Even if you meet people speaking some English, it will be the except in Costa Rica for some years more and if you do not know at least a little Spanish, you should not come to live here. You will need it to order or know about food in a restaurant, to call a taxi and explain the way or to rent a car. A good possibility to get the beginners knowledge are courses on cassette.
   Fortunately, Spanish is not a difficult language and many words are familiar with the English. With a little disciplin you will learn some hundred words in only a few weeks. The Spanish pronounciation is easier than the English and the alphabet is not to much different.
   Costa Rica is known as one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish. The country offers several language schools, which differ in prices and quality. Take your time choosing one of them. Decide for an institute that offers also tours through the country or one that offers only lessons. You can take 8 hours daily or only 4 hours daily. You can live with a Costarican family or in a hotel.
   We think that 8 hours a day is too much. Four hours are more reasonable for you to learn fast enough and not to be burned out at the weekends to use your new knowledge. And you have to exercise, if you are learning seriously. We recommend a school with much conversation exercises. It is much more important to be able to speak Spanish than only being able to write a correct sentence.