The following activities are often available in San José, offering opportunities for students to participate in and learn about Costa Rican culture:Visit the Costa Rican National Museum. The building which once was used as a military fortress now houses pre-columbian art and artifacts, as well as exhibits showcasing the history of Costa Rica.Enjoy the performing arts at the city's elegant Teatro Nacional. The theater is considered one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings in Costa Rica. Acts ranging from the Costa Rican National Symphonic Orchestra to Chinese acrobats can be seen here.San José offers various art and culture festivals in which students can take part. One such festival is the International Arts Festival, which is held in San José on even numbered years. This festival features works from all over the world with a focus on Latin American artists. Other festivals are more religious- and history-based. These festivals are held all over the country and are celebrated throughout the year.Twirl and swivel your hips to the exotic sounds of salsa, cumbia, and merengue at one of the Latin dance clubs in San José. Not ready to show off your skills yet? Arrange to take a class at one of San José's dance studios.One thing nobody should miss when in San José is a soccer game at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in the Tibas neighborhood. The Saprissa soccer team is one of the most popular teams in all of Costa Rica.

HOW TO MEET TICOS AND PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH
Costa Ricans are warm and friendly people. Your families will adopt you and treat you as their own. They are flattered that you’ve chosen to learn their language and experience their culture, and that you are living in their country and and in their home. Nonetheless, you should try to be courteous and respectful. Here are some tips:

• When you enter your family’s house, a classroom, store, office, post office, bank, anywhere, make eye contact with the person you will be talking to and greet everyone with a simple “buenas”. Although this sounds simple enough, it goes a long way and is gravely noted if lacking. The common greeting is one kiss on the right cheek (male to female, female to female). At first it will feel awkward, but you will get used to it and even begin to wonder why Americans don’t greet each other this way. Ticos also kiss one another on the cheek when saying goodbye.

• Costa Ricans usually use the formal “Usted” when speaking to each other. The informal “tu” is not used as much in Costa Rica. Rather, for informal situations Ticos use “vos”, the same as in Argentina (not to be confused with “vosotros” which is used only in Spain!). Be sure to address others appropriately based on how you are spoken to. You may find it easiest to just use “Usted.”

• Make sure to say “por favor” and “gracias” and wish everyone a “buen día” or “buenas noches” when departing.

• When trying to get by someone or if someone is in your way, politely say “permiso.”

• While on the bus, give up your seat to elderly or pregnant women. This behavior is expected.

• Try to frequent the same places: the neighborhood post office, newspaper stand, book store, etc. and establish a rapport with the people working there. Your conversations that begin with only hello and good-bye will transform into real conversations about the weather, last night’s soccer game, or politics. This is an excellent way of practicing your Spanish and making new friends.

• Taxi drivers are also a great source of information in the city. When driving around, ask what certain buildings are, about the history of Costa Rica, and any other stories they may know. You will get to practice your Spanish, learn about the city and the country, and eliminate the awkward silence. It also makes you appear more aware and may cut down on the attempts to overcharge naïve Americans.

• Do not assume someone speaks English. Try to speak Spanish all of the time (regardless of your level) to everyone. Costa Ricans will appreciate your tenacity and, after all, you’re in Costa Rica to speak Spanish.

• Do not speak English loudly in closed quiet places. Nothing contributes more to the image of the ugly American.

• When shopping, do not ask store clerks how much an item costs in U.S. dollars.