Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape
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Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.
I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.
You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.
You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.
If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.
Hope this clears things up!
IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.
I'm desiring to know about the language of the area; is it best to take Spanish classes before I visit? I've taken classes in the past and just need to brush up but am not currently fluent and I don't want to be disrespectful. I'm aware many areas in Costa Rica also understand English. What about this area? Thank you!
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Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape
[vimeo url=https://vimeo.com/1066950885]
John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!
Resources
March issue storyHow can we get in touch directly with John Michael Arthur? We have some time sensitive things going on and would like to speak as soon as possible. Harriett Porter (980-) 451-5085; Kristen Witte (704) 609-6984.
We are both currently located in
charlotte but know each other from our intense professional lives in Minnesota. -
I'm desiring to know about the language of the area; is it best to take Spanish classes before I visit? I've taken classes in the past and just need to brush up but am not currently fluent and I don't want to be disrespectful. I'm aware many areas in Costa Rica also understand English. What about this area? Thank you! (I applogize for the repeat question; wasn't sure of where to post it)
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Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.
I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.
You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.
You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.
If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.
Hope this clears things up!
IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.
Thank you for this interview - it was great to hear John's perspective on this area of Costa Rica. Where would I find info or a link to the airbnb's mentioned, owned by John & his husband? We have been to Costa Rica a few times, but have never stayed in this area & may want to explore it for a potential retirement location. Thanks again! Julie & Jeff
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How are the internet connections inthe Central Valley?
Hi! I live near Tamarindo in Guanacaste and my internet is great. I am up over 400 mbps download and 20 mbps upload speed regularly. I used to h ave 2 connections, yet now I ony use my cell phone as backup when needed.
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HI everyone, Bekah Bottone here. Although I live in Guanacaste now, I spent years in San Pedro and also in Tres Rios, in the Central Valley. I loved my time living in those places -- walking all over the place and using public transportation.... yet also living in the mountains and enjoying nature too.
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Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.
I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.
You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.
You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.
If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.
Hope this clears things up!
IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.
no video player is seen at the top of this page please advise
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HI everyone, Bekah Bottone here. Although I live in Guanacaste now, I spent years in San Pedro and also in Tres Rios, in the Central Valley. I loved my time living in those places -- walking all over the place and using public transportation.... yet also living in the mountains and enjoying nature too.
IL's Costa Rica Correspondent - Bekah
I love the cooler weather and greeness of Tres Rios. -
I'm desiring to know about the language of the area; is it best to take Spanish classes before I visit? I've taken classes in the past and just need to brush up but am not currently fluent and I don't want to be disrespectful. I'm aware many areas in Costa Rica also understand English. What about this area? Thank you! (I applogize for the repeat question; wasn't sure of where to post it)
Hi. I think it is always to start Spanish lessons before moving. Tourist and beach locations speak a lot of English. In the Central Valley, you hear more Spanish for sure. Speaking Spanish allows you to connect with locals and integrate more into the culture. I love to recommend a friend of mine's classes: https://wespeakspanish-cr.com./
Focusing on conversation skills is the best way to start! -
i dont see a video player. please advise how to join.
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Living in Costa Rica sounds wonderful, and we're really looking forward to visiting and attending the International Living conference in May. The medical system sounds excellent, but for someone who does not speak Spanish, how would I navigate it?
In my opinion, speaking Spanish is needed in the public system (la Caja). Yet in most private practices, English is spoken. I mix and match the two systems. Healthcare is more affordable in Costa Rica than in the US to pay out of pocket.
I can't wait to connect in May at the conference. Come talk with me and I can share more about healthcare in CR.
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Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.
I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.
You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.
You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.
If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.
Hope this clears things up!
IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.
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Just returned from Costa Rica for vacation and exploratory trip. Had a great time. Want to see this to assess what we have missed. Waiting for 1/2 hour & nothing yet.
Where did you go in Costa Rica? What were your impressions? I would love to hear more. Did you get to watch the video of JMA?
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent -
You can find a map here- https://internationalliving.com/countries/costa-rica/climate-in-costa-rica/
I can't add an image here, but this article has agood map. Orosi Valley is in Cartago.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent -
Is there any advantage to being in one providence than another (San Jose v Cartago)?
Hi. In my opinion, Cartago is more rural with more nature. I love Tierra Blanca going up to Volcan Irazu. And Cartago is less crowded/busy.
I would say Cartago is starting to come more on the radar and a good place to check out.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent -
Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape
[vimeo url=https://vimeo.com/1066950885]
John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!
Resources
March issue story -
How is cell/internet service in Cartago?
When I lived in Tres Rios years ago, I worked online and didn't have many issues. And the internet has only improved over the last years.
In Guanacaste, which is more rural, I have fast, reliable internet and phone service. I get some dead zones on my cell but it works perfectly at my house and in most places.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent -
There are many private schools around the country and public schools are availabe for fluent Spanish speakers. It all depends on where the region you are looking at. Share what areas you are interested in and I can give you my recommendations.
I wrote this article and it can give you a bit of an overview, yet with a focus in Guanacaste.
https://internationalliving.com/playa-tamarindo-a-place-where-families-thrive/-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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Did you end up accessing the video? Let me know if you have any questions.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent -
LENPAUR said:
Hi. I clicked the link in the email but I do not see a video player.
Cheers
Len & PatSame here
Did you end up accessing the video? Let me know if you have any questions.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent