Pura Vida!

The reason I gave a lower rating for safety is simply because everyone warned me not to go out alone at night and be careful during the day. As long as you move in groups and aren't completely ignorant to the fact that you're in another country (don't walk around with your ipod in your hand and your cell phone in your back pocket) you should be fine. I didn't hear of any in my program having any problems. GO on the excursions too! You won't regret it. Adelante Abroad was really helpful, they did everything in their power to make this happen for me!