Hi! I’m Samantha just in case you are new here. I’m a mid 20’s Asian-American who moved to Costa Rica in August 2012. I went from rainy Seattle weather to crazy hot Guanacaste to be with Yeison, who is a Costa Rican I met in Nicaragua (you can read our story here). I never imagined myself living in this small country in Central America but it’s funny how life works, you really never know what will happen or where you will end up!
I’ve definitely learned a ton since I’ve moved here and it’s been a life changing experience, I’ve certainly had some interesting and awesome adventures. It’s been one hell of a ride so far!
If you’re thinking about doing the same and moving to live the pura vida lifestyle, here are some articles I’ve written about my expat life you might enjoy. Hopefully they’ll give you some inspiration to make the big move as well!
Here are the articles I’ve written so far about living in Costa Rica. Most of these articles were written in the first two years of my move when we lived in Playas del Coco (we no longer live there). I haven’t written too much since then since we focus more on traveling in Costa Rica but hopefully some of these stories will be interesting and entertaining for you if you’re considering making the big move as well.
Expat life in Costa Rica
Guide to digital nomad life in Costa Rica
Things I had to get used to living in Costa Rica
What I wish I knew before moving to Costa Rica
What surprised me about living in Costa Rica
You know someone’s been living in Costa Rica for awhile when…
Living in Costa Rica for $2000 a month
Misc Stories
What it’s really like to live in Jaco
Cultural differences in our relationship (Costa Rican & Asian-American)
The day I met the president of Costa Rica
Kayla says
Hi, I am an American college student and I love your reading your blog. I have used it to help prepare myself for my first trip to Costa Rica last year. I instantly fell in love with CR and have been back two more times since my first trip. I have also decided that I want to attend a university there to further my career in healthcare. Do you know of any universities that have English instruction? Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Kayla, I am not sure if there are universities in English and if it’s like a masters or professional school, they will be in Spanish. I know many of the school participate in foreign exchange programs, UCR is one of them: http://oaice.ucr.ac.cr/en/information-about-the-ucr.html And in Costa Rica, public universities are actually better than private but private universities may have English options.
Lesley Allec says
Your blog is awesome, I came across it yesterday as i prepare for my new expat experience in Costa Rica, reading your posts made me even more excited to be there next month, when my husband and my three year old son make our way down there.
Keep being you 🙂 – wonderful post and very encouraging.
Much love!
Sincerely
Lesley A
Sammi says
Hi Lesley, thanks for reading and for the kind words. Good luck with your move to CR!
Farrin says
Love your blog, so much good information!!! thanks for sharing
Sammi says
Thanks!
Cameo says
So glad to have found this blog! I’m studying abroad in Costa Rica this August for 4 months and this is great info to know. Thanks for sharing. 😀
-Cameo
Sammi says
Glad to see you here Cameo! 🙂
Nancy herbst says
I am looking for an expat community somewhere in Cectral or SA which is on or near a beach, can take classes and perhaps volunteer. I am a retired NYC teacher. I would like to. Be part of the local and expat community. I have enjoyed San Miguel in Mexico but there are no beaches. Any ideas?
Sammi says
Hi Nancy!
If you are interested in Costa Rica, you can check out the expats in Costa Rica facebook group for more information and to connect with other like-minded people.