NOV20
All country briefings

North America · Country briefing

Costa Rica

A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November — capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.

Briefing being written. The capital, map, languages and time-zone are right. We’re still hand-writing the rich cultural sections — highlights, native animals, food, music, sport and festivals — country by country. Costa Rica is on the list.
  • Capital
    San José
  • Population
    ~5.3 million
  • Time zone
    America/Costa Rica (UTC -6)
  • Currency
    Costa Rican colón (CRC)
Costa Rica, with San José marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.

San José, the capital of Costa Rica

The capital

San José

Photo · Wikimedia Commons

School life

In a Costa Rica classroom

Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.

Greetings to learn

Say hello like a local

  • Hello!
    Spanish

Five questions to ask

Conversation starters

  1. 01What does your school day look like?
  2. 02What do you eat at lunch?
  3. 03What games do you play at break?
  4. 04What's the weather like today?
  5. 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?

What not to assume

Friendly cautions

  • ℹCosta Rica has many regions and communities — there is no single experience.
  • ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Reflection prompts
  • “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
  • “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”

Could your class meet Costa Rica?

Choose Costa Ricawhen you register — we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.

Register your classroom