a middle class mentality. They believe that through hard work, one can succeed.

Costa Rica History

The first European explorer to encounter Costa Rica was the Christopher Columbus. In 1502 Columbus landed off the coast during his fourth voyage to the New World. His arrival was welcomed and treated with with great hospitality by the indigenous peoples who had never seen white men before. A late explorer by the name of Gil Gonzalex Davila would name the area Costa Rica (Gold Coast) after observiing locals wearing gold in their ears and noses.

Costa Rica has a feel very distinct compared to other former Spanish colonies. The influence of the Spanish in this region was relatively weak due to the tough terrain and of course a lack of precious metals. As such during colonial times the attention of the Spanish where focused on places such as Mexico and Peru.

Mexico rebelled against Spain in 1821. Following Mexico's lead, Costa Rica and the rest of Central America soon followed. Independence followed shortly afterwards.

Military rule did occur off and on during the following years, however the brutality seen in neighboring countries did not happen in Costa Rica. As it turns out many of the military rulers actually promoted many useful and popular social reforms.

The main turning point in Costa Rica as it relates to political stability came about as a result of the civil war in 1948. After a brief but bloody civil war Jose Maria Figueres Ferrer came to power.

Under his leadership Costa Rica saw significant social changes. The military was abolished, women and blacks gained the vote, and presidential terms were limited. These actions set the foundation for once of the more peaceful and prosperous nations found in Latin America today.

Costa Rica Culture

Unlike countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, or Peru, Costa Rica does not offer much in the way of indigenous cultures. There are no ruins to speak of, and the culture of Costa Rica does not exhibit the influence of local peoples like you would find in Guatemala for example.

Whatever Costa Rica may lack in this aspect, is easily made up for in its abundance of natural resources.