Diversity Climate Notes

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WELCOME TO COSTA RIC A

The Diversity Network’s Country Diversity Notes provide readily accessible summaries of country- specific information on potential challenges for students who are from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs. The notes were created to facilitate the ability of study abroad professionals to find a good country fit for prospective study abroad students who are uncertain of how they will be received abroad because of their race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion or disability.

The Costa Rica diversity note, below, features a country overview as well as information pertinent to the climate of respect that U.S. students of diverse backgrounds can reasonably expect while living in the country. It also offers bulleted information noting facts that may directly relate to student experiences in the country. Links for students to pursue additional information resources on the various topics are also offered.

While the note provides a bird’s-eye view of diversity matters in the country as they pertain to U.S. students, the country information found in the note is not exhaustive. Advisors should use the information contained below in collaboration with faculty and staff who have experience in the particular country, returned study abroad students who are able and feel comfortable to discuss their own observations of diversity in the country, and the advisor’s own knowledge.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Attracted by its biodiversity, language, culture, and relatively high level of development compared to some of its Central neighbors. More than 7,200 U.S. students studied in Costa Rica during the 2010-2011 academic year, a 15.5% increase from the previous year. Costa Rica is and has for been a stable American , free of the military dictatorships and civil strife that afflicted much of the region over those years.

The lack of tumult allowed the country to prosper relative to many of its peers, which enabled its natural beauty and ecological bounty to translate into a thriving tourist industry. The large number of tourists from and around the globe every year to the small country result in a populace that is, on average, accustomed to foreign visitors, especially in the capital and along its Pacific and coasts.

In San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, attitudes towards foreigners, racial minorities, women, gays and lesbians, are generally progressive. With regard to religion, the country is predominantly Catholic, though evangelical Christian organizations have been gaining in popularity, particularly in the countryside.

Though the country has a considerable tourist industry, in its capital as well as along its coasts and in the rainforests in between, outside of Costa Rica’s capital, residents of rural communities have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical American behavior or norms may be a misconception, such as the belief that all are rich and have hair and blue eyes.

To ease the transition and adapt to life in Costa Rica, students may need to make some temporary, yet fundamental compromises. For example, female students may not be able to exercise the independence available to them in the ; and some personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed.

*** ETHNIC MINORITIES IN C O S T A R I C A

Potential Considerations for Students of Color

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