Go find out what Pura Vida means!

Though Costa Rica may not be Paris, Barcelona, or the United States that's not why you're there!!! Rainforest? Dry forest? Caribbean? Pacific? Snorkel? Bungee Jump? Zipline? Fruits for days, freshest smoothies and juices, gallo pinto and platanos -- that's why you're there.

The field trips I took through Universidad VERITAS for my electives were by far the most rewarding cultural experiences and being able to volunteer at the local orphanage. Trips I took for fun were bites of paradise.

If you want to learn Spanish and go on adventures definitely give Costa Rica a shot.

TIPS: Wear clothes you would normally wear and adventure stuff for the weekends, an umbrella if you come during rainy season, bug spray and sunblock. Leave the raincoat at home. Rain boots would come in handy for treks in the rainforest for field trips.