Attractions & Activities in Costa Rica

Costa Rican Spanish is extremely polite and often formal. To keep up with local custom, some key words to learn are: "Gracias" (thank you), "Por favor" (please), "Buenos dias" (good morning) and “Buenas tarde” (goof afternoon), and when you meet someone for the first time, "Mucho gusto" (It's a pleasure).

Costa Ricans tend to speak more slowly and clearly than inhabitants of other Spanish speaking nations, which is an important advantage for those learning the language for the first time. Costa Rican Spanish is also more fun to learn because of the animated use of colloquial diminutives, such as the reference to themselves as ‘ticos,’ and the preference for words like “chiquitico” (something small), “poquitico” (a little), “momentico” (just a moment) and “ratico”(a little time).

Although the official language is Spanish, the current social development in the country means more and more Costa Ricans are eager to learn English as a second language, which is now widely spoken in the main towns and cities. In addition, throughout the Caribbean coast, you will encounter ‘Creole’ English being spoken by a large population who are the descendants of Jamaican settlers.

Language schools abound in Costa Rica, not just in the population centers but in rural areas, near rainforests or popular beaches; no matter what your budget is, how much time you have or how serious you are, there is a program that is just right for you. For those who are interested in not only the language but also the Tico culture and people, a home stay program will be an excellent option; by staying with a local Tico family you not only immerse in the local culture but get an opportunity to ‘live’ the language day to day.