COSTA RICA STUDY ABROAD HANDBOOK 2 Updated Feb/14 3 Updated Feb/14 Table of Contents Introduction Why Study Abroad? …………………………………………………………..........4 Why Costa Rica? …………………………………………………………...............5 Program Requirements …………………………………………………………....6 Getting Ready Getting your passport………………………………………………………...…......6 No need for a Student Visa! ……………………………………………………….7 Airfare……………………………………………………………………………...7 Health and health insurance………………………………………………………...7 LU bureaucracy…………………………………………………………………….8 Program cost…………………………………………………………………..........9 Extra costs…………………………………………………………………….....…9 Currency & accessing your money while in Costa Rica………………………..…...10 In Costa Rica Climate …………………………………………………………...............................12 Living with a host family……………………………………………………...........12 Food & Meals……………………………………………………………….……15 Schedule, Coursework, and Costa Rican School……………………………….….16 City of Heredia …………………………………………….……………………..19 Sámara …………………………………………………………………………....21 Maps of Heredia and Sámara …………………………………………………......23 Communications …………………….…………………………………………....24 Visiting Nicaragua – Part of the program Purpose, Itinerary, What to expect……..………………………………………….25 Extracurricular activities Free activities at school ……………………………………………………………26 Optional Day Trips………………………………………………………………..27 Longer travels and excursions ……………………….……………………………30 Personal and Cultural Preparation Strongly recommended prior travel readings ……………………………………...31 4 Updated Feb/14 Basic Spanish language differences ………………………………………………...31 Students’ expectations for the program? …………………………………………...32 Culture Shock ……………………………………………………………..…….....33 Copy of Program Code of Conduct ……………………………………………......36 Common Sense Precautions …………………………………………………….....38 Home Stay Tips …………………………………………………………………....42 Contact students who have already participated……………………………………46 Why Study Abroad? Been thinking about studying abroad but not sure if it is the right option for you? Are you wondering if it’s worth your time? If you ask any student who has studied abroad they will tell you that it is a life changing experience that they will never forget. Not convinced? Here are the top ten reasons for studying abroad, according to http://www.vistawide.com/studyabroad. 1. Studying in a foreign country is the best way to learn another language. 2. Studying abroad provides the opportunity to travel. 3. It allows you to get to know another culture first hand. 4. It will help you develop skills and give you experiences that a classroom could never provide. 5. It will give you the opportunity to make friends all over the world. 6. Studying abroad helps you learn about yourself. 7. It expands your worldview. 8. It gives you the opportunity to break out of your academic routine. 9. It can enhance the value of your degree. 10. It enhances employment opportunities! Only 4% of undergraduates study abroad. Do something to set yourself apart from other applicants! 5 Updated Feb/14 GETTING READY Why Study in Costa Rica? Costa Rica is an enchanting country with a rich, culturally and ethnically diverse population as well as breathtaking geography and biodiversity. It is politically stable with a strong infrastructure and a safe environment in which to learn. When you are totally immersed in a language, you learn much faster and more easily. Language and culture are inseparable, and during your stay, you will learn about the cultures of Costa Rica. While improving your Spanish, you will find out more about its history, its people and its important cultural centers. In addition, travel itself is education. It can often be a life-enhancing and life-changing adventure! Heredia, where the school is located, is an exceptionally welcoming community with a small-town atmosphere. With historic buildings, some dating from the town’s colonial days, and surrounded by coffee plantations, Heredia is very close to Costa Rica’s capital, San José, as well as volcanoes and rain forests. The climate is mountainous and mild. The fishing village of Sámara, part of the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast, is an exceptionally welcoming coastal community with a relaxed and typical small-town atmosphere. Students will spend one of their weeks studying at the Sámara campus, which is located directly on the beach in the northwestern ranching province of Guanacaste. By studying in both Heredia and Sámara, students will be introduced to different Costa Rican lifestyles, both of which are “off-the-beaten path”. 6 Updated Feb/14 Program Requirements In order to be eligible for the program, students must first consult with program advisor. Basic language prerequisites are FLS31100 and FLS31200, and culture and/or literature prerequisite are a minimum of ONE FLS30000-level literature class or a FLS30000-level culture class. All participants must also adhere to the Foreign Language department academic policy before and during the program: “All students majoring or minoring in Spanish must complete all courses with a “C” or better to have the Spanish course count towards the major or minor. Majors and minors in Spanish must maintain a B average or better in Spanish courses.” Getting your Passport If you don’t already have a passport this should be the first thing you do! Without your passport you will not be able to complete the other steps in the application process. Processing your passport can take 4-6 weeks, so make sure to apply right away! Applying for your passport is simple! Go to http://www.usps.com/passport/ for instructions. You can either enter your information into the forms online or print them out to fill out. On the following site you can find the nearest place to turn in your passport application by entering in your address. http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ To apply for your passport you will need: The application form 7 Updated Feb/14 A copy of your birth certificate A Driver’s license A passport photo $100 payable by check, credit card, or money order It is possible to buy your passport photo there, but it costs $15 for only one. Walgreens does passport photos for a cheaper price. You must have a passport to enter Costa Rica. If you do not have one, please arrange for one immediately. It is a good idea to make a photocopy of the passport pages bearing your photo, passport number and entry stamp. You will also need your passport when changing money. Please be alerted that if your passport will expire within 90 days of your departure (even if you are not staying that long), new laws may make this passport invalid. We advise that you replace your passport if it will soon expire. Student Visa – NO need for one! You will not need a student visa to study in Costa Rica. Upon arrival, Americans are granted a 90 day visa as tourists for free. Since your stay will be longer than 90 days, a weekend trip to Nicaragua or Panama will be planned so you can exit Costa Rica and re-enter the county with a new 90 day visa to finish your stay, and stay even longer if you want! Airfare Maite Núñez-Betelu will give you the dates of the beginning and ending of the semester program in the fall. You are responsible for the purchase of your flight. Since the price of gas has been fluctuating greatly lately, flight prices have also gone up. As of winter 2014, most R/T flights to San José, Costa Rica, go for around $500-$800. Some travel agencies specialize in student travel: STA Travel and also www.studentuniverse.com, Exito Travel and www.travelocity.com, but also check www.expedia.com and www.orbitz.com. Just keep searching… Health and Health Insurance Before you go: Immunizations No special immunizations or vaccinations are required for entry into Costa Rica. Many doctors now recommend the Hepatitis A vaccine which protects against things in food and water. It is also always a good idea to have an up to date tetanus shot (within the last ten years). You do NOT need malaria protection for any areas you will be visiting in Costa Rica, but make sure you discuss all your options with your own doctor. Medical Insurance It is highly recommended that you purchase this. Complimentary medical insurance is NOT provided with this program. We strongly recommend it if your current policy does not cover you when out of the country. 8 Updated Feb/14 To purchase accident and health insurance (plus trip cancellation insurance if you prefer to add), contact the insurance provider directly, and this must be done before your departure. Please call Travelex, 800.228.9792 or see their website www.travelex-insurance.com/index.asp?LOCATION=13-1069. This address will automatically enter the location number. If you telephone, you will need to give them the Location Number 13-1069. The product number which most students choose is TraveLite Travel Protection, and it is not available through website, only by request BY PHONE. This insurance will cover accidents, illness, and emergency evacuation. The cost depends on the length of your stay, but is reasonable. Health Concerns Sanitation standards are high in Costa Rica, and your family will take the normal precautions in preparing food. Water directly from the tap is considered safe in Heredia and Samara, but precautions should be taken in other areas. The school will assist you with any medical needs you may have. Medical care in Costa Rica is considered quite well and is less expensive than in the U.S. LU Bussiness To prepare for your semester abroad program in Costa Rica as well as your return to LU the following fall, you will need to visit the following LU offices at