Universidad National (UNA)

I found that even though I knew little Spanish the locals were usually patient and I did not have too many troubles. At times, neither I nor the local had any idea what each was saying and we left it at that. It helped very much to travel with other students who were more fluent.

I found it quite difficult to meet Ticos (costa ricans) They especially at the Uni were very uninterested in talking to a gringo. Even the students studing English!!!!!They seem to be worried about being emmbarrased.....I have made a few good friends but it has taken a long time and has not been easy.... I have travelled to more than 20 countries and have never had to try so hard. My spanish has suffered because Ticos tend not to ask more than is nessasary. I was living in a small town and I found that the people who talked to me were Ticos who had recently moved there....They were outsiders too. Nicaraguans were almost always ready to chat (They are outsiders too) I like the Ticos but they were not very interested in me, or many of the other students.

I came to Costa Rica with an intermediate level of Spanish speaking ability. I needed the practice and the interaction with locals, and I definitely got that.

I learned a lot through immersion