Read this before travelling to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a haven for those who enjoy hiking in the jungle and mountains. It rains a lot and the trails can quickly become muddy, so walking for hours in slippery sneakers is not recommended (and definitely not in flip-flops or havaianas). Therefore, it's worth the weight to bring hiking boots from home when you pack.

A general tip when you're going to swim in the sea in Costa Rica is to shuffle your feet along the bottom as you walk into the water. This is because there might be stingrays in the water, and the shuffling alerts them so they swim away.

These rays are considered harmless unless you step on one. The sting from the sharp spine the ray has on its tail is indeed poisonous, and if you get stung it's going to hurt a lot.

Stingrays live in tropical areas and can also be found off the coasts of Australia, where the famous TV presenter Steve Irwin died after being pierced in the chest.

The rainforest in Costa Rica naturally experiences a lot of rain. In several places along the coast, it is normal for there to be some rain every single day, while in other places it rains the most during the rainy season.

During the rainy season, the sky can provide rain for hours every day (that's why it's nice to get up at five o'clock and be in the sun until it clouds over midday). Therefore, bringing a raincoat is important.

An umbrella will also make your life easier, but often it's so warm that it doesn't really matter to get soaking wet either. If it's too hot to wear a clammy raincoat, having a rain poncho might be nice so that the air can circulate better.

Costa Rica is known to be expensive compared to its neighboring countries. Although it is cheaper than in Norway, visiting national parks and engaging in tourist attractions does cost.

That's why it's good to save up money before you go, and do research so you know which trips you want to prioritize, because this country offers so much that you absolutely won't have the time (or the funds) to do everything in one semester.

The positive aspect is that the distances are short and you can easily get around. When dining out at a restaurant, the dish “gallo pinto” with rice and beans is always affordable and really tasty, so you get a lot of healthy food for your money.

To become proficient in Spanish you need to practice, practice, practice.

“Ticos”, or Costa Ricans, are super friendly and often have time for a chat. They are known for being warm and welcoming, so don't hesitate to ask questions.

People in Costa Rica highly value family, friends, and neighbors, and Costa Rica has repeatedly topped the lists of the happiest countries to live in!