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Costa Rica Diversity Climate Notes Costa Rica Diversity Climate Notes *** 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 American 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 decades been a stable Latin American democracy, 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 North America 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 Caribbean 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 Americans are rich and have blond 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 United States; 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 The majority of the tourists who visit Costa Rica are white. Consequently, host country nationals tend to think that all North Americans are white, and they sometimes mistake non-Caucasian students for being something other than Americans. For instance, African Americans or Hispanic Americans may be thought to be from Costa Rica or other Latin American countries. Similarly, students of Asian descent are often considered Chinese regardless of their true origin. Students of color have different reactions to this situation, depending on their level of sensitivity and their geographical location in the country. For example, a light-skinned African American can blend into Costa Rican culture without any problems and may find this to be helpful when buying goods at the market as people assume that the person is local and so not charged inflated prices. However, students with much darker skin may become frustrated by the prejudice against people with darker skin in some areas of the country. Notes: African American students may be assumed to be from the Caribbean area of the country and ascribed attributes of that subculture. African American students may be called negro (black), the local word commonly used to describe black people, whether used in a derogatory way or as a term of endearment. African American students may be one of the few minority members within the program. Students may have difficulty finding certain ethnic beauty products found in the United States. Hispanic American students may not be perceived as being North American. They may be expected to speak Spanish fluently because of a Hispanic surname. They may be considered Cubans or Mexicans and ascribed stereotypical attributes of those cultures. Costa Ricans may assume that Hispanic Americans understand the culture and language and thus expect them to interact socially with more ease. Asian American students may be identified by their cultural heritage, not by their American citizenship. Asian American students may be perceived in a certain way based on Costa Rica’s current or historical involvement with Asian countries or the increased presence of Asian businessmen in the community as bar, restaurant, and shop owners. Additional Links: Racism in Costa Rica thread On Costa Rica’s Society *** SEXUAL ORIENTATION I N COSTA RICA Potential Considerations for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender Students Homosexuality is generally considered unacceptable in Costa Rican society, so few gay, lesbian, or bisexual students choose to be open about their sexual orientation during their time in the host country. Because of local views about homosexuality, it is wise to be discreet and to know the community well before disclosing sexual orientation. The presence of homosexuals and bisexuals is certainly recognized in Costa Rica, but hardly with the same level of acceptance as in the U.S. Styles of hair and clothes, earrings on men, and certain mannerisms that are accepted in the United States may be viewed with disdain or suspicion in the community. It is likely that most Costa Rican homosexuals have migrated to larger cities. Relationships with local people can happen, but as with all cross-cultural relationships, they may not be easy. Notes: Although homosexuality is not criminal in Costa Rica, civil liberties are sometimes ignored, and students may be hassled in bars or on the street. Lesbians have to deal with constant questions about boyfriends, marriage, and sex (as do all women). Wearing an “engagement ring” may help. Gay men must deal with machismo: talk of conquests, girl watching, and dirty jokes. Additional Links: Gay and lesbian travel in Costa Rica Being gay in Costa Rica Gay Costa Rica *** PHYSICAL DISABILITY IN COSTA RICA Potential Considerations for Students with Disabilities The infrastructure in Costa Rica does not make many accommodations for people with physical disabilities. Most communities do not even have sidewalks, and very few have ramps. In addition, Costa Ricans sometimes give nicknames to people based on their physical characteristics, including disabilities, and students may experience prejudice or jokes about their disability. Depending on the disability, there may be few local resources to turn to for support. Notes: Although access is improving and there is now a law mandating equal opportunities for the disabled, there is still a long way to go – to date; few hotels and public buses are accessible by wheelchair. And since Costa Rica has many other more pressing financial problems, it is unlikely to become a priority in the near future. In San José some pavements have sloped drop-offs onto the street. Furthermore, they are often crowded, narrow and difficult to navigate due to numerous cracks and potholes. Public streets and highways are generally in poor condition, again with many potholes. Newer buildings will have wide doorways and lifts to higher floors, but despite attempts by the government to bring everywhere into line most older buildings remain inaccessible. Additional Links: Handicapped travel in Costa Rica The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality *** RELIGION IN COSTA RI CA Potential Considerations for Religious Students Costa Rica is a largely Roman Catholic country, and the church plays an important role in the political debate of the country and in the society’s moral beliefs. There is not the separation of church and state that exists in the U.S. Some Costa Ricans may not know much about or may have misconceptions about other religions. However, there are congregations of other religions in Costa Rica (e.g., Baptist, Methodist, Jewish, and Jehovah’s Witnesses). Additional Links: Centro Israelita Sionista *** WOMEN IN COSTA RICA Potential Considerations for Female Students Costa Rican society can be considered very macho. Some men hiss or make inappropriate comments to any woman (foreigner or local) who walks by, which can be frustrating. Many women deal with this issue by completely ignoring the comments; others continue to be bothered by them for their entire experience. In the workplace, it can be difficult to know when a comment is culturally acceptable and when it constitutes harassment. It is safe to say that most women never accept the catcalls and sexual harassment; rather, they develop a degree of tolerance with which they can function effectively. Other issues relate to the gender roles that exist in host families. Female students may experience discomfort at seeing females in the family having the primary responsibility for household chores (i.e., child care, cleaning, and cooking).
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