***It is your responsibility to learn about the culture you will be ministering to.. You will be tested on this information when you get here.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PEOPLE:WARM, FRIENDLY, NON-CONFRONTIVE, PROUD, VERY ENGAGING, RELATIONAL, PACIFISTS.

Costa Ricans are very patriotic and take pride in being the only country in the world that does not have an army.. It was abolished in 1948.. Their government is a democracy.

In the early days before roads were paved and accessible, it took an exaggerated amount of time for farmers with oxcarts to bring their goods to market in the city.. Costa Ricans claim this to be the reason that they live in a traditional “Tico Time” zone.. Events normally do not begin on time and it is not unusual for people to arrive anywhere from 1/2 an hour to 3 hours late to engagements.. Even though Costa Rica is a very modern and westernized country, the people enjoy a more temperate, relaxed pace of life.In other words, “Don’t rush things!”

Because people are in no hurry, it is very important to take the time and interact with the Costa Ricans that you meet.. Conversation is not a hit and miss opportunity for Costa Ricans, but a genuine pastime.. When dialoging with Costa Ricans don’t be offended by how close they stand next to you.. Our North American sense of personal space does not exist here.. Much of the time even when waiting in line you might feel someone “breathing over your shoulder”.

The family unit is the center of Costa Rican society.. In the United States when a teenager goes to college he leaves the coop and begins a life of independence.. This is not the custom in Costa Rica.. Children generally live with their parents and even help out with household bills up until the time that they marry.. Families are larger here and it is not uncommon for three generations to be sleeping under the same roof.. If you decide to marry a Costa Rican, keep in mind that the whole family is included in the package.

Soccer is the sport of choice in Costa Rica and its fans are as loyal to their teams as they are to their families.. You will experience soccer while you are here, whether it is in the victory shouts that disturb your sleep, or the pick-up games that are played during breaks on the worksite.

Saprissa, the name of the San Jose team (colors are purple and white and mascot is a dragon) and La Liga, the name of the Alajuela team (colors are black and red and mascot is a lion) are the two biggest rivals.

Costa Ricans are very clean people and always put their best efforts into their personal appearance and their possessions.. The cost of living here is high, but Costa Ricans will spend as much as they need, even if it means credit card debt and loans, to portray to others that they own nice things.. The women clean their houses early morning every day and they keep their ceramic floors spotless and shiny.. Costa Ricans take showers every morning and always iron their clothes. .It is not appropriate for you to wear shorts to church and it is offensive to a Costa Rican to see you walking around barefoot.

Be sure that you greet your new friends with a cheek-to-cheek kiss, (man to woman or woman to woman), or with a handshake (man to man).. This is the customary form of greeting or saying goodbye, not with a hug.Costa Ricans make a point to greet everyone in a room, even if they don’t know them.

Although Costa Ricans are very friendly and accepting toward North Americans, they have strong feelings of resentment especially toward Nicaraguans and Colombians who have migrated from their war ridden countries to Costa Rica.. Costa Ricans blame these groups for the rise in crimes and murders in the cities and complain that these groups are taking jobs away from Costa Rican citizens.. You can compare these statements to what many U.S. citizens might claim about Mexicans.)

Please be aware just like in any city in the U.S. that crime is a way of life for some people here.You will notice that houses have bars on doors and windows and are protected with guards.. Don’t be alarmed, but always be aware of your surroundings.. Travel in groups and keep your wallet in front pockets.. Don’t keep your money in one place and never pull your money out in the street to count it.It is best to carry a copy of your passport with you and leave the original in a safety box in the hotel.. Always know where your bags are even if you are in a restaurant with the group.. Never leave your bag at the table to go to the bathroom or get a refill.. Practice good street smarts!!!. If you are a victim of a crime, inform your team leader and Abraham Project Coordinator immediately.

Even though Costa Ricans are very fun loving people and enjoy bromas or jokes, please do not attempt to make a joke about them or their society.. Jokes do not translate and what you find amusing might actually offend them.. Remember that although a Costa Rican might speak English, you should never assume that they would understand your North American viewpoint or sense of humor.. Comparisons between Costa Rica and North America will make Costa Ricans seen inferior and lead to resentment.

Remember that these observations are generalizations about an entire people group and do not necessarily reflect the characterization of all individuals in the society.

The only way you truly can start to understand someone is by taking the time to learn about him.