Costa Rica’s Top Hiking Locations

Costa Rica’s reputation as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts is well-deserved. While surfing may be the first thing that comes to mind when considering a trip to Costa Rica, one shouldn’t neglect the ample inland beauty. 30% of the land area in this small county is protected by national parks, wildlife refuges, and preserves.

As such, hiking experiences abound, with seemingly endless opportunities to take in the stunning scenery. The varied terrain offers a variety of hiking experiences, from easy coastal walks to more rigorous mountain climbs, and everything in between. The majority of hikes in Costa Rica lead one to a natural attraction, be it a waterfall, stunning ocean vista or isolated rain forest oasis. Here is a list of just some of the many incredible hiking trails Costa Rica has to offer. As the variety of this list demonstrates, there is truly something for everyone.

Los Angeles Cloud Forest

This private park is one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets. The 2.5 mile long hike is ideal for birding.

Mount Chirripo

With an elevation of 3,821 meters, Mount Chirripó is the highest mountain in Costa Rica. Miles of trails in this national park offer access to more ecological zones than one can find in most entire countries.

Corcovado National Park

Widely regarded to contain the best hiking trails in the country, visitors can opt for a number of day trip excursions, such as San Pedrillo and Sirena. More ambitious hikers should commit to the 16 kilometer overnight hike from Leona to Sirena to truly explore the wild jungles of Costa Rica.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

This is one of the most accessible hikes in the country, but the ease of it shouldn’t diminish the reward at the end. The trail winds for an easy 4 kilometer to reach one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica.

Arenal Hanging Bridges

A perennial favorite for visitors, the park offers a skyline hike, by way of a series of sturdy bridges that form a path along the top of the rainforest.

Tenorio Volcano

While the entire Tenorio Volcano National Park offers a wealth of great hikes, the crown jewel is arguably the trail to the park’s namesake.

With 26 national parks, there are obviously so many more hiking opportunities in addition to the above list. However, hopefully this list has provided a great starting point for mapping out one’s own incredible Costa Rican hiking experience.

The Top 5 Things to do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American country where travelers of all ages and from all parts of the world can go to have a good time. No matter what a person enjoys doing in their free time, Costa Rica boasts a variety of attractions and activities that are sure to be to anyone’s liking. Here are some of the top things to do in Costa Rica.

Explore Arenal Volcano National Park

The volcanic mountain for which this park was named stands tall in the sky and is a great example of a perfect symmetrical cone. In addition to the picturesque volcanic peak, the park features waterfalls and bridges that span across beautiful waterways. Horseback riding and zip-lining are other activities that visitors can enjoy.

Go Diving

Diving in the clear waters off the Costa Rican coastline offers the perfect opportunities to see exotic marine life and coral reefs. Drake Bay is one of the best places to go diving, and this is largely because of the seasonal rains that don’t cloud the water like they do in other areas. Cano Island is another great dive site for seeing coral fish and other magnificent sea creatures.

Visit the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

Animals that have been rescued and are in the process of being rehabilitated before being released back into the wild can be viewed at this popular wildlife sanctuary. Monkeys and other exotic creatures that are indigenous to Costa Rica’s jungles are eager to welcome visitors. Donations are encouraged to help the sanctuary continue to do its work.

Hike Through Corcovado National Park

This national park is home to more than 140 mammal species and conserves 2.5 percent of the planet’s biodiversity. Tapirs and peccaries are among the animal inhabitants that can often be seen here. The park consists of tropical forest and coastal areas and offers explorers the chance to enjoy some diversity during their hikes.

Head to Puerto Viejo for Some Fun at the Beach

Puerto Viejo is situated along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline and is a great place to go for sunbathing, swimming and other seaside activities. Another great thing about Puerto Viejo is its adjacency to destinations like the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and the Talamanca Indigenous Reserve, which are also worth exploring.

A trip to Costa Rica can be an even better experience when these popular hotspots around the country are explored. These attractions and activities can offer any visitor a well-rounded experience and allow them to gain a deeper appreciation of what Costa Rica has to offer.

What is Education Law?

Education law is a specialization within the field of law. It is concerned with matters related solely to school, from grade school to higher public education. School-specific policies have been enacted in the United States ever since the time of the colonies. The Tenth Amendment of the Constitution legislates that public services be under the responsibility of the states. While the amendment does not refer specifically to school, it implies that states have an obligation to provide public education system for their citizens.

Education law exists for the purpose of improving school practices and assuring that children’s education maintains quality. Although each state has policies relating to its own school system, the Federal Department of Education manages all public education establishments. Within each state, there is a school board to oversee all the schools in the surrounding area, as well as more local school boards for each school district. A school district is a geographical region of public schools for easier governing of the schools within the defined territory. Generally, students attend one of the schools in the district in which they live.

Education law protects school faculty, school boards, students, and maintains certain rights for children attending public school. For example, some principles of public education include the freedom of speech, so as to nurture a space of open-minded discussion, freedom of religion, and the right to education for all students regardless of race, color, or nationality, as asserted by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Generally, education lawyers are involved in matters related to any discrimination towards students. For protection against discrimination of sex or gender, the Title IX section of the 1972 Education Amendments was legislated. Protection of students with medical disabilities or special needs is regulated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Lawyers work under this discipline to maintain principles of IDEA. Children with disabilities or special needs are given equal opportunities and educational support, such as testing accommodations.

Education Law also supervises the quality of education and school reformation. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 is a federal reform made to increase school responsibility for their students’ performance. When children at a school do not meet academic standards, the school must reconstruct their curriculum. Otherwise, parents have the right to transfer their children to better schools in other districts.

Tips for Note Taking During Law Lectures

Entering lecture for the first time during law school can be quite intimidating. There is a lot of information to retain throughout the class. While many students feel they can soak up and retain all of the information the professor is lecturing on, that is hardly the case. Developing effective note taking skills is essential to surviving law school. Not only will these note taking skills help to keep you on top of your lectures, but they will help prepare you when it is time to study for those exams.

Take the time to choose a method of note taking the works best for you and stick with it. Over time there have been many different types of note taking methods that have developed. Some students choose to use their laptops to keep their notes neatly typed up and organized, while others may choose to take the old fashioned route of pen and paper. At the beginning of the semester, it is important to try each of these approaches to feel which one better fits your learning style.

Study the material before lecture and take notes on what is going to be covered within lecture for that day. It is important that your notes you take before lecture are done in a different color to keep them separate from your lecture notes. It’s important to make sure that the two sets of notes come together and converge with one another. If they are not coming together and matching up it is very likely that you are not picking up on the key concepts in your reading.

The entire purpose of taking effective notes throughout the lecture is to utilize them outside the classroom. Taking the time to review and thoroughly study the material is important because you want to ensure you understand all of the content that was covered in class. If you happen to come across anything that may not make sense or you misunderstand you can then get it cleared up with other classmates or your professor.

Using these concepts to assist in note taking will help to make the law school experience a successful one. Note taking is essential to get the most out of your lectures.

What is Family Law?

Pertaining to familial relationships, the legal field branch known as family law encompasses a variety of issues and cases. Lawyers in this field often adopt a specialization and manage only specific cases such as those relating to divorce or adoption. Many cases that are contained within family law deal with child safety and wellbeing as well as legal relationship cessation.

Issues Relating to Marriage

Practitioners of family law often handle cases that relate to marriage. Divorce as well as prenuptial agreements fall into this category. Lawyers who work cases relating to these things can help guide and support individuals who are preparing to get married or are looking to end an existing marriage. When two married individuals no longer wish to be united, they may seek a legal separation, a divorce, or in some cases, an annulment. In all of these instances, lawyers who practice family law will be consulted.

In the case of divorce, lawyers are also used to agree upon terms of alimony or child support. Through the court, custody of the child of a marriage can also be determined. A court’s decision in such cases as these will be made with the best interest of the child in mind.

Cases relating to domestic abuse are also heard in family court, and these cases can include violence between a couple, violence inflicted on a child, and elder abuse.

Issues Relating to Children

Naturally, child abuse and neglect cases are also heard by family court. Child abuse has serious implications when it comes to both family law and criminal law, and cases involving child abuse or neglect are invested by child protective services (CPS).

In addition to abuse cases, adoption, child custody, and emancipation cases are also focal points of family law. Determining which parent(s) earn custody of their child following a divorce is a matter for practitioners of family law; in cases like this, the court will strive to make the best decision for the child. If a parent does not receive custody, they may still be required to support their child financially. Emancipation cases in which a minor wants to declare independence are also heard by family court as the welfare of the child is in question.

Intersections

As with many other branches of law, family law tends to overlap with other focuses including estate planning, immigration law, and mediation law. Cases of abuse, as mentioned above, are inevitably tied to criminal law due to the nature of the claims.

Paralegal vs. Lawyer: What’s the Difference?

Though the parameters of these positions are somewhat similar, there are some significant differences between the respective qualifications and duties of a paralegal and lawyer.

What is a Lawyer?

To be a lawyer in the United States, the credentials required are relatively extensive. Beyond attending and graduating from an institution accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with at least a juris doctorate degree, lawyers must also pass a separate bar exam to obtain their license and submit to an intensive background check for the state in which they plan to practice. After achieving all of this, lawyers will then be sworn in as an attorney and be permitted to practice in their state; however, lawyers will also be expected to pay annual fees to maintain their license and uphold strict ethical codes of conduct. The specific requirements of lawyers will vary based on individual states, but the general requirements are somewhat rigorous and demand consistent development, education, and involvement.

What is a Paralegal?

Compared to a lawyer, paralegals are fairly unregulated. There is often no need for a background in paralegal studies or even a paralegal certificate for an individual to become a paralegal; an attorney must simply appoint the individual to the position and grant them the title. In this role, paralegals operate in the background, drafting up legal documents and conducting research. Paralegals may engage with clients and maintain case files, but they are not permitted to represent anyone in court. They are also limited in what they can do; a paralegal must receive explicit permission from an attorney to prepare documents for a case and cannot do so by acting independently.

The work completed by a paralegal is essential for lawyers to fulfil their duties, but paralegals receive little credit and cannot provide legal advice, sign off on official documents, or determine fees for consultations.

Lawyer Vs. Attorney

The distinction between lawyers and attorneys is technical, and in most cases, the distinction is not observed. A lawyer is, by definition, an individual who has studied the law. An attorney is someone who has completed these studies and is licensed to represent clients in court. The ABA has ruled that those who have not been licensed to represent clients cannot call themselves attorneys or lawyers, thereby limiting the title to those who have received a license.

Law School Study Tips

University studies are always a challenge, but law school is regarded as one of the most challenging academic pursuits a person can face. Given the high level of competition among aspiring attorneys, the pressure to succeed can result in hours of stressful studying that even jeopardize a student’s mental health.

Law school success depends on subjectivity and flexibility; the more explorative and committed a person is to reaching their academic goals, the more likely they are to succeed.

Consider Grades

A law student’s grades will have a lasting impact on their career opportunities; while it’s easy to become overwhelmingly stressed to the point of non-functioning, it’s important to put things into perspective. Rather than fixating on the possibility of failure, evaluating current grades through a lens of possibility and maintenance is key.

The goals should be short and constructed around terms at large; that is, rather than becoming obsessed with achieving a perfect score on a single exam or essay, students should look at their overall performance in a course and strive to maintain a high standard.

Pay Attention to Mental Health

Long hours of studying and work can cause many law students to develop depression and anxiety. Talking with a school counselor or outside psychotherapist can ensure students develop healthy and effective ways of coping with law school stress without jeopardizing their grades or well-being.

Practice Time Management

A good study schedule is more effective than hours of cramming; sleep deprivation leads to worse mental health, difficulty concentrating, poor recollection and reduced test performance.

Students should study for the bar and other law school exams on a schedule. For example, many law students practice the Pomodoro technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and taking a 10-minute break.

An openness to exploring different study methods and schedules will allow law students to find their unique rhythm. Everyone is different, and students should embrace their individual learning style rather than forcing a specific structure or regime that looks “studious.”

Distractions should always be kept at a minimum, which means it’s okay to pass up on study groups to quietly read and take notes alone. With these tips in mind, passing law school can become much easier in the mind of a stressed, anxious student. In times of depression or burnout, taking a break and reaching out for help from a licensed mental health counselor is the best course of action.University studies are always a challenge, but law school is regarded as one of the most challenging academic pursuits a person can face. Given the high level of competition among aspiring attorneys, the pressure to succeed can result in hours of stressful studying that even jeopardize a student’s mental health.

Law school success depends on subjectivity and flexibility; the more explorative and committed a person is to reaching their academic goals, the more likely they are to succeed.

Consider Grades

Pay Attention to Mental Health

Practice Time Management

A good study schedule is more effective than hours of cramming; sleep deprivation leads to worse mental health, difficulty concentrating, poor recollection and reduced test performance.

Travel Spotlight: Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s capital city of Dublin is full of many wonderful tourist attractions and activities. A visit here will give anyone the chance to learn more about the country’s history and culture while having fun in the process. Here are some of the best things to do in Dublin.

Party at Temple Bar

No visit to Dublin would be complete without stopping by this iconic neighborhood, which is home to some of the best pubs and restaurants in the city. Many of the pubs here feature live music and serve authentic Irish beers, whiskeys and other beverages. Shops throughout the Temple Bar area sell great souvenirs that make excellent keepsakes.

Learn About Irish Heritage

One of the best places to go in Dublin to learn about Irish Heritage is EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which features exhibits that detail the county’s emigration history and how the Irish people continue to influence the world today. Anyone who wishes to learn more about their personal Irish heritage can visit the National Archives of Ireland or the Genealogical Service National Library of Ireland.

Tour Dublin Castle

Standing since the 13th century, Dublin Castle has hosted grand galas attended by Irish and foreign royalty throughout its history. Visitors can tour the castle to see elaborate rooms that are filled with fine artworks and other ornate items that are used to create an elegant atmosphere.

Go to Prison

Getting arrested isn’t necessary in Dublin for visitors to have the opportunity to tour a prison. Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that was once used to hold some of Ireland’s most important freedom fighters. The prison was also the execution site for many of these freedom fighters. Guided tours need to be arranged in advance before entrance to the prison is allowed.

Learn About Ireland’s Religious Influences

Learning more about the country’s religious influences is one of the other top things to do in Dublin. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral and John Lane’s Church are some of the city’s notable churches where visitors can go to gain more knowledge of how Christianity has impacted Ireland’s foundation. The Irish Jewish Museum contains exhibits that tell the story of Ireland’s small (but significant) Jewish community.

Dublin features attractions that help give Ireland its distinctive appeal. Visitors with various interests will have no trouble finding plenty of fun things to do while spending time in the city.

International Travel Tips

No matter how much or how often you travel, your first international trip can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time! Going somewhere new in a foreign country is exciting but can be scary and overwhelming. Before heading overseas, the following tips will help you plan the best trip!

Choose Your Destination

Whether you know exactly where you want to go, or you’re still weighing your options, the hardest part of traveling is deciding where to go. Are you looking to stay closer to your home country and start close before becoming an international globetrotter, or are you looking to go as far away as possible for your first trip? You should also consider the cuisine and language when choosing your destination. Once you’ve answered these questions, you should be able to narrow your choice down to one or two locations.

If you are still unsure, ask friends or family members who have traveled internationally were their favorite destinations have been. It’s okay to ask for advice while planning your trip. Sometimes the people you know can give you the best insight on different locations.

Book in Advance

Travel experts say that you should book your airfare between 56-62 days before your scheduled departure to get the best deal. Some of the best flight deals can be found on Tuesdays and flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday will often offer travelers the best prices.

Current Passport

While this is the most obvious thing you need when traveling internationally, it’s often the item people forget to grab on their way out the door to the airport or they realize that it’s expired right before their trip! Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Once you book your trip, locating your passport and making sure that it is valid during your trip should take top priority.

Some travel companies recommend making a copy of your passport in case you lose it on your trip. Instead of carrying it as an additional document while you’re traveling, send a copy of it to your email, or upload it to a document storage service like DropBox, iCloud or Amazon Drive.

Give Yourself Time for Jet Lag

Recovering from long flights are challenging enough, but recovering from the actual trip is something additional people do not plan for. It can often take up to a week to adjust for time changes. Try to remember to fight your jet lag by getting plenty of rest before your trip and try to adjust your schedule to get your body prepared to travel.

5 Tips for Success During Your First Year of Law School

For many, trudging through law school requires hard work and the development of serious study habits. Those who succeed often master these skills during their first year. The following skills could make the difference between forging a successful legal career or being forced to pursue other vocations.

Be Respectful

Oftentimes, treating others with respect and dignity is an overlooked trait. That said, forging relationships and accumulating contacts can go a long way towards building a successful tenure as both a student and an attorney.

Build A Solid Network

Certain academic professionals suggest developing a significant network of fellow students and professors. Such action is especially true for those individuals studying or providing instruction in similar disciplines as the one the student in question has decided to pursue. The amount of work required of most law students can be overwhelming, which can be made even more difficult when discussing complicated legal issues. An expansive network of people to ask questions and compare notes can give a student a competitive edge.

Check Email Frequently

In today’s technologically-driven world, most law school administrations and departments utilize email as the preferred mode of communication. Ergo, important communiques made from the academic institution’s central offices related to out of class topics or class schedule changes orchestrated by professors will likely be sent via the electronic route. Ergo, it is imperative that law students check their inboxes daily, if not more frequently.

Attend Class Regularly

Law school requires an immense amount of reading, interpretation, discussion and clarification. Therefore, attending every class is strongly recommended. Additionally, lectures might be presented in a specific order because, in certain instances, the student might need to understand “Topic A” before learning about “Topic B.” Missing classes, even just one could place the student behind the proverbial curb and make catching up difficult or impossible.

Avoid Procrastination

As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, getting behind could place a student in an unenviable disadvantage that they might not be able to recover from. Ergo, procrastination can also be a significant detriment to success and should be avoided at all costs. Students would be well-served to keep up with all work assigned between classes. Moreover, such individuals are strongly encouraged to begin such tasks as soon as they are assigned. Doing so will help keep them on an even keel.