San Jose & the Central Valley
San Jose is Costa Rica’s capital city and largest urban area. Located in what is called the Central Valley, San Jose is surrounded by hilly and mountainous areas. The city is composed of many different types of neighborhoods, and you’ll notice a high level of urbanization with things like large freeways, big shopping malls, chain restaurants, and shops that you would recognize from the U.S. The city sprawls out into the hills surrounding it, where there is a lot of agricultural activity, including a large coffee industry. 

Monteverde
Monteverde is part of the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica, tucked into the mountains. Much of Monteverde is part of a cloud forest, which means that it is a moist forest often covered in low-level cloud cover. There is a great deal of biological diversity in the cloud forests of Monteverde! In the 1950s, a large Quaker population moved from the U.S. to Monteverde, driven by their pacifist beliefs. The Quakers transformed much of Monteverde into farmland and eventually to conservation. You can still see remnants of the Quaker culture in the Monteverde area, such as dairy farms. 

Central Pacific Coast
Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast stretches from Puntarenas to just south of Manuel Antonio National Park, an area is famous for its beaches. There has been a boom in development on the Central Pacific Coast over the past decades, so you can find everything from pristine nature to arguably over-developed towns and urban areas.  

Arenal Region
Arenal is an active volcano whose most recent eruption was in 2010! The area surrounding Arenal’s iconic peak has contains a beautiful lake, rainforests, waterfalls, and a lot of flora and fauna to appreciate. This area also has natural hot springs that are a big draw for travelers. 

Costa Rica is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean; it is a country defined both by its tropical beaches and its stunning mountainous and rainforest regions. Costa Rica was a Spanish colony until 1821, when it gained its independence. Costa Rica is one of the only countries in the world that is grounded in pacifist beliefs and has no military. 

Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons—wet and dry. The wet season begins in May and lasts through November. During the wet season, it will rain every day, which can be anything from a light rain to a downpour. The dry season begins in December and lasts through April. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year but may vary according to region. 

Costa Rican food is flavorful but not spicy. Typical dishes include rice and beans, plantains, spaghetti, vegetables, beef, chicken, pork, and fresh fruit. Fresh fruit juices will often be served with meals, as well as water. Water is chlorinated throughout the country and safe to drink in most places, so travelers should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the tour. Your Tour Director will let you know if there is somewhere where water is unsafe to drink. Some people may choose to use bottled water, which is available for purchase everywhere for $1-2. 

Costa Rica’s currency is the colon; however, U.S. dollars are accepted throughout Costa Rica, so you do not need to change money. Note that exchange rates may vary from shop to shop and you will likely receive change in colones. 

Costa Rican Spanish has a lot of slang words and phrases that you might learn while you’re there! One phrase you’ll definitely hear a lot is “pura vida,” which means “pure life.” It’s used as a way to celebrate life and gratitude. You’ll hear it as a greeting or to say goodbye, and you’ll start to feel the “pura vida” way of life as you spend time in Costa Rica! Other words that might be useful for you are: 

• Gallo pinto – rice and beans, a staple in Costa Rican cuisine 

• Tico/Tica — rather than using the more formal “costarricense”, most people from Costa Rica refer to themselves as Ticos or Ticas. E.g. “Soy Tico” means “I’m Costa Rican” 

• Mae – dude  

• Soda – a soda is a family-run restaurant that serves homemade and yummy food that won’t break the bank 

• Tuanis – slang for something that is really good 

Clothing in Costa Rica is typically laid-back and comfortable. You won’t need any clothing that is too formal while you’re there. If you are working at service projects, keep in mind that clothing tends to cover more skin than you may be used to in the U.S. Be mindful of the people around you and of any suggestions from your Tour Director on what is appropriate in each location. 

For travelers in Costa Rica, 10% tip is a good amount to keep in mind. In restaurants, you may see a service fee on the bill automatically–this is normal and means you don’t need to add an additional tip. 

Costa Rica is the most popular location for American students studying abroad in Latin America. It is a generally safe and traveler-friendly destination with a lot of openness to foreigners.  

About 8% of the Costa Rican population is Afro-Costa Rican, descended primarily from waves of Afro-Caribbean migrant workers who settled in Costa Rica. These communities primarily live on the Caribbean coast of the country. Some Black Americans have relocated to Costa Rica, finding it to be a more accepting place for them to live than the U.S. 

Costa Rica was the first Central American country to allow same-sex marriage, despite some religious and culturally conservative norms that made this quite a political feat. LGBTQ+ travelers typically find Costa Rica a welcoming place, though in more rural or conservative areas, there can still be homophobic or transphobic biases — or just a lack of awareness around these topics. 

Ziplining, hiking, hot springs, and other outdoor activities 

Popular foods including Gallo Pinto and Casado 

Costa Rican coffee, which is often brewed in a unique device called a chorreador!

The below questions are ones you can consider as you go through your program. You can think about them, journal about them, or talk about them with friends!

Consider your five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and feel. What new things have you sensed with each of these senses during your first few days in Costa Rica?

Think of a time in your first few days in Costa Rica when you felt a genuine connection with a person, a place, or a group. What did this connection feel like?

During your first few service projects, what was a challenge that you faced? How did you overcome it?

If you haven’t already, set a concrete goal for yourself to achieve over the course of your program. Take a moment to write it down in a journal or on a piece of paper that you will keep with you. Re-visit this goal during your program, and think about ways you can incorporate working towards this goal each day!

Sustaining your mental and physical health is vital while on-program. Make a list of the ways that you proactively plan to maintain both.

Historically, the Dominican Republic has been defined by colonial power struggles, U.S. military occupation, and various political coups. Today, the quest for national self-determination continues as Dominicans fight for a more equitable future for all citizens, as well as a stronger presence on the global economic stage.  

The Dominican Republic maintains rich cultural traditions that represent a mix of Afro, European, and Indigenous origins. Nearly 73% of the country’s population is racially mixed and approximately 6% of Dominicans can trace their ancestry back to the Taino, the predominant indigenous group that inhabited the Caribbean before the Spanish invasion.  

Over the past 25 years, economic growth fueled by tourism, foreign investment, free-trade, and telecommunications has substantially reduced poverty rates across the country, but disparities in access to economic opportunities and public services remain. The currency in the DR is the Dominican Peso, but US dollars are accepted in many tourist destinations.  

While the country is known for its beaches, it is actually one of the most geographically diverse parts of the Caribbean. There is so much to explore from bustling cities like Santo Domingo to the mountainous regions like Jarabacoa.  

Dominican food is downright delicious. Unique versions of traditional staples such as Mofongo, a mashed plantain dish, rice and beans, and stewed chicken can be found almost anywhere in the country. 

Check out this article for some key words and slang phrases to learn before you travel to the DR  

Hospitality and courtesy are core values of Dominican culture; helping neighbors, sharing a plate of food and hosting visitors is considered standard practice. Family is also of the utmost importance.  

Christianity is the most widely professed religion in the Dominican Republic with Catholicism being the most widely practiced religion. As a result of this demographic context, issues related to LGBTQ+ rights persist and reports of discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities are common. Be prepared with a plan for how you will access your support system and traveler resources while you are abroad in the unlikely event you witness or experience an adverse event.   

Snorkeling, Surfing, and other ocean activities

Santo Domingo Colonial Zone

Bachata dancing

Mofongo, mangu, tostones, sancocho, passion fruit juice and any other Dominican specialties you come across

The below questions are ones you can consider as you go through your program. You can think about them, journal about them, or talk about them with friends!

What is it like to go from Costa Rica to the Dominican Republic? What cultural differences do you notice?

While in a spot in nature, take a moment to close your eyes. Listen to the sounds around you. What are you hearing? What is the farthest-away sound you can hear? What is the closest?

Who is one person in the group you want to get to know better? Challenge yourself to reach out to them and get to know them better—maybe this means inviting them to hang out with you on the beach, asking them questions about their hometown as you walk through the jungle, or sitting next to them at dinner and chatting about how their day went.

What is the biggest surprise you’ve had in during your program so far?

Peru is an ecologically diverse country defined by the Andean mountain range, which runs north-south, dividing the country into three broad climatic regions: the Coast, the Andean Highlands, and the Eastern lowlands and Amazon rainforest. The Coast experiences a semi-arid, subtropical desert climate.

The mountains of Peru are at a high altitude. Many people come to Peru to experience the natural wonders of the Andes, and it is important to stay hydrated and rest when at high altitudes, especially in the first couple of days of adjustment.

Peru has over 13,000 years of vibrant cultures and civilizations long pre-dating the well known Inca Empire. Archaeological remains such as Machu Picchu and many more large and small are ubiquitous throughout the Andes.

Today Peru’s population is about 32 million, with a diverse population that self-identifies as mestizo (~60%), Quechua (~23%), Aymara (~3%), Amazonian (~2%), Black/Mulatto (~2%), white (~5%), and other (~7%).

While Spanish is the official languages, many Indigenous languages are widely used in different parts of the country, particularly Quechua.

It’s helpful to know a few key phrases in Spanish in Peru, where English is not widely spoken.

• Buenos días — good day or good morning (used until midday)

• Buenas tardes — good afternoon or good evening (used from midday until nighttime)

• Buenas noches — good night (used at night as a greeting and as a way of saying goodbye)

• You can also use “buenas” by itself at any time as a greeting (after 12pm this is acceptable)! This solves a lot of uncertainties.

• ¿Cómo estás? – How are you? (you can use this formally, just drop the “s” from the end of estás: “¿Cómo está?“)

• ¿Como va? – How’s it going?

• ¿Qué tal? – What’s up? Or How are you? (¿Qué tal? Can also be used to ask how something was or went, like “How was it?”)

• Adios means “goodbye”, but the more informal “chau” is also widely used

Norms around personal space are different in Peru than they are in the US. Typically Peruvians will stand much closer to each other than Americans when having a conversation.

In terms of clothing, in the more traditional, indigenous regions of Peru, you should dress conservatively, long (knee high) shorts or pants and tee shirt or long sleeved shirt. Also, practicality here is important, the sun is extremely strong so generally people try to protect themselves from it. You should follow their lead.

Some of the best regional dishes to eat include:

• Ceviche – there are many variations on ceviche, and trying ceviche in Peru is a must for any seafood lover

• Lomo Saltado – a tasty meat stir fry dish

• Ají de Gallina – this is a delicious chicken stew made with, ají, mild yellow peppers, which are dried and ground to made a beautiful deep yellow color.

• Alfajores – yummy cookies with a caramel center

• Maca – traditional hot beverage drunk instead of (or in addition to) coffee.

Some of the most unique sights and activities in Peru include:

• Machu Picchu (of course!)

• Other archaeological sites including Pisac, Maras Salt Pools, Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman fortress

• Pablo Seminario ceramics workshop — a world renowned ceramicist who has been working with EF for many years

• Pisac Market – the largest open-air artisan market in Peru

• Cusco Planetarium – take in the stars from the Incan perspective and learn about the ancient sky

• Lots of smaller museums, like the Choco Museo (Chocolate Museum!) in almost every city

• The Malecon in Lima is a wonderful foot path through exercise parks and sculptures overlooking the Pacific Ocean

The below questions are ones you can consider as you go through your program. You can think about them, journal about them, or talk about them with friends!

By this point in the program, you have probably had at least one moment where you’ve felt frustrated, confused, or annoyed. How did you deal with this moment? What worked, and what didn’t work? What will you do next time you face a difficult moment on-program?

How has your group dynamic changed between the beginning of the program and now? What moments have helped the group bond and grow?

What is one thing you learned about Peruvian culture? What surprised you?

You have a whole network to support you during your program. Have you connected with your EF Gap Year Advisor yet? Shoot them a text to let them know how you’re doing—whether everything is awesome or you’re struggling with something, they are there to cheer you on and support you!

You’ve probably tried some new foods and flavors during your time on the road. What is the best bite of food you’ve eaten during your trip so far?

During your free time, how are you making time to rest and recharge? Check-in with yourself and make sure you are getting enough time to recuperate physically and emotionally after each long day.

Quito

Baños 

Tena 

The Galapagos Islands 

Ecuador was once populated by Indigenous groups that were incorporated into the Inca Empire in the 15th century. The Spanish colonized it during the 16th century. Spanish is the official language, though Kichwa is also recognized. The Kichwa influence on language and culture can be seen throughout the country.

The geography of the country varies and is divided into 4 main geographic regions: La Costa (“the coast”), La Sierra (“the highlands”), La Amazonía (“the Amazon”) and La Región Insular, the region that comprises the Galapagos Islands. Each region has a distinct geography and climate.

Ecuador is one of just seventeen megadiverse countries in the world. You’ll see a lot of this biodiversity while you’re there!

In some places, a 10% service charge will automatically be added to your bill. Cheaper restaurants don’t necessarily expect a tip, but a small tip or rounding up is very welcome. 

It’s a good idea to carry toilet paper with you as you travel around the country, as sometimes toilet paper is not available or only available for a fee in the public bathrooms. 

The altitude in Quito and other mountainous areas can be challenging. Make sure to drink lots of water, get rest, and watch your alcohol intake, especially during the first few days at altitude.

In the Galapagos, you’ll frequently be on boats that travel back and forth between the islands. It’s a great idea to bring some anti-nausea medication (like Dramamine) if you’re at all predisposed to motion sickness.

Try all the food! Ceviche is a must-try for any seafood lover, and llapingachos – potato patties stuffed with cheese — is a true delight. Guinea pig (known locally as cuy) is a delicacy and something more adventurous eaters might enjoy trying.

Snorkeling in the Galapagos is incredible. Don’t pass up any opportunity to throw on your snorkel and jump in the water. You never know what amazing wildlife you might spot – from rays and sea turtles to marine iguanas and sharks.

The below questions are ones you can consider as you go through your program. You can think about them, journal about them, or talk about them with friends!

By this part of the program, you have done some physically demanding activities, like kayaking and hiking. How does your body feel after you complete these activities? How do your mind and emotions feel?

What is one thing you learned in the Galapagos about sustainability that you want to take back home with you?

What is one thing you learned on program that you want to share with your friends/family when you return home? This could be something you learned about the places you visited or sustainability, but it could also be something you learned about yourself.

Think back to one of your happiest moments on program. What was it that made this moment so special? Think about the environment you were in, the activities you were doing, and the people you were with. How can you bring more moments like that into your life?

What was a moment on program where you pushed yourself outside your comfort zone? Maybe this was trying a new food, doing an activity you weren’t sure if you could do, or pushing yourself to connect with new people. How has your comfort zone perhaps expanded while you’ve been on the road?

Travel provides incredible opportunities to learn about yourself, the world, and yourself in the world. But travel is also a deeply emotional experience that can bring different challenges to every individual based on the identities they hold and experiences they’ve had.

This resource is intended to help you think about how your intersecting identities can, and will, shape your experience as an EF student. Take some time to review our Social Identity Resources to hear different perspectives, learn about identity-specific resources, and prepare with helpful tips before you go abroad.

As you go through this program, you’ll learn a lot about yourself and what you are capable of. You will face challenges you’ve never faced before, and you’ll learn how to overcome these challenges in your own unique ways. Here are some questions to consider before, during, and after you go through the program:

• What goals do I have for my own personal development? What tangible steps do I want to take to achieve them?

• Who is my support group — on program or at home — who I know will always cheer me on to succeed?

• What things am I doing get outside my comfort zone? And how is my comfort zone expanding as I try new things?

• What parts of the program are particularly challenging for me? Why are they challenging for me?

• What is one thing I’ve done so far on this program that I never imagined I could do?

• How do I communicate with others around me about my needs and boundaries?

• What strategies do I use to cope with stress?

As you travel throughout Europe, you are going to see other cultures, societies, environments, histories, economies, geographies, languages, and peoples that you’ve never seen before. These experiences can propel you to better understand who you are in the world and what you want your life to look like — whether that be figuring out your certain career path, understanding what type of urban environment you want to live in, or gaining a better connection to a certain period in history. These questions can help you think through some of the places you will visit, and they are great ones to discuss with a friend or a small group.

Iceland:

• What can you learn from Iceland’s approach to sustainability — both in your personal life and in the way other countries deal with issues of sustainability?

• What is unique about Iceland’s approach to fisheries and aquaculture? What did you learn about this industry?

• What is your relationship with colder, Northern climates? Could you see yourself living in an environment like Iceland?

• How was spending free time in Reykjavik? What did you like about the city, and what did you not like so much?

London:

• During the business challenge at Hult, what did you learn about your own abilities to work with a team to solve a challenge? Do you think the business world is for you?

• How did you spend your free time in London? What types of activities do you gravitate towards when you have that freedom?

• What did you learn about the history of medicine? Is that a career path that you would be interested in pursuing?

France:

• Paris is a city that lives large in the cultural consciousness of Americans. How did Paris differ from what you expected?

• What inspiration did you get from understanding the art, architecture, and fashion of Paris?

• What did you learn about World War II history as you went to Normandy? How does that history continue to impact us today?

Germany & Switzerland:

• After visiting an innovative business, how are you thinking about the role of technology in the world? Has your view been impacted by your experiences on program?

• Berlin is a major hub for expats in a growing start-up sector.  Would you like to live as an expat in a city like Berlin? Why or why not?

• What emotions did your visit to Dachau bring up? How can a better understanding of historical tragedies help the world not repeat the same mistakes?

• What differences do you notice between Berlin and Munich — and between Germany and Switzerland?

Italy:

• What are your reflections on the fashion industry in Milan after being there yourself? Was there anything that inspired you to look more into this field?

• What did you learn about the way goods like parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar are produced? How will you think differently about these items next time you see them in a grocery store in the US? What goes into creating a successful global brand, as Parma has done with parmesan cheese?

• It is easy to think of ancient history as something far removed from modern life. Yet the Colosseum — and other remnants of ancient Rome — are part of the cityscape of modern day Rome. What is it like to be in a city where this history is so present? How do the ancient and modern fit together?

Travel provides incredible opportunities to learn about yourself, the world, and yourself in the world. But travel is also a deeply emotional experience that can bring different challenges to every individual based on the identities they hold and experiences they’ve had.

This resource is intended to help you think about how your intersecting identities can, and will, shape your experience as an EF student. Take some time to review our Social Identity Resources to hear different perspectives, learn about identity-specific resources, and prepare with helpful tips before you go abroad.