Costa Rica is a paradise for those seeking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, tropical nature, and unforgettable adventures. While the country itself speaks Spanish, Costa Rica’s distinct culture and biodiversity make it unique within Latin America. This article highlights our three-week student trip, exploring the culture, food, activities, and language that made our time in Costa Rica both educational and exhilarating.
Arrival and First Impressions
Upon landing in Costa Rica, we were immediately greeted by a warm, humid breeze and the sounds of vibrant music and lively conversation in Spanish. Costa Rica’s main international airport in San José set the tone for the weeks to come, as we adjusted to both the climate and the beautiful language all around us.
The first day was spent in San José, where we quickly noticed the Costa Ricans’ welcoming spirit. Known as "Ticos," Costa Ricans are proud of their culture and always eager to share it. Our guides emphasized this, teaching us common phrases like “pura vida,” which means “pure life” and embodies the Costa Rican way of living positively and at peace with nature.
Exploring San José: Museums and Markets
Our first stop was the National Museum of Costa Rica, a place rich in history and cultural artifacts. Here, we learned about Costa Rica’s indigenous groups, colonial history, and the abolition of the military in 1949 a unique move in Latin America. The museum gave us an appreciation for the country's long-standing commitment to peace, stability, and democracy.
Later, we visited the Central Market, an essential spot for experiencing Costa Rican life. Vendors sold local fruits like guanabana, mangosteen, and maracuya, which we had only ever heard about before. We tried casado, a typical Costa Rican dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and either fish or meat. This meal served as a delicious introduction to the flavors we’d continue to savor throughout our trip.
Language Immersion and Homestay Experience
Our language immersion began on day four, when each of us moved into a homestay. Staying with local families was an eye-opening experience, as we were surrounded by Spanish in a relaxed, homey environment. Our “host moms” were incredibly patient, helping us practice speaking Spanish while teaching us about Costa Rican customs and day-to-day life.
The homestay allowed us to develop our conversational Spanish quickly. We learned phrases specific to Costa Rica, such as “tuanis” (a slang term meaning “cool”) and “mae” (similar to “dude”). These casual exchanges were a great complement to the formal Spanish we’d studied in class, giving us a well-rounded language experience.
Exploring Costa Rican Nature: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
Midway through our trip, we traveled to the Arenal Volcano National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most famous landmarks. Arenal is an active volcano, and its surrounding lush rainforests and natural hot springs offered a breathtaking contrast to the urban environment of San José. The landscape was nothing short of stunning, with thick, green forests, waterfalls, and a vast array of tropical animals.
After a day of hiking, we enjoyed the nearby hot springs, where the mineral-rich waters were both relaxing and restorative. Our guide explained that these waters are heated naturally by volcanic activity, making them a unique feature of Costa Rica’s geothermal landscape. Soaking in these hot springs was one of the highlights of our trip, allowing us to relax while taking in the surrounding tropical beauty.
Discovering Costa Rican Wildlife
One of Costa Rica’s claims to fame is its incredible biodiversity. The country is home to around 5% of the world’s biodiversity despite its relatively small size. As students of Spanish and culture, we were excited to see firsthand how Costa Ricans coexist with and protect their environment.
Our time at Manuel Antonio National Park was unforgettable. This park is a sanctuary for animals like sloths, howler monkeys, and colorful toucans, which we saw in abundance. We were especially fascinated by the national effort to preserve wildlife. Eco-tourism is a huge part of Costa Rica’s economy, and Ticos take conservation seriously, with a quarter of the country’s land area designated as protected.
Spanish Classes in the Cloud Forest of Monteverde
Our journey then took us to Monteverde, a stunning cloud forest renowned for its mist-covered treetops and dense greenery. Here, we attended Spanish classes at a local institute, further strengthening our language skills. Learning Spanish in the Monteverde cloud forest was surreal. The classrooms were open-air, allowing us to hear the sounds of exotic birds and see monkeys swinging from tree to tree as we learned.
Aside from classes, Monteverde was a great place to experience some adventure sports. We tried zip-lining through the canopy, an adrenaline-filled activity that allowed us to see the forest from a bird’s-eye perspective. The thrill of zooming through the trees made Monteverde unforgettable and gave us yet another way to bond with our fellow travelers.
The Role of Food in Costa Rican Culture
Throughout our stay, food was central to our experience. Costa Rican cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients and is known for being nutritious and balanced. Gallo pinto, a dish made of rice and beans often served with scrambled eggs and plantains, quickly became our go-to breakfast. This meal, rich in energy, kept us fueled for our daily adventures.
We also learned to make empanadas from scratch, following our host family’s recipe. Making and eating this traditional dish gave us insight into the importance of family and sharing meals in Costa Rican culture. Each family meal was filled with lively conversation and laughter, underscoring how Ticos value spending quality time together.
Volunteering in the Community
One of the most rewarding parts of our trip was our volunteer work at a local school. We spent several days assisting with activities, practicing English with the students, and sharing a little bit about our own culture. The students were eager to learn about us, and we felt equally excited to interact with them and witness the Costa Rican education system in action.
Through this volunteer experience, we gained a deeper understanding of Costa Rica’s emphasis on education. The country has a literacy rate of over 97%, and education is highly valued by Ticos. The opportunity to give back while practicing our Spanish was meaningful and allowed us to form connections that went beyond tourism.
Saying Goodbye: Reflections on Our Journey
As our three weeks came to an end, we found ourselves looking back at the whirlwind of experiences, new friendships, and countless moments of discovery. Costa Rica gave us a unique opportunity to learn Spanish within an environment where cultural immersion was the norm. We didn’t just practice vocabulary and grammar we absorbed the spirit of Costa Rican life, from the concept of “pura vida” to the commitment to preserving the environment.
Our trip to Costa Rica was more than just an academic experience; it was an immersion into a world where language, culture, and nature intersect in harmony. This journey not only strengthened our Spanish skills but also gave us a broader perspective on what it means to be part of a global community.
In the end, Costa Rica taught us lessons we couldn’t have learned from a textbook. We left with a deeper appreciation for the Spanish language, a new set of cultural experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.
