An interview with native Costa Rican Tica & AGU Academic Consultant Ania Chaves about university life in Costa Rica, courtesy of ISA Association of Global Universities.

Filled with exotic wildlife and damp rainforests perfectly preserved by a government who has sectioned off over a fourth of the country’s land mass to nature preserves and national parks, Costa Rica is truly a unique study destination. Costa Rica allows students the time to study as well as relax and enjoy life.

Friendly people, healthy food, beautiful scenery, beaches, mountains, and a highly reputable education system are some of the many reasons Costa Rica has long been popular with international students. We even have a catch phrase that sums it all up: Pura Vida.

The term Pura Vida, literally “pure life,” nicely captures the Costa Rican, or Tico, way of living. As a term that Ticos use day in day out, it is essential to the local folk idiom as well as to everyday life. It basically means that Ticos live their lives to enjoy it. They relax and they enjoy the little things, never taking for granted the beautiful surroundings they’ve been blessed with.

Can you describe a couple activities we’d be likely to see students engaged in between classes or in the evenings?

-Organized football (soccer) games or going to the stadium to watch your favorite local team
-Afternoon coffee, great way to meet locals
-Salsa, bachata and cumbia dancing
-Movies
-Visiting one of the numerous famous museums, such as the National Museum inside the Bellavista Fortress in downtown San Jose, the Gold Museum in the Plaza de la Cultura, or the Jade Museum in the Instituto Nacional de Seguros.

Are there a lot of international students in Costa Rica? Which countries do they tend to come from and what do they tend to study?

At Veritas University and many other local universities, environmental science classes tend to be popular. This makes sense because many internationals can get hands on experience in the care of ecosystems and sustainable environments that simply don’t exist in their home countries.

What’s the social scene like? Are people generally friendly and outgoing, wanting to get to know you, or are they a bit standoffish and focused on their studies?

Lets face it, Costa Rican’s are a social crowd known for being outgoing and friendly. People here always have time to make new friends easily, and it doesn’t matter how busy the workplace environment, a Tico will always time to relax and socialize.

Can you suggest some ways for international students to get involved in the community and meet more locals?

Optional classes like acting, dance and photography classes are a great way to meet and mingle with locals. Students can also go on tours with other people, not just with their classmates. International students typically want to meet locals but don’t know the best way to go about it so it’s a good idea to organize and participate in activities.

Food is another other key to all social gatherings in Costa Rica. Costa Rican food is generally not very spicy and is pretty basic. Ticos absolutely love their Gallo Pinto (Rice and Beans) and this staple is eaten at just about every meal, with lunch being the heartiest meal of the day. Costa Ricans enjoy a sauce called Lizano with just about everything. Salsa Lizano can be found at every table and is a sweet and tangy sauce that is a great addition to any meal. Anytime you visit somebody expect to be offered a snack or meal of some sort, and sharing a meal or even a cooking class with classmates is a great way to make new friends.

Can you compare and contrast the differences between college life in Costa Rica as opposed to the US?

Although it’s the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose is smaller than many cities in the US which makes it a little easier to navigate and get around. Modern public transportation allows students to move cheaply and efficiently around the city.