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[hankerin4pie]

I recently returned home from an amazing year and a half in Costa Rica, and I’d like to share some of my thoughts and experiences for anyone who is thinking of going. Although there were ups and downs, and it’s not a perfect paradise, the people, the culture, the weather and the amazing nature, more than made up for any of the shortcomings of Costa Rica. It is such a beautiful place. The country is very small, but absolutely packed with things to see and do, all within a few hours of San Jose. I’m not a big fan of San Jose, but I’ve heard from friends that it grows on you and even though it’s noisy and crowded, most of my friends who lived there liked it after a while. I’m not sure I would, but to each his own. I prefer nature to big cities, so I went a different route though. First I took my TEFL course in Barva with Costa Rica TESOL and loved it. Great course, and Barva is so beautiful and quiet. Plus they gave me a job at their English school right after the course finished, so I didn’t even have to job hunt. I had to work Saturdays, which I would prefer not to have to do, but I could get a sub when I needed and Barva is surrounded by places to go hiking and only a 10 minute walk to Heredia, so I never felt trapped. Ticos are such a warm friendly people, I had no problems meeting friends and being able to socialize which is really important to me. I really worried about finding friends and having to spend day after day alone, but between the Ticos that I got to know and the staff at Idiomas Mundiales, I always had people to go out with. The whole culture there is so relaxed and easy going that you can’t help but succumb to it, which is exactly what I needed coming from the States. The money wasn’t great, but I lived comfortably and although I never saved anything, I could buy what I needed. I would definitely recommend going to Costa Rica, and if anyone has questions I would be happy to answer what I can. [email protected]