In recent years, Costa Rica has nearly become synonymous with the term "eco-tourism." Its pristine rainforests are painstakingly protected, and an ever-increasing tide of people come to witness the astounding abundance of plant and animal species each year. Demonstrating an environmental sensitivity unparalleled elsewhere, Costa Ricans have set aside one quarter of their land as protected areas and national parks. Eco-tourists are rewarded with botanical and animal marvels found nowhere else on Earth. Although Costa Rica is best known as an invaluable refuge for nature, this small nation is also a haven of peace.

Costa Rica is the penultimate link in a chain of small nations that together comprise the isthmus of Central America. Along with the Caribbean and the Pacific, the country's borders are defined by Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the South. Located at the nexus of two continents and two oceans, this confluence of land and water makes the region one of mother nature's great bottlenecks. Here, geography constricts a breathtaking amount of plant and animal life within a modest area, comparable in size to Denmark or West Virginia. Within this diminutive nation is found an astonishing five percent of the world's bio diversity, including more than 800 species of ferns, 1,000 of orchids, 2,000 kinds of trees, and 200 species of mammals.

Is Costa Rica Safe?
The people throughout Costa Rica are very friendly and are always willing to help. Do however be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. Pickpockets are a menace and never let someone you do not know watch your luggage. Never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers.

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
The Costa Rican colone (C) is divided into 100 centimos. There are coins in denominations of 1,2,5,10,20,50 and 100 and notes of 50,100,500,1000,2000,5000,10,000 colones.

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Canadian citizens: Canadians traveling with a valid passport will receive a free visa at the border for visits of up to 90 days. Without a valid passport, Canadian travelers need proof of identity, along with a photograph; entry with these documents requires the purchase of a tourist card. Tourist cards are available from any Costa Rican embassy or consulate or from your airline on the day of departure.

EU citizens: A valid passport is required for stays of up to 90 days, except for nationals of France, who may stay for only 30 days. Nationals of Greece and Ireland may also stay for only 30 days, and they are required to have a tourist visa. Japanese citizens: A valid passport, good for at least six months from the date of entry, is required for stays of up to 90 days.

U.S. citizens: Citizens of the U.S. traveling with a valid passport will receive a free visa for visits of up to 90 days. Without a valid passport, U.S. citizens need proof of identity (such as an original birth certificate) along with a photograph for visits of up to 90 days; entry with these documents requires the purchase of a tourist card.

How do you get there from here?
International flights arrive at San Jose's Juan Santamar'a International Airport, (18 kilometers) from the city. Coaches, buses, and taxis are available to and from the airport. There is a departure tax of $17 USD for passengers who have stayed over 48 hours in Costa Rica.

How do I get around Costa Rica?
By Bus: Generally, if there's a road in Costa Rica, there's a bus that travels it-buses serve even the most remote towns. But in general, the farther away from San Jose you travel, the worse the roads and the fewer the local transportation options. Make reservations ahead of time, at least for major bus routes as they can get very crowded.

By Taxi: There are plenty of taxis in San Jose. You can hire them by the hour or half-day, and they are fairly cheap. Make sure that your fare is agreed upon before you get inside the taxi, and don't be afraid to bargain. San Jose taxis are usually metered; make sure that your driver turns on the meter.

What is the weather like?
Although Costa Rica lies wholly within the tropics, it possesses at least a dozen climatic zones. In general, the coastal regions are hotter than the central valley (for instance, in San Jose), where temperature average 19C (66F) in January and 21C (69F) in July. The rainy season stretches from May to November, while the dry season runs from December to April.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Electrical current in Costa Rica is 110/220 volts AC, 60 Hz. Plugs with two flat, parallel pins are standard, though you may also see three rectangular pins. Visitors from abroad who wish to operate personal small electronic items should bring a plug adapter and a transformer.

What is the best way to phone home?
The international telephone access code is 506. City and area codes do not exist. To place a direct-dialed international call from Costa Rica, dial 001 followed by the relevant country code and number; to reach an international operator, dial 116. To reach local information, dial 113.

It is also smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Costa Rica at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

What major holidays are there in Costa Rica?
Business holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Saint Joseph's Day (19 March), Holy Thursday (late March or early April; date varies), Good Friday (late March or early April; date varies), Juan Santamaria (11 April), Labor Day (1 May), Corpus Christi (early June, variable date), Annexation of Guanacaste (25 July), Our Lady of Los Angeles (2 August), Mother's Day (15 August), Independence Day (15 September), Columbus Day (12 October), Immaculate Conception (8 December), and Christmas Day (25 December).