Diversity & Inclusion
Excited for your trip to Costa Rica? We are too! Traveling overseas, especially for the first time, is an exciting experience. However, as an international college student, it's important to remember that you are a representative of your home country. To counter negative stereotypes, it's crucial to exhibit kindness, respect, and consideration towards others. Also, show that you are environmentally conscious and knowledgeable about other cultures. Be open-minded, learn about the local culture, and make an effort to adapt to the local lifestyle. Finally, be conscious of your behavior and treat everyone with respect. By doing so, you can challenge and break down negative stereotypes and make a positive impact.
Racially and Ethnically Diverse Students
Underrepresented students in higher education in the US may face similar challenges while studying or interning abroad. You may come into contact with people who are curious about you or your home country and may approach you with preexisting notions or ideas about you and where you are from that may stem from known stereotypes. This often may come from a place of curiosity and wanting to know more about you and your home. It is important to keep in mind that while you may be classified by your ethnicity in the US, abroad you may be initially identified as an American or something else entirely.
Although Costa Rica has a rather small population, you can find a lot of diversity. For example, there are many immigrants from Europe, North America, Asia and South America throughout the country, but also plenty of Nicaraguan immigrants and on the Caribbean side you’ll find many Afro-Caribbeans from Jamaica. There are also a few indigenous tribes in Costa Rica, including the Bri Bri, Boruka, Maleku and Matambú.
The ancestry of most Costa Ricans stems back thousands of years. A small portion of Costa Ricans can trace ancestry from Pre-Columbian Amerindian or Indigenous peoples and an even smaller percentage of African ancestry. The majority of the Costa Rican Population comes from Europe since it was a Spanish colony for a long time. 83.6% of the Ticos are white or mestizo, 6.7% mixed race, 2.4% Native American and 1.1% black or Afro-Caribbean. This makes Costa Rica one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Central America. After Costa Rica became independent, a lot of wealthy businessman came to the country which lead to a mix of the population, especially in the high classes. The majority of European descendants live in the Central Valley where 70% of the whole population is located. On the other hand, most Costa Ricans of Afro-Caribbean heritage reside on the Caribbean coast. About 100,000 people in Costa Rica are Native American or indigenous inhabitants who mostly live in secluded areas throughout Costa Rica.
Linguistic Diversity
The primary and official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. That said you will hear some different dialects of Spanish, including Spanish from Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Spain, and Mexico. Spanish in Costa Rica is unique to the area. It has unique sayings and phrases. For example Pura Vida (Pure Life) and Tuanis (Cool or laidback). Many black people, especially on the Caribbean coast, speak Patois, a traditional Jamaican dialect of English. About 10 percent of the population speak English as a second language. Other languages you might hear are German, Chinese, French, Italian or Portuguese.
To find more resources for Minority and Students of Color Abroad, check out Diversity Abroad's articles and student blogs.
LGBTQIA+ in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has emerged as a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ rights within Central America. In 2020, the country legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the first nation in the region to do so. This landmark decision reflects Costa Rica’s commitment to equality and has positioned it as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights. Additionally, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is expressly prohibited by law, ensuring the protection and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Ways To Get Involved
Religious Diversity
The official religion of Costa Rica is Catholic. You will see it in the traditions and definitely on holidays as many locals flood the streets for Holy Week or Easter. Roughly 70 percent of the Costa Rican communities are Roman Catholic. Most Costa Rican cultures are based on Catholicism. Other religions include Evangelical Protestants and Jehovah’s Witnesses. About 10 percent of the population identifies themselves with another religion or is non-religious.
Additional Resources:
Congregacion Bnei Israel
800 metros al sur de Pops Sabana Sur San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
+506 2231 5243
Masjid Omar and Islamic Center of Costa Rica
XW3M+2FJ, Progreso, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
+506 7175 4081
Accessibility
At our program, we believe that every student should have equal access to study abroad opportunities, and many students with various disabilities have had successful and meaningful experiences in the past.
While Costa Rica has some accessible transportation and resources, you may still face challenges if you have a disability. Keep in mind that many cities' older architecture can result in smaller apartments and elevators and uneven streets and sidewalks, which may be particularly challenging for students with mobility difficulties. However, do not let these challenges discourage you from pursuing your study abroad dream. With a little extra patience, you can still have the experience you desire.
Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience
Maximizing your study abroad experience starts before you even leave. It's important to be open and honest with our advisors and staff about any specific needs you may have. This can include accommodations in the classroom, transportation, meals, support, housing, and more. By sharing this information with us ahead of time, we can work to ensure that the program is tailored to meet your individual needs.
Check out abroadwithdisabilities.org for helpful tips on preparing for your trip and consider applying for a Passport Scholarship.
Resources