 |
|
|
|
|
| COSTA RICA |
|
Costa Rica means the "Rich Coast" and it was so named by the Spanish for its wealth of natural resources. Today the country is renowned for its protection of its rainforests and its abolition of the army in 1948. Costa Rican traditions and culture tend to retain a strong degree of Spanish influence. Costa Ricans are very friendly, helpful, laid back, unhurried, educated and environmentally aware people. The phrase 'Pura Vida" (literally "Pure Life") is a ubiquitous motto in Costa Rica. It encapsulates the pervading ideology of living in peace in a calm, unclustered manner, appreciating a life surrounded by nature and family and friends.
Although there are claims that Costa Rica has had more than 115 years of uninterrupted democracy, their presidential election history shows otherwise. Nonetheless, the country has had at least fifty-nine years of uninterrupted democracy, which is by far the longest in Latin America. It is one of the most stable countries in Latin America.
Despite being a Caribbean paradise, Costa Rica continues to face challenges to its development with work to be done yet in rural communities in education, health, gender, infrastructure and environmental protection. Secondary school dropout amongst rural youth continues to be a key challenge. YCI has been working with local partner Reto Juvenil Internacional for 16 years on implementing programs geared towards youth skills development, young women’s empowerment, local ecotourism including National Parks trails building and contruction projects to meet basic community needs like access to clean drinking water.
While on the project, you might be located in Costa Rica's famous rainforests. You'll be required to learn Spanish through direct immersion - sink or swim! And of course there is always time for a little salsa dancing at a traditional Costa Rican fiesta.
| HDI: |
|
48/177 |
| Population: |
|
4.3 million |
| Life Expectancy: |
|
78.1 |
| Infant mortality: |
|
11 |
| Youth Literacy Rate: |
|
97.6% |
| HIV prevalence:
(ages 15-49) |
|
0.3% |
Population living below
the
national
poverty line: |
|
22% |
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
Program Overview
