Map of Costa Rica

Spring Semester in Costa Rica
 

Advice from Former Students
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"The best thing you can do for yourself is remember that you are a guest rather than a tourist. Tourists whiz through the country like a whirlwind. If they are rude or irresponsible, the impression is not long lived because they rarely stay in one place for more than a few hours or days. As a study abroad student you'll be abroad 3 months or longer. Imagine that you are spending time in the home of a cherished family friend. Treat people you meet, and the country, with the same friendliness, patience, and respect you would give to that friend and you'll leave behind a positive impression much more lasting than that of a fly-by-night tourist."

"Remember you are a guest in another country -- you are not in America -- people tend to forget this. Not everything will be like it is at home -- products are different, politics are different, attitudes are different."

"Leave people with a good impression of Americans. Quite sadly, tourists often do not."

"Don't go with any expectations, for they will always change and evolve day by day as you change. Just enjoy or stay for what it is -- an exciting new way of life!"

"Be as open with people as possible, and be willing to try new things."

"Count on everything costing more than you think, and economize in the beginning so you can gauge how long your money will last. Travel is very important and it's a shame when you waste money and then can't afford to go anywhere."

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