Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Costa Rica No Artificial Ingredients

Blog content by:
Spanish for Success
Study Spanish in Costa Rica

The Costa Rican slogan, 'No Artificial Ingredients' has a great representation of the country. Rich in green vegetation, wildlife, adventure, foods, and culture; it's one of the best places to travel in the world.



When you come to the country to travel or study abroad, you will experience an adventure like no other. Depending on the location you choose, you will be enlighten by the various opportunities you can gain.

Studying Spanish abroad in Costa Rica offers not only the language, but also the a chance to be immersed into the culture. Live like the locals, and be one with nature and its beautiful scenery.


Monday, March 5, 2012

Surfs Up! In the Tropics of Costa Rica

Blog content by:
Spanish for Success
Study Spanish in Costa Rica


Costa Rica has fast become one of the best surfing places around the world, in the last 15 years. Many surfers flock to the beaches, all year round, for the tropical weather and the waves. When scouting for places to surf, you either choose; the Caribbean or pacific side, and both have different personalities.


When traveling or studying abroad, if surfing is one of your to-do-list during your stay in the country, consider a few of the locations Spanish for Success represents; Dominical, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Samara. Many of the programs do offer Spanish language courses and surf classes.

Tip: Since the sport of surfing has become more common, you'll come across some beach towns that caters to the locals, meaning, if they have been surfing there for years, they have the first privilege riding some of the best waves. This holds true for Hawaii as well, as some of the locals tend to be territorial with their specific spots. But, if you're new to the sport, and is interested in learning, many of the surf schools work with the locals for travelers and students to participate.

Surfing in Costa Rica is one of those adventure experience worth trying out. Just being in the warm water makes it so much more fun. Pura Vida!

Surfer checking out the surf.
Pacific coast
Pacific coast


Sunset in pacific side

Sunset in pacific side
One of the best experiences in Costa Rica is the view. When you experience the gorgeous sunsets, it will make fall in love with the country. Some of the images above are from a beach town called, Dominical. Located in the pacific side, it has one of the most beautiful scenes for sunsets.

Surfer riding the wave as the sun is setting
Surfer riding the wave as the sun is setting.
If you're planning to bring your surf board to the country, do check with the airlines for weight and fee requirements. When you arrive in the country, many of the airport public taxis do offer places for storage, and some public buses have bottom spaces for surf boards. Ask your study abroad agent for more information.

For more resources on Costa Rica surf reports or places to go, we recommend CR Surf.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Costa Rica Snake Farm

Blog content by:
Spanish for Success
Study Spanish in Costa Rica


Here is one of Costa Rica's unique tours, the snake farm. In the farm, participants are thought about the various snakes in Costa Rica. They help educate the public about safety, population of the snakes, and how they migrate. Due to increased development in the country, the natural habitats of the snakes are vastly being changed; which more and more snake bites have become common in the local plantations.

One of the most deadliest snakes known in the country is called, the Bushmaster.


Here is a video from The Jaguar Rescue Center, a different program from the snake farm. 




The students also got a treat by learning about the Red Eye Tree Frog. A colorful frog, which is safe to handle, completely harmless compared to other frogs in the country.

Red-eyed tree frogs, as their name states, have red eyes with vertically narrowed noses, a vibrant green body with yellow and blue striped sides, and orange toes. Read full description.
 

Here's a video

Share with us your study Spanish abroad experience, and be featured on our blog. info[at]spanishforsuccess.com 

Costa Rica Organic Coffee Farm

Blog content by:
Spanish for Success
Study Spanish in Costa Rica
 
In Costa Rica, depending on the program and location you choose, there is an option to visit an organic coffee farm. Finca organica has been a common trend in the country, considering the resources available.

When you study abroad, not only do you learn to speak Spanish, but also get immersed into the daily lives of the locals. The pictures below are some of the students who participated on a Medical Spanish program, in Turrialba

Students where taught the techniques to run the organic farm. All the materials within the farm was used and recycled to generate the final product. At the end of the tour, students where treated to fresh organic coffee samples, included, warm milk from the cow.

 



  
 




 

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Jazz Cafe - San Jose, Costa Rica

Blog content by:
Spanish for Success
Study Spanish in Costa Rica
 
We dug up old pictures from our vault, and came across this set from 2003. Photos by, Russo Mutuc.

The Jazz Cafe located in Agenda de Espectáculos de Jazz Café Jazz Café San Pedro

If you're a traveler and/or student learning Spanish abroad, venues like these are a great way to experience local culture. The Jazz Cafe hosts a variety of nightly live shows that supports local and international talents. If you have a night to explore the city of San Jose, and not necessarily looking for night clubs or dive bars, we recommend checking out this place.

On this particular night, Aimee, from the USA, was asked to perform belly dancing with local musicians. A great fusion of dance and beats.




  

In general, the Costa Rican people love to dance. The rhythm, or, 'ritmo,' in Spanish, is in their blood.

On this particular event, even belly dancing is accepted into the community. You can find several places to go and dance within the city or small towns. Explore the salsa, cumbia, and the merengue scenes.  

Share your Costa Rica experience with us, and be featured on our blog. Contact us: info[at]spanishforsuccess.com