Costa Rican SCHOOLS

Because of Costa Rica's high literacy rate and extensive education system, a higher percentage of people speak English here than in any other Latin American country. English is a required course in grade school and high school. But don't expect every Tico you meet to understand English-they forget high school English just as quickly as you forgot your high school Spanish. The fact that most Costa Ricans have at least a smattering of English makes it easier for you who are struggling with Spanish conversation. When a certain word eludes you, you simply toss in the English word and forge ahead with your discourse, knowing there's a good chance the listener will understand either the word or its context. Fluency and learning are greatly enhanced when you don't have the tension of pausing and searching your memory for the proper word. Tension is an enemy of language acquisition.

Surprisingly enough, many North Americans live in Costa Rica for years without ever learning any more words than needed to deal with the gardener or the gas station attendant. But those who do take the trouble to learn Spanish find they are highly respected by their Tico friends and neighbors. Knowing the language opens many doors that would otherwise be closed to you. Being able to communicate with anybody, instead of only those who speak English, pen-nits interaction with a whole new set of potential friends and acquaintances.

Writen by John Howels

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