@Cheryl
I'll throw my two cents worth at your Questions. Good Topic... I would think many sitting on the 'expat' fence are wondering some of the same things....
What was your first impression when you arrived?
I would say the 'willingness' of the people to help out. But that goes with the caveat that much of that 'willingness' comes with a price. But people need to make a living, right?? However, it is amazing how the average Tico will go out of their way to help out... that happened to me during my very first 'hours' and I will never forget it.
Also... don't be surprised if your first impression is that YES!!! they speak Spanish here. Don't be surprised about that... the whole country isn't a tourist mecca where 'English' is everywhere... because it is not.
And I mustn't forget how 'warm' and muggy it felt... immediately upon exiting the airport. Not that I'm an idiot and didn't know it was going to be like that... but it really hits you in the face after hours of air-conditioned airports and flights. My advice... sleeveless everything.
Did you face any challenges while integrating? Any advice on how to overcome them?
Of course. Language, food, culture, climate... exactly what I expected. And I use the word 'culture' as a loaded part of this answer... as it includes a pleathora of life's daily experiences... Integrating here is a constant educational exercise in acceptance. If you can't 'buck up' and accept this place for what it is... you WILL NOT integrate.
My advice on this one... LEARN SPANISH. As much as you can... it will exponentially improve your experience here.
Are there any support programs, groups or events to help newcomers settle in?
I have no idea... I didn't settle in an area populated with Expats... we are very conservatively 'sprinkled' out up here in western San Carlos (canton).
My advice on this.... If you want/need to know something about Costa Rica (that doesn't have anything to do with Residency) ... ASK a TICO. They know more than any old expat sitting at his kitchen counter writing things on this Forum. 🙃
Do you find it easy to make friends or connections with locals and fellow expats?
I did. But I am the only 'foreigner' living in my village and perhaps some of the locals were curious (snoopy shouldn't be ruled out) about a 'newbie' living amongst them. Luckily, I hired a bunch of local knuckle heads to carry out my renovation/construction project... and I was 'on the job' working side-by-side with them every day; so not only did I get to know them well... but also their friends and families. No matter what kind of interaction I had, (and believe me, many were very frustrating) I always smiled and thanked everybody for everything. If you don't make a good first impression... you'll start out here climbing a ladder with one leg much shorter than the other. It really can be, in my opinion, the 'make it' or break it' aspect of your first few years. This group of people became the roots, so to speak, of my multi-faceted resource network. Plus, I got adopted by a Tico dog.. and I walk her 4 times a day... so I know/recognise almost everybody and see almost everything... sometimes too much.
Advice here... use the locals for things you need; not the internet.
What makes Costa Rica a welcoming destination for expats?
LOL... the attitude of the Expat. It's not THEIR JOB to be the 'welcoming' ones... You are in their country.
If you accept that they are Happy People... Quite Happy, with their lives and each other here... then you'll feel welcome. Happy people aren't scary people unless they are clowns.
'Your experiences here should be educational and experiential as well as rewarding... not emotional... or at least, kept as emotionally 'controlled'. Don't be the angry Foreigner. Just don't. It will be wasted energy.
