The Socialization Code

Golden Rule 1.

People don't care about limited language proficiency, as long as you are a REAL and SINCERE person. Usually, you're shy and you let that hinder your real intentions and feelings. While you're abroad, observe how locals and internationals talk to one aother, and  please imitate them. 

People indeed don't care about your accent. Indian's accent is often indisciphrable. Though, well just for the record they were conquered in the 19th century by the British...so that explains why...they have such a weird accent, and why they have a higher rate of bilingual people in comparison with Costa Ricans, which is really impressive. (For more information check this out: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/India).(By the way, btw, also Belize, was conquered by the British...so it's the only CA nation that speaks English). 

Never feel intimidated by one's accent. If people talk to you, just make sure you convey the message you intended. Be authentic  because due to a lack of language level and shyness, your attitudes could be misinterpreted and could reflect lack of interest or rudeness. Therefore, make sure you are grateful and you express it. If found yourself speechless, not matter what situation, always say a hard and meaningful  Thank you. / [thangk] yoo/.

Since you are in a foreign place, you will deal with many cultural and language barriers. In this case, body language is crucial. There's not better example of social failure than a person who doesn't mean a thank you. It probably had never happened to you because you speak Spanish, so Spanish speakers understand and recognize lack of confidence easily, and would not get offended. Hence, I seriously mean you should say at least an well-articulated thank you. I believe the more expressive and the more you simpathize with someone, s/he will want to know more about you. The articulated thank you includes the following a natural and honest smile, constant eye contact, and beyond the thank you, an engaging compliment. 
Other good expressions that should not be forgotten are good morning, good evening and good night. Manners should never be left out. 

To master this, it requires a lot of time of practice to add a personal style to it. 

Golden Rule 2.

Get out of your comfort zone. 

Are your co-workers traveling with you? Well, fine cling on them to make new friends. The first week is probably the most overwhelming, but the most important and crucial time that will determine most of your experience. Certainly, the organizers have arranged induction meetings, parties, events, whatever...go to all of them prepared. I think only ticos, including you, pay too much attention in clothes. Yes, sure, wear something nice, but practice your lines to introduce yourself. I know this sounds obvious...but really...what are you going to talk about with an Indian guy? or with whoever foreigner? I'm not telling you this to put you under presssure, but indeed it's stressful for everyone. In fact, all are in the same situation, ones more than others, of course. Here are some ice breakers:

"Where are you from?, When did you get here?, How long did your flight take?, How many hours did it take?, Did you do any stops?, Did you get your room yet? How do you like it?, Where are you staying? Do you like it?, Is this your first time abroad?,Which places have you visited before?, How do you like India so far?, Have you tried the alcohol here? Is it illegal to drink on streets?, How many cows did you see on the way? (http://www.walkthroughindia.com/wildlife/the-5-holy-animals-of-india/)
What do you do?, Is that a men's college/university? Did you go to a coed school?, What kind of degree is that? What do you do with it?, Did they ask you for a Hepatitis shot before coming here?, Did you have trouble finding this building?"

For some people it works to have a mental clear picture of what they did during the day, and usually they open a dialogue with a curious fun fact.  

Read the news and have an opinion about it. 

Costa Rica and Neighbor Countries
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/fiv-historical-costa-rica-101560.html
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-regulations-costa-rica-13635.html
http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/historyofcentralamerica/tp/09centralamerica.htm
The World & Where Stand



It's important you have an idea of how you feel, so you can elaborate and share in conversations. Ticos tend to be really poor and short . Everything is tuanis and that's all. The meeting was boring, and that's the whole statement. Well, just remember that you will meet strangers. They might be afraid to be impolite by asking too much. Anyway, anyone won't take the information out of your mouth with a spoon.
Make of yourself look interesting by expresssing how you feel, how you truly like the place, what it lacks, and what you find funny. Remember to be sincere...FIND A BALANCE don't highlight only the negative stuff, but also everybody knows that not everything is always shining and bright. So if you are going to say something kind of negative..add something positive to compensate it...

Helpful Links.http://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Great-Conversation
http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Conversation-with-a-Stranger