A Young Mauritian Under the Sun of Costa Rica

At 16 years old, Anesh Mungur left Mauritius for Costa Rica. Surrounded by tropical forests, volcanic beaches, and cultural encounters, he discovers a fascinating country and a life-changing experience.

Warm winds rustle the palm leaves, exotic birds sing along with the waves rolling onto the black sand beaches, and here and there, iguanas bask in the sun, indifferent to passersby. This is the captivating backdrop against which Anesh Mungur has been exploring Costa Rica for the past year.

In February 2024, as a student at the West Coast International School in Mauritius, he learned he had been selected by the national committee of the United World College (UWC) Mauritius to study at the UWC in Costa Rica. Since then, his life has changed. Through his eyes, the country reveals itself through images and experiences, from its cultural traditions to its spectacular landscapes.

What fascinates Anesh most about this country is its history, heritage, and culture. "How did this country come to be? Why do its inhabitants speak Spanish? Why do they eat certain dishes or drink certain beverages?" he wonders. Rather than settling for online research, he asks his local friends for answers. He discovers that, much like Mauritius, Costa Rica was colonized—this time by Spain—which explains its national language and certain cultural practices.

"Their national dance, called Punto Guanacasteco, is a folkloric dance where women wear long, flowing skirts, very similar to the attire of Mauritian Sega, and dance gracefully to traditional music. Attending these folkloric performances at cultural events reminded me of my homeland in many ways. It was very comforting," he confides. For him, this similarity underscores the importance of traditions and culture in creating a sense of community and home. "Who would have thought that over 15,000 kilometers away from Mauritius, a traditional dance in a Central American country would resemble Mauritian Sega so closely?"

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Costa Rica was already home to indigenous communities like the BriBri and Boruca. "At UWC Costa Rica, our school ensures we are aware of the country's history by providing opportunities to visit these indigenous communities, not only to interact with them and discover their heritage but also to help them preserve their traditional way of life, away from the dominant lifestyle," Anesh explains. He adds that the Community Action Week, organized in all UWC schools, allows students to spend a week immersed with these communities, participating in their farming or construction projects.

Costa Rica is also distinguished by its natural landscapes. From tropical forests filled with colorful species to the black sand beaches of the Caribbean coast, formed by volcanic ash, and the giant waves of the Pacific coast, the country offers a constant spectacle. "The humid climate, mosquito bites, and sunsets at 6 PM... despite its uniqueness, this country resembles our island in many ways," he notes.

He mentions the ubiquitous iguanas, especially in coastal areas. "They are harmless creatures, although their appearance might suggest otherwise. Whether in restaurants or on the beach, they follow you everywhere looking for food," he laughs.

However, his favorite animal remains the sloth. "It’s a rare and special animal. Seeing one was one of the highlights of my first year, even of my entire experience in Costa Rica. They are gentle, docile beings with no intention of harming anyone, and they are fascinating to observe."

Anesh also distinguishes between the two coasts of the country. "The Caribbean coast is infused with Caribbean culture, featuring numerous Jamaican dishes and other authentic specialties, along with reggae music in the streets and many other cultural elements. However, one of my Caribbean friends thinks it’s all too touristy." On the quieter Pacific coast, there are fewer tourists. "That’s where most surfers go because the beaches are known for their big waves."

Costa Rica, he continues, is also famous for its rainforests, volcanoes, and hot springs, which he visited during the holidays last April. "La Fortuna, known for its hot springs and waterfall, is a must-see if you plan a trip to Costa Rica."

According to him, many people tend to forget that Costa Rica is a vast country. "From San José, the capital where I am based, it takes me four hours by car to reach a beach and even longer to go elsewhere."

Despite his extensive travels across the country, Anesh knows he has only scratched the surface of Costa Rica's diversity. "In my final year, I plan to explore more of the country but also visit its neighbors like Panama and maybe Brazil, a destination I have dreamed of for a long time. For me, Costa Rica goes beyond just being a tourist destination. It’s a country of contrasts, living traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and profound human encounters. A year here is a lesson in life."