Exchange student in Argentina?

Have you been to costa rica or argentina? your thoughts on them? (student exchange choice)?

• Hi there! I have been looking at going on a student exchange for about 3 years now, i know what company i want to go with but i am not sure what country, i have had my heart set on costa rica for a few months but at the mention of argentina from my aunty i am currently rethinking my pre decision of costa rica, i have been learning spanish for 5 years and i want to go to one of these countries. I like skiing and that was something that drew me to the thought of argentina when it was mentioned but i love the sound of costa rica and all the pictures i have seen of it, both cultures interest me. I have 2 months to pick what country as i want to go on my exchange next year. if you have been to either of these countries could you just say what you thought about them? thank you

• Answer:

  I have lived in Costa Rica for 6 months, and have visited it since then. It's one of the safest places in Central America. It's hot and humid, great flora and fauna and somewhat cheap. San Jose is a dull and ugly town, and the others I've visited are similar - so Costa Rica would be a good choice if you anticipate studying in the city but going out for more adventurous outdoors stuff. I have never been to Argentina but have friends and family that have. It's probably similarly safe, you get all 4 seasons, much older architecture than Costa Rica and probably more expensive too. Cities in Argentina are bigger and much older, so I think culturally they will have more going on. Nature there is great, but it's a huge country, so getting places means more travel and more money. In short - choose Costa Rica if you want a more tropical experience where you will spend more time outdoors. Choose Argentina if you want a more urban experience. Nature is amazing there too though.