Overview 

Rich in ecological diversity and known for its hospitality, Costa Rica has become a favorite vacation spot for American and European travelers over the past two decades.  About the size of West Virginia and with a population of roughly four million, Costa Rica has a wealth of natural resources.  Its distinctive microclimates feature beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, rainforests filled with monkeys and colorful birds, the hot "cowboy country" of Guanacaste, etc.  In addition to all that, it is also regarded as one of the most peaceful countries in Central America.  Costa Rica does not maintain a standing army, and one of its presidents, Oscar Arias, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987.  The philosophy of the country can be summed up in the catch phrase "pura vida," ("pure life") which tourists find emblazoned on mugs and t-shirts throughout the country.

Costa Ricans take pride in the high educational level of the country.  Free and obligatory elementary school, provided for in the state's constitution, has led to the high literacy rate among adults.  The country boasts a 96% literacy rate and has recently implemented new educational schemes designed to extend opportunities for learning to all its citizens.  Students who wish to continue their post-secondary education can choose among four different state-funded universities. 

Costa Rican Customs

The more you know about Costa Rican rules and customs, the easier it will be for you to enjoy the hospitality of your Costa Rican family.  Some of the customs listed here are fairly typical of Costa Rica, while others are specific to the situation of a family taking in a foreign volunteer.  We hope that this information will give you a picture of family life in Costa Rica. 

Greetings

Costa Ricans are usually fairly formal in their observation of social customs.  Upon entering a room, they greet everyone present.  Upon leaving, they dismiss themselves in the same way.  Men shake hands, and women kiss on the cheek.  A man and woman meeting for the first time will shake hands; at subsequent meetings they will greet each other with a kiss.  People greet each other formally even when they enter a gathering late or leave early.  It is considered impolite to leave a party or any kind of social gathering without telling everyone good-bye (preferably personally, but at least generally).  Friends meeting on the street always greet each other in the same way.  You will not be expected to kiss when you first arrive, but you will probably find yourself enjoying this custom very soon!

Hospitality

Costa Ricans are very patient. If they speak too fast, you need only tell them, "más despacio, por favor."  You must insist that you need corrections with your Spanish.  Costa Ricans think correcting people is rude.

Cafecito

Costa Rican people are extremely warm and hospitable.  They will invite you over and feed you wonderful meals, coffee, cakes and frescos.  When they invite you to "stop by," they mean it.  Dropping by in Costa Rica is not considered rude at all, and people will stop what they are doing to chat with you for quite a while if you visit.  We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful way to get to know the people of your community better.

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 have "private time."  In Costa Rica most people are very social and don't want to "leave someone all alone" in their room.  So, the kids will walk in and out of your room and look at your things, and the family will want you to sit with them and watch TV in the living room.  Although this is often frustrating, try to take it as a compliment; generally Ticos don't like to be alone, so they don't want you to endure being alone either.

Food

The staple of the Costa Rican diet is rice and beans, which are often served several times a day.  You may also find a variety of fruits and vegetables, depending upon your area.  The diet includes a lot of salt, sugar and butter, oil or vegetable fat.  Some families are more health-conscious than others.  It usually depends upon their economic situation.  Speak to your family about your dietary concerns, but please respect their customs and again, their economic standing.  If you would like to supplement your diet with foods not commonly purchased by your family (for example, cereal, peanut butter, etc.), you will need to pay for these items and store them in an agreed upon place.  It is important to explain that you aren't buying your own food because you don't like the Costa Rican diet, but rather because you just miss certain "gringo" foods. 

A note about what is "vegetarian" in Costa Rica.  To a Costa Rican, a vegetarian or someone who does not eat meat is a person who does not eat red meat.  They will feed you chicken or fish.  If you are a vegetarian, you need to list all of the varieties of meats that you do not eat.  Please remember that you are in a different culture and therefore exposed to many different experiences and changes.  This may involve becoming more flexible with eating habits.  Although we all have a preferred and ideal diet, it can be very hard to follow in a rural community where people are limited in resources or choices.  We ask that you be as flexible as possible and do not offend the host culture when making food choices.  For North Americans rejecting meat in a meal is simply a choice and in Costa Rica it can be viewed as an insult.

For Costa Ricans, feeding people well is a demonstration of affection.  If they try to overfeed you, tell them that you usually don't eat so much.  Also, please let them know as specifically as possible, from the beginning of your stay, what you do and do not like to eat.

Being the Center of Attention

You will probably attract a lot of attention in your town.  People will know that you're different just by looking at the way you're dressed.  People will stare at you as you walk down the street.  They will notice you in stores and restaurants.  Word will get around that "the gringo" or "the gringa" is here (note that the word "gringo" does not carry the same negative connotations that it does in other countries).  Of course, this will differ from one community to another depending on size and tourist frequency.

You will also be a major topic of gossip at your school.  Everyone will know your life story, what you've been doing, who's come to visit you, and where you've been.  They will be extremely interested in your romantic life (the famous question is, "Tiene novio? Or novia?").  People will even try to set you up with cousins, friends, and extended family. 

All of this attention can be overwhelming, but try to keep a sense of humor about it.  Andy Warhol said, "Everyone is famous for 15 minutes."  Well, your fame will last a year. 

Speaking Directly

Over the course of the year you will encounter situations that you simply do not understand.  Never be afraid to ask for an explanation.  And if you don't understand the first time, ask again.  It's the only way you will learn and it will make your cultural adjustment both easier and more sensible.  Keep in mind, however, that quiet observation is also a valuable means of understanding and can sometimes provide a clearer picture than explanation.  In part, cultural acclimation involves learning to qualify your social observations by asking for a little help. 

North Americans and Costa Ricans have very different communication styles.  North Americans tend to see speaking plainly and directly as sign of respect to the other person.  Ticos, on the other hand, are less direct, and often will give the response they think will make you happy.  This is their form of respect; they are trying to take into consideration what you want (without necessarily knowing).  Communication is a pretty tricky subject so be as observant as possible, and know that if people are not direct with you, it is not an insult.  It is simply a different way of communicating. 

Gender Issues

In Costa Rica, women are often treated differently than in North America.  Men frequently hiss, whistle, and cat call at women in the streets.  There is probably less real physical danger for women in Costa Rica than in the United States, but local men will probably bother you much more often.  Moreover, you may disagree with the way women are treated in Costa Rican society; women are expected, for example, to do all the housework.

Male volunteers also face many "machismo" related challenges.  Male volunteers may be pressured by their host family and/or friends to participate in a macho culture that includes dating numerous women and sometimes even visiting prostitutes. You, of course, do not have to participate in these activities -- but saying "no" can be difficult.

Religion

Most Costa Ricans are Catholic, though there is a growing body of evangelical Christians.  Catholicism permeates most aspects of life in Costa Rica: prayer is said in schools regularly, classes will sometimes be called off for church services, and families often go to Mass together and pray the Rosary at home.  Religion creeps its way into conversation as well: si Dios quiere (if God wishes) is a popular saying, and mothers frequently bless their children before they head to school in the morning.  Volunteers who are not Catholic (and even many who are!) are often surprised by how present Catholicism is in daily life.  While Costa Ricans may not understand your religious background, especially if you are not Christian, you can expect to be respected.  Because religion is so important in Costa Rica, your host family and friends may want to know about your religious background.  Your family may ask if you want to attend Missa (Mass) with them, but they do so out of a desire to include you as a part of the family, not as part of an effort to force compliance.  You should feel free to participate as much or as little as you would like in religious life in your town: you will only be asked to be respectful of the traditions that are so important to your hosts. 

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Tiquismos

Because they often attach the diminutive suffix "ico" to the end of nouns, Costa Ricans are commonly dubbed "Ticos."  With the help of many collaborators, we've put together a list of "Tiquismos," Spanish phrases that are indigenous to Costa Rica, and "pachuco," which means slang.  Most of the phrases below are comprised of words that, literally translated, have another meaning.  "Qué galleta," for example, literally means "what a cookie."  Taken in context, however, it means "great." 

Web Resources for Costa Rica

• Government of Costa Rica  |  Official Site
• Embassy of Costa Rica in the US
• Ministry of Education
• The Tico Times  |  English-language newspaper
• La Nacion  |  Daily national newspaper
• Online newspapers  |  Other Costa Rican newspapers
• BBC on Costa Rica  |  News and Country Profile
• Background Notes  |  From the US State Department
• CANATUR  |  National Chamber of Tourism

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