Find Your Fit: International School Culture and Values

Here’s a hot take: Too often, we, as a society, don’t fully address educational values. Many times, the emphasis is more on finding a school that’s close, or convenient, or has made the list of the best international American schools, the top international baccalaureate in Costa Rica, or a similar accolade. 

We’ll start by saying that, at CRIA, we believe in strong academics,...

Guanacaste Surf Breaks: 7 of the Best CRIA-Area Waves for Families

Living on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast means year-round sun, sand, and access to Guanacaste surf breaks. We can stretch our skills and test our mettle, whenever the mood strikes. That said, there’s so much more time to “hang 10” when you’re hanging out on summer break!

And so, as we roll through mid-summer, we thought we’d share some insight into some of what CRIA families have been...

Costa Rica Marine Life: 4 Types of Underwater Wonders Swimming Our Pacific Waters

You may have heard that Costa Rica marine life is incredibly biodiverse, but do you know just how biodiverse it is? 

In point of fact, nearly 7,000 marine species swim Costa Rican waters, representing a full 3.5% of all marine life in the world. That’s right, in the entire world. All, in a country smaller than West Virginia. (May we never cease to be impressed by this incredible country!) 

What’s...

Costa Rica Destinations: 4 Exciting Nearcations for your Summer Vacation

There is so much to love about where we live: Guanacaste’s Gold Coast, where your days are defined by outdoor explorations, warm sun, and crashing waves. It’s paradise on earth and yet, sometimes you want to get out and discover all the many other Costa Rica destinations, near and far(ish), that we can so easily visit – especially during our summer vacation!

Because there’s so much...

Educational Day Trips, Part 2: 4 (More) Day Trips to 4 National Parks in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Moving to and living in Costa Rica is an everyday learning experience. Beyond learning how to surf or learning how to speak Spanish, your new home offers up a variety of lessons and experiences and moments of wonder. We’ve already suggested (see Part 1) four national parks in Guanacaste, Costa Rica for your family’s educational (and adventurous) day trip, but we couldn’t stop there! 

The...

The Best Beaches in Guanacaste: All 10, within 40 Minutes of CRIA!

At CRIA, we are a community part of a larger community: beach families who love and protect our beaches. And we know something (a lot of somethings!) about the best beaches in Guanacaste. 

With so many new families joining CRIA – and a summer full of fun, fast approaching! – we thought we’d share a few of the best beaches in...

Education in Costa Rica, Considering: IB Diploma, A-Levels & AP/Dual Enrollment

When evaluating education in Costa Rica, you’ve already voted with your feet: As a savvy and globally minded parent, you know what kind of academic experience you seek and you’re drawn to the benefits of international schools with an internationally accredited curriculum. The question is, when considering western-based programs, which is best: AP/Dual Enrollment, the International Baccalaureate...