What to Expect

With Costa Rica Explorations each participant can expect to experience the true Costa Rican way of life. We integrate ourselves into the community we visit. The bulk of our programs take place in small, rural, farming communities.

A Typical Day in the Homestay/Service Project Phase

Students will wake up in their homestay family's houses when the sun starts to rise and the roosters start to crow. After a big meal of gallo pinto (rice and beans), eggs, cheese and fresh fruit, students will put on work clothes and head off to the service. Throughout the homestays phase, students will be in pairs.

Each day starts off with a group meeting to discuss the events of the day before and the goals for the day to come. Tasks for the day will depend on which type of service project you are working on. Community members will work side-by-side with the students, engaging in conversation and teaching them different work skills and Spanish words. Even though it is hard work, it is a memorable and rewarding experience.

Students will return to their homestays for lunch. Lunch typically consists of a type of meat, a vegetable dish, rice and fresh squeezed fruit juice. The students and family take an hour or so to relax and get ready for the afternoon activities.

Afternoons can be filled with educational field trip, a second service project such as teaching English or free time to enjoy the natural wonders that surround them. About an hour before the sunsets, everyone meets at the local soccer field to participate in an informal soccer match.

When the sun goes down, students walk back to their homestays where they eat a delicious dinner with their family. Evenings are a great opportunity for the students to practice their Spanish and teach their family some English. Other nighttime activities can involve card games and arts-n-craft projects. Usually, everyone is exhausted and goes to sleep early to be rested for the next day.

Participants
Programs usually contain groups of 6-12 people. Groups are generally co-ed and attract individuals from various backgrounds. Throughout the course, the group acts as a unit with common objectives for traveling, completing service projects and adventuring. Friendships and bonds form quickly as many traditional barriers are overcome in this type of setting. A Costa Rica Explorations program is a great opportunity to build new friendships that often last a lifetime.

Passports/Visas
You must bring a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months beyond the date of your return flight home. Every student not coming from the Americas or a European Union country should consult the following Costa Rican information web site to ensure that they meet immigration requirements: www.costarica.com

Money
Students will be allowed to bring money on course. All meals and course costs are covered by Costa Rica Explorations. However, it is recommended that students bring between $150-$300 for souvenirs, snacks, phone cards and possible emergency expenses. An airport tax of around $30 (the amount fluctuates) is due upon departure, and is not included in course fees. We also ask that each student raises between $200 and $400 to pay for the materials we use in the service project.

Medical Exam
Anyone attending a course must have a complete physical examination. The form provided in the enrollment pack is to be completed and signed by a physician, the student, and by his/her parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age. Bring the medical form with you when you have the physical exam. You cannot begin the program if we do not have an approved medical form on file. Should you arrive without a completed medical form on file, you will not be allowed to participate until the form is completed.

Equipment
You need only bring personal clothing, footwear, rain-gear, toiletries, and other personal items (see detailed clothing list). You will be able to buy supplies while on your program. We strongly urge you to arrive with all necessary items.

Cameras
Bring your camera if you want to record the events of your course. However, because or the type of activities and the tropical environment, you run the risk of losing or damaging your camera. A durable case and a zip-lock bag will help protect it from the elements. Please do not bring large amounts of camera equipment.

Ipods, Radios, CDs, and Personal Stereos
While all of these personal devices are allowed we encourage limited use of them while on a program. Traveling time between towns and villages and down time before bed at the homestay are the two times these should be used. We have found that if you constantly “escape” to these devices many opportunities and interactions can be missed.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco
CRE programs strive to empower participants. Participants are asked to refrain from tobacco use during the duration of the course. Alcohol and illegal drug use is prohibited on any of our courses. Failure to abide by our alcohol and drug policy will result in expulsion from course without a refund. You will be sent home early from the course at your own expense and unaccompanied by a CRE guide.

Travel to/from Costa Rica
Airfare to/from Costa Rica is not included in program fees. REMEMBER: Book your flight to arrive the day the program starts and depart the day the program ends. Once accepted to the program, appropriate arrival and departure dates and times will be suggested.

Arrival in San Jose
Participants should arrive in Costa Rica the day the program starts, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. A CRE staff member will be waiting outside the airport, meeting participants' arriving flights. Look for them right outside customs. Our staff will have a sign saying “Costa Rica Explorations.” In order to meet your arriving plane, it is imperative that you email or fax a copy of your flight arrangements at least 15 days prior to the start of the course. Transport from the airport is included in program fees. Orientation starts the day the students arrive.

Travel in Costa Rica
All land transfers during the program are included in your program fees. To increase intercultural contact and communication, we usually use public transportation. In extremely remote areas, we charter transportation or use our own.

Mail and Telephone Contacts
We allow students to call home at various times throughout the program. In Costa Rica, students can purchase international phone cards to use to call home. Students can also write letters or postcards to their family and friends, but will not be able to receive mail due to the logistics of the program.

Insurance
While our company is insured, it is recommended that students purchase a student study abroad insurance policy before they go to Costa Rica. Once accepted into the program, possible policy options will be mailed to you.

First Aid
All CRE leaders are certified in CPR and First Aid and will carry an extensive first aid kit with them at all times; however, if a student has prescriptive drugs they regularly take, they should bring them with them on the trip and are responsible for taking them. Any allergies a student may have should be included on the students medical forms.

Safety
Costa Rica Explorations prides themselves on their safety policy, training, and practices. However, in the case that a student becomes ill or injured the guides will seek immediate and appropriate medical care and parents will be notified immediately.