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UW International Outdoor Adventure Contents
Your experience with Outward Bound and First Year Programs is more than just a trip. It is an experience that will foster self-discovery, cultural 1. Physical and Mental Preparation competency, leadership skills, and lifelong learning. Our shared philosophies and trip elements will teach you how to be successful the classroom. 2. Travel 3. Airport Arrival & Departure While on this adventure, you will rotate through diverse leadership roles Procedure and learn how to work as a team. Each night, the group will debrief with 4. Paying for Your Course instructors to share experiences and make the connection between the day’s 5. Cancellation & Refund activities and life in college. We believe that the unfamiliar environment— Policy whether that be hiking through the dense rainforest jungle, rappelling down 6. Packing for Your Course the face of a waterfall, or immersing yourself in a new culture—is one of the most effective classrooms. 7. Contacting Students While On Course We’re excited for you to join. With the help of Costa Rica’s environment and 8. Program Itinerary culture and our experienced instructors, you’ll dive into the expedition of a 9. Special Diet Information lifetime!
Outward Bound Costa Rica UW First Year Programs
Valerie McKeon LeAnne Wiles [email protected] [email protected] 1-800-676-2018 206-543-4905 PHYSICAL & MENTAL PREPARATION
Physical Preparation
You do not have to be an athlete to participate in an Outward Bound Costa Rica course. However, you do have to be prepared physically because Outward Bound Costa Rica courses can be demanding. Expect to be using your muscles and to be testing your endurance in new ways. If you will be engaging in new activities or if your course includes a physically demanding activity, conditioning for the course before you arrive will help you get the maximum enjoyment out of the course. It takes strength and endurance to paddle a boat, hike five miles wearing a 50-pound pack or climb an 80-foot tree. Be prepared.
Create an Exercise Plan
Conditioning for an Outward Bound course involves developing your aerobic fitness by running, biking, swimming or any other activity that stimulates your heart and lungs for at least 30 minutes without stopping. We recommend training five to six days per week, at least 30 minutes each day. A few weeks of endurance exercise will really begin to pay off. If possible, we suggest that you start training at least eight weeks before you start your course.
Mental Preparation
You will experience a wide range of emotions during the course from elation to fear, frustration to triumph. The thrill of meeting new challenges individually and as a group is invariably accompanied by moments of stress and uncertainty. Be open to change and be ready to communicate, adapt and utilize your own resources. These qualities will help both you and your group reach emotional highs and deal with emotional lows. Also before you come, you should really think about what you would like to get out of the experience.
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TRAVELPAGE 1 OF 2
Dates & Cost
Travel costs to/from Costa Rica are included in the cost of your course. You do not have the option to meet the group in Costa Rica as all participants will leave from the UW Seattle Campus.
Trip Start: 3:00pm - Saturday, September 10, 2016
Trip End: 10:30am - Thursday, September 22, 2016
Check in Location: Mary Gates Hall 120 (http://washington.edu/maps/?MGH)
Program Fee: $2375.00 (includes airfare, food, housing, and program costs)
Additional Costs: $29.00 US Exit Tax
$20.00 UW Student Insurance
It is important that you arrive on time for your pre=departure meeting. You will arrive back on campus at 10:30am Thursday, September 22, 2016. If you have chosen to live on campus, you will immediately move into your autumn housing assignment.
Early Arrival
You can make separate arrangements to stay in the residence hall if you arrive on Friday, September 09, 2016. Visit (http://fyp.washington.edu/costarica) for more information.
Move-In
We can store one bag for when you return to campus. Please make arrangements to ship all additional personal items to your residence hall or off campus housing location directly. If you live in the Seattle area, we reccommend that a family member meet you on-campus to help with move-in when you return.
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org TRAVEL: ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Page 2 of 2
Passports
You must have a valid passport with an expiration date past March 23, 2017 (at least six months beyond the date of your return flight).
Visas
US, Canadian and EU citizens do not require a visa to visit Costa Rica for less than 90 days. If you are not a US, Canadian or EU citizen, please check with your local Costa Rican embassy or consulate regarding any required travel visas.
Vaccines
Outward Bound Costa Rica requires that all participants be up to date with routine vaccinations and have a current tetanus booster. We recommend that you consult with their local physician regarding immunizations for Costa Rica.
How Much Money Should I Travel With?
We recommend that you come to Costa Rica with a minimum of $200 US. While all food, lodging and transportation are provided as part of course tuition, all participants are responsible for the international airport exit tax ($29 per person), personal purchases such as souvenirs.
As it is hard for local vendors to make change for large bills, we recommend that spending money be in denominations of $20, and that the bills are crisp.
Please note that all participants will not be allowed to have any personal valuables with them while on course. This includes all wallets, passports, watches, cell phones, credit cards and cash. You can bring these items on the plane, and there will be lockers to securely store your items while you are out on course. The only exception to this policy is when you visit a local artisan market where they will be able to purchase keepsakes and souvenirs.
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org AIRPORT ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE PROCEDURE
Upon Arrival in Costa Rica When You Arrive at the Airport:
When you arrive with First Year Programs at the San Jose International airport, the group will stay together through the immigration and baggage claim process.
We recommend that you bring any essential gear for your course on your carry-on. You will want to start your course with or without your luggage!
Lost Luggage
If you arrive and your luggage does not – don’t panic. Proceed to your airline’s stand in the baggage claim area. Give them a full description of your luggage as well as our Costa Rican phone number. Hold onto the luggage check-in tags you were issued when you checked in at the airport you departed from. The airline will notify Outward Bound when your luggage arrives.
Departure from Costa Rica
Outward Bound Costa Rica will provide transportation for the group to the airport at least two hours prior to our flight’s departure time. You will go through immigration and customs with the First Year Programs staff members. Please note: Costa Rica charges a $29 US Exit Tax to all passengers leaving the country. This tax is paid inside the Departure Area of the airport. You are responsible for having an available method of payment (i.e. cash or credit card) to cover this fee. This will not be covered in the program fee.
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org AIRPORT ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE PROCEDURE: TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTING Page 2 of 2
If You Cannot Find an Outward Bound Staff Member at the Airport Do not panic, and do not wander away from the airport. Please wait for 10 minutes and look for one of our staff members.If you do not see a staff member after 10 minutes, call one of the following numbers:
If calling Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm, call 2278-6062 or 2278-6055*
Any other time, call 8423-7448, 2278-6162 or 8526-4205*
*If Dialing from an International Cell Phone Here in Costa Rica: Simply enter the Costa Rican country code 506 before the number with the plus sign. For example, +506-2278-6062.
*If Dialing a Costa Rican Phone Number from the US or Canada: Dial 011, and then country code 506. For example 011-506-2278-2062.
If you do not have a mobile phone that works internationally, you can place a collect call at any local pay phone. Simply pick up the phone and dial “1110.” Don’t worry if you don’t speak Spanish! When the automated voice stops talking, please enter one of the above numbers to call. You will then be asked to state your name after the tone. Your call will then be connected. If no one answers, please try a different number or call for a second time.
Flight Delays/Missed Connections/Cancellations
If your flight to Seattle is delayed, you miss a connecting flight or your flight is cancelled, please contact Outward Bound Costa Rica and First Year Programs immediately. Please provide specific information to help us track your flight to ensure that our staff meets you at the airport when you arrive.
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org PAYING FOR THE PROGRAM
Payment Schedule
Payment Schedule: in order to secure plane tickets please see the payment schedule below.
Cost: Due Date:
Deposit (to secure spot) $500.00 Registration
Remaining Balance $1875.00 July 1, 2016
UW Student Insurance $20.00 July 1, 2016
US Exit Tax $29.00 paid when you exit customes
Payment Options:
There are a few options for payment. When paying please include a note with your name and the course name as “University of Washington Outdoor Adventure”.
Personal Check Credit Card
All checks must be issued in US dollars and payable We currently only accept MasterCard and Visa credit card through a US bank. Please note that checks can take payments. Complete our Credit Card Authorization Form up to 30 days to arrive to our office in Costa Rica. Plan (http://fyp.washington.edu/costarica), scan and email the accordingly when mailing your final balance. Make form to [email protected] checks out to “CRROBS” and send to the following address: Alternatively, you may also send the completed form via fax: (1-866-374-2483). Outward Bound Costa Rica c/o Communications Director Wire Transfer P.O. Box 025331 If you decide to send tuition payment via wire transfer, please be sure to contact our team on the day it was SJO-829 processed so that we can verify it has been received. In order Miami, FL 33102-5331 USA to complete our Wire Transfer Form (http://fyp.washington. edu/crforms ), scan and email the form to custom@ outwardboundcr.org. Alternatively, you may also send the completed form via fax (1-866-374-2483).
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
If you cancel prior to the course start date, the following schedule applies:
Before July 1, 2016
All tuition/fees paid are refundable less a $200 application-processing fee per person.
July 1 - 15, 2016
All tuition/fees paid are refundable less a $300 application-processing fee per person.
July 16, 2016
All tuition/fees paid are non-refundable but a portion of fees can be transferable to another Outward Bound Costa Rica course (not associated with the University of Washington) within one year of the cancelled course start date. NOTE: Outward Bound Costa Rica reserves the right to cancel any scheduled course up to 31 days prior to the course starting date. This would normally be done for reasons of low participation or certain programming factors. This decision would be announced no less than 31 days prior to the course starting date and participants would be advised either via telephone. In this case, participants would be allowed to apply their tuition towards any other Outward Bound Costa Rica course within one calendar year or receive a refund for the course fee.
Expulsion and Voluntary Withdrawal Outward Bound Costa Rica is not a reformatory school. We reserve the right to expel/remove participants who present a danger to his/herself, the environment or other participants on course.
We require that all students review and sign our Code of Conduct prior to starting their course (http://fyp.washington. edu/crforms). Participants who are expelled from the course or voluntarily leave the course for personal reasons do not receive a refund and are responsible for evacuation fees. Students with a legitimate medical/emotional situation will receive prorated course credit valid for one year after the original course start date.
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org PACKING FOR YOUR COURSE
Pack Smart ITEMS NOT ALLOWED ON COURSE
Please review your packing list on the The following items will not be allowed while you are on course and will have following page. to be left at our base. You may consider leaving them at home. Please note that our rainforest base facility is located in a humid climate. Costa Rica Outward Certain items can be used for more Bound is not responsible for any damages to personal items caused by the than one activity, and we reccommend weather/environment. that you bring as little as possible. For example, non-cotton shorts for Cell phones: Regardless of service, cell phones are not permitted on course. hiking can also be used for rafting, etc. This applies for iphones and smart phones as well. Students will NOT be Remember, you are responsible for all allowed to have a phone on course even if this device is their only camera. of your belongings in Costa Rica. Do not bring more than you can carry or I-pods or other music devices: These items will be put in our safe at the manage. beginning of the course and you will not have access to them again until the last day of your course.
Duffle Shuffle Laptop Computers, Tablets and Electronic Readers: These devices will be stored in our safe at the beginning of the course and you will not have access of them again until the last day of your course. The first day of each course will begin with a “Duffle Shuffle” on base. Watches/ Clocks: If you are used to checking your wrist every five minutes, Instructors lead groups through the it’s time to relax! If you bring a watch with you, you will be asked to leave it at process of packing for your upcoming base. We find that students enjoy themselves much more if they aren’t worried phase. This ensures that you don’t have about the time. to bring more than you need on a given phase. Any extra items or items Pocket Knives or Multi-Tools: We supply all the cutting implements you will for other phases are stored on base need for your course; personal ones will need to be left on base. and returned to you at the end of your phase. Lighters: Our instructors carry all fire-starting devices you will need for camping and cooking activities on course. Laundry ANY OTHER PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (with the exception of cameras) must be left behind once you start your course, so think carefully We try to make a washer and dryer before bringing them. available to groups, however, at the minimum, we have drying lines ANY ALCOHOL, DRUGS, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (OTHER THAN available. PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN) and TOBACCO PRODUCTS ARE FORBIDDEN ON COURSE! We take this very seriously. Violations are grounds for expulsion from course. If you have questions, please ask.
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org CONTACTING STUDENTS WHILE ON COURSE
Please note that students will only be NOTE: Messages left after 5 pm are checked the following weekday on our base (where emails are received) morning. on the first and last day of their course. This means they will not receive any If it is urgent and during a weekend or between 5 pm - 9 am (Mountain messages you send until the day before Standard Time from March to November, Central Standard Time from they fly home. November to March) on a weekday, please call the following Costa Rican numbers:
Emergency Contact Communications On-Call Staff Mobile: +506-8423-7448 Procedure Communications On-Call Staff Home: +506-2278-6041
In the event of an emergency in Communication Director Mobile: +506-8352-1329 which you must contact a student on course, please attempt to contact Communication Director Home: +506-2278-6085 the Communications Office via the following instructions. Please always Program Director Mobile: +506-8337-0266 leave return contact numbers and indicate the action you would like Program Director Home: +506-8323-5037 Outward Bound Costa Rica to take regarding communication. Executive Director Mobile: +506-8883-9838
Call Our Primary Numbers: From the US or Canada, simply dial 011 before our local number. For example, dial 011-506-2278-6062 to reach our Costa Rica office. Primary International Number 1-800-676-2018 Other Ways to Contact Outward Bound Costa Rica Primary Costa Rica Number +506-2278-6062 Email: [email protected]
Communication Director Mobile: Fax: 1-866-374-2483 or +506-2278-6059 +506-8352-1329 Executive Director Mobile: +506-8883-9838 Communication Director Home: +506-2278-6085 From the US or Canada, simply dial 011 before our local number. For example, dial 011-506-2278-6062 to reach our Costa Rica office. Program Director Mobile: +506-8337- 0266 Other Ways to Contact UW First Year Programs Program Director Home: +506-8323- Email: [email protected]
Cell: 206-718-9309
Office: 206-543-4905
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org SPECIAL DIETS: VEGETARIAN/VEGAN
The typical meal at a soda (restaurant) On Course Typical Options in Costa Rica is called a casado. It usually consists of gallo pinto (rice While traveling with Outward Bound Breakfast and beans), fried plantains, salad, Costa Rica, we make every effort to cheese and some meat. Locals have a • Buttermilk Pancakes accommodate special diets. There is • Cereal with Milk or Soymilk different understandings of the term usually at least one vegetarian/vegan “vegetarian,” so it is best to specify (vegan) option on every course, and we strive • Granola (vegan) exactly what you cannot eat (ex. ni to purchase locally and seasonally. carne, ni pollo, ni pescado, ni huevos, • Tropical Fruit (vegan) Furthermore, as stewards of the • Gallo Pinto (vegan) ni productos lácteos como mantequilla environment we have a very strict y leche). • Breakfast Burritos no-beef policy due to the correlation • Scrambled Eggs between deforestation and cattle. Locally grown bananas, mangos, • French T oast • Oatmeal (vegan) papayas and pineapples are abundant. Vegetarians and vegans will always You should also try some of the more have options at every meal. While on Lunch interesting tropical fruits, such as course, many meals will be vegetarian • Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches zapotes, mamones chinos, tamarindo, due to unfeasibility of procuring/ • Gallo Pinto (vegan) guayabas and maracuyas, among refrigerating meat and concerns about • Salad (vegan) others. On base, we make many fresh contamination. Texturized soy protein • Hard Boiled Eggs juices out of these! is common, but tempeh, seitan and tofu are not readily available. The bulk Dinner Unfortunately, while the climate of of your protein intake will stem from • Chili with Texturized Soy Protein Costa Rica is ideal for tropical fruits, legumes – as almost all meals consist (vegan) the variety and quality of vegetables are of some version of gallo pinto and our • Spaghetti (vegan) limited. There are carrots and broccoli, trail mix contains peanuts. • Tacos but you will have difficulty finding • Empanadas many vegetarian staples such as kale, To Bring • Burritos (vegan) okra, leeks, spinach, mushrooms, etc. • Bean Soup (vegan) There are, however, native vegetables • Nuts & Seeds (ex. almonds, • Vegetable Stir-fry (vegan) you may wish to try, such as pejibaye, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, hemp) • Macaroni and Cheese palmito, chayote, yuca, and camote. • Energy Bars (ex. Clif, Vega) • Roasted Bell Peppers • Dry Roasted Edmame • Salad (vegan) We purchase most of our packaged • Fruit Bars & Leathers snacks from Bio-land, an organic • Dried Fruit Snacks company based in Tres Rios, Costa • Kale Chips • Fruit Rica. Their items include rice • Pretzels • Trail Mix (raisins, peanuts, banana cakes, whole wheat sticks, cookies, • Chocolate Bars chips, dried pineapple, dried crackers, etc. They state that none of • Almond Butter apricots) their products contain any animal • Vegan Jerky • Cookies derivatives. You can view their • Vegan Baked Goods • Crackers (vegan) products online at http://www.bio- • Granola Bars (vegan) land.org/index-english.html. We also purchase food for snacking (ex. granola bars) from Cosecha Dorada.
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org SPECIAL DIETS: GLUTEN FREE
Overview On Course Typical Options
The typical meal at a soda (restaurant) While traveling with Costa Rica Breakfast in Costa Rica is called a casado. It Outward Bound, we make every • Puffed Rice Cereal with Milk or usually consists of gallo pinto (rice effort to accommodate special diets. Soymilk and beans), fried plantains, salad, If you indicate that you are allergic • Tropical Fruit cheese and some meat. Since rice is the to gluten, we will do our best to buy • Gallo Pinto preferred staple item, people with a staple items such as corn tortillas • Breakfast Burritos in a Corn gluten-sensitivity rarely have problems and puffed rice cereal. If you are new Tortilla eating typical meals. In addition, sodas to the gluten-free lifestyle, make • Scrambled Eggs often serve corn tortillas instead of sure you check with your instructor bread as a pre-meal snack! about hidden gluten inside many of Lunch/Dinner our meals. The following is a list of • Chili Nevertheless, Costa Ricans love common foods on course that may • Tacos the occasional baked good. There contain gluten: hot cocoa powder, • Empanadas are ample panaderías (bakeries) white pepper, curry powder, dry • Burritos throughout the country, and roasted nuts, instant coffee, luncheon • Bean Soup unfortunately gluten-free flours are not meats, texturized vegetable protein, • Vegetable Stir-fry readily available. We have yet to find soy sauce, salad dressing, mustard, • Caesar Salad with Chicken potato starch flour, tapioca flour, soy granola, and cereal. • Pork Chops with Rice and Veggies flour, rice flour, quinoa flour, millet • Fish Fillets flour, bean flour or nut flour. Also, • Mashed Potatoes unlike in the U.S., there are no gluten- • Chop Suey/Fried Rice free sections in grocery stores. Thus, it is difficult to find specialized gluten- free foods such as pastas, cookies and breads.
Still, there is plenty to eat beyond wheat alternatives in Costa Rica. Perhaps your most exciting culinary adventures will occur while perusing the plethora of fruit stands throughout the country. Locally grown bananas, mangos, papayas and pineapples are abundant. You should also try some of the more localized tropical fruits, such as zapotes, mamones chinos, tamarindo, guayabas and maracuyas among others. On base, we make many fresh juices out of these!
1.800.676. 2018 | [email protected] | www.OutwardBoundCR.org