I have decided to study abroad in Costa Rica this next fall. The problem: To live in Heredia or Puntarenas.
I will be a sophomore from Michigan Tech, with a major or Environmental Engineering and a minor of ecology. I will be there for only one semester and with no prier Spanish. I was first drawn to Puntarenas because of the beach seen. After reading some other blogs and researching I am now leaning towards Heredia. My goal is to have the best experience possible and I know that these places are very different
(I enjoy nightlife, soccer, art, hiking, and the beach. )
(I will be taking a tropical ecology course, conservation biology, elementary Spanish 1, a dance class and another general distribution class which I have not chosen at this point)
Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated
Reply to this Personally, I would look towards Heredia/Alajuala. There you will have access to everything including weekend trips to the beach, La Selva or other area via bus.
As you look at different beach options, you may want to look into areas such as Manuel Antonio (check out recent news, however as they have some work to do). Ocotal (in Guanacaste), Montezuma - these beach are MUCH better than Puntarenas and many offer national parks near by that are beautiful (you can see some pics on our site).
Check out our site for more ideas
Reply to this I passed through Puntarenas on my way to Malpais/Santa Theresa... Lots of barb wire, lots of sketchy scenes, didn't seem very friendly, there is a prison in the vicinity... Was like driving thru Compton. There may be more to the town but it certainly doesn't seem so... I would stay away from there at all costs and hit the other destination!
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