Replying to Costa rica

a good friend of mine wants me to spend approx 6 months in costa rica with him at his brothers house. i know nothing about this country and was wondering if NS had any stories or info about this place from trips or vacations. also i don't speak spanish but am definitely willing to learn, will this make things difficult down there? it sounds like a great country from what i have heard but i have never even traveled outside of the U.S. so im a little nervous.