Environments of Costa Rica

During our study abroad trip to Costa Rica, we stayed at three different locations where the CPI campuses were located. Each location was completely different, but all had the same wonderful people and food. The first location was the city of Heredia, a small city with a lot of charm. Surrounded by mountains, this small […]

The Culture of Costa Rica

Not knowing a lot of Spanish makes it difficult to navigate throughout Costa Rica. Simple conversation comes naturally, however when topics become in depth, I quickly loose confidence and struggle to find words. That being said, it has become easier for me to comprehend and communicate in Spanish since my arrival in Costa Rica. My […]

Some Things to Know

Four days in and it has been quite the experience. A few things I would definitely not come to Costa Rica without are: Waterproof shoes A rain jacket Shorts Bug repellant A purse/bag/fanny pack In Heredia, it is hot, and it rains a lot. It rains a lot. Like clockwork, every morning starts off bright and beautiful, blue skies, […]

Just Hanging Out

Last week we departed Monteverde for the Pacific beach of Flamingo. Our time has definitely been full here! This was the first week we took our own optional excursions (which I’m definitely taking credit for. For my small group, this includes Los Puentes Colgantes (or the hanging bridges) and–apart from two people–zip-lines. I did buy […]

Pura Vida

Costa Rica is a country known for its key phrase: Pura Vida. This phrase, which translates to ‘pure life’, is used in Costa Rica to answer questions about your day, what the weather is like, or is simply a greeting in passing. However, what I have learned since arriving to Costa Rica is one important […]

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

One of the best parts of studying abroad is the gorgeous places you can visit. During our month in Costa Rica, we were able to live near some of the best locations the country had to offer including the thriving capital that was San José, the picture-perfect town of Monteverde, the beachy escape of Flamingo, […]

Costa Rica — Weeks 3 & 4

For the final two weeks of our trip to Costa Rica, we were on the move. We first went to Monteverde, and then to Flamingo for our final week abroad. Monteverde was so different than Heredia, which is why I believe the study abroad office plans the trip this way; we got such a wide […]

My Study Abroad Experience

My first several weeks in Costa Rica have been marvelous. This program is so amazing; everything has been well-planned, educational, and incredibly fun! I had the usually student travel anxiety before the trip: I worried about living with a host family, my proficiency in Spanish, and spending four weeks in a foreign (to me) place. […]

Welcome!

A group of ten students will be studying Spanish at CPI