PERSONAL SPACE: Personal body space in Latin America may be quite different from what you are used to. It is not uncommon for a Latin American to stand very close to the person with whom he/she is talking.

PERSONAL SECURITY: Money is best carried in a "money safe" (a billfold that fits inside your pants) which can be purchased from the guard Pedro.  A fanny pack (a type of hip belt for those of you from Europe) or securely held purse are the next best options, but not as secure.

CHURCH: The form of the service depends on the church but some cultural differences do exist. For example, it is not uncommon for the service to begin late. Also, if a member of the church brings a non-Christian friend to the service, many times he will introduce him as a friend who is not a believer and who needs prayer.

CHILDREN AND DISCIPLINE: It is uncommon for Latin Americans to discipline their children in public. The supervision of children is more relaxed than in North America. It is very common for children to be present with their parents in a church service whereas, often, North Americans take their children to a nursery or a children's class. If guests are present in the home, usually children play in another room or outside so they do not disturb the adults.

SINGLE ADULTS: In North America, it is acceptable for a young adult to leave home and go to college or live somewhere other than his/her parent's home. In Latin America, it is unusual for a single adult not to live at home. Single adults are accountable to their families. This includes single students (particularly women) who live in Tico homes.

TIME AND MONEY: In Latin America, there is no hurry. One should keep a positive attitude and wait for success with patience, whether learning a language or waiting for a bus. The North American is punctual. The Latin American is punctual for work but is more flexible with time. Take a magazine(s) or book(s) if you are going to the doctor, a bank, or anything to do with the government.

The Latin American spends much time maintaining and protecting personal property. For instance, it is impolite to slam a taxi door. Closing it carefully avoids damage to the door.

Learning a language is a process, not something that occurs rapidly. You will see that the language and the culture are very closely related. If immediate success is desired, this can cause some tension in the classroom. The Latin American works in an easy going, calm manner. The assimilation of this aspect of the culture can be helpful in learning Spanish.