Introduction

When preparing to study abroad in Costa Rica, it is important to gain a balanced perspective. Safety is a global, national, regional, and local phenomenon. As Americans have come to realize, the U.S. is no more immune to acts of crime or violence than other parts of the world. The resources we provide will assist you in understanding the particular safety challenges in Costa Rica. This resource gives a framework of information, checklists, questions, and resources that helps review the type of study abroad program you will choose/have chosen, the available support services, and ways for you to be prepared for the realities abroad in Costa Rica.

Students may find it extremely helpful to do some research before going abroad; understanding a country's culture, laws, customs, politics, etc. can be tremendously important. The more you know ahead of time about Costa Rica, the better prepared and more confident you will feel when you arrive.

Internet research is one of the easiest ways to find more information about Costa Rica. The Center for Global Education compiled a condensed list of information and helpful internet resources on Costa Rica for students considering study abroad. In creating this site, the Center's goal is to help educate and inform students so that they can enjoy a safe and healthy time in Costa Rica. Students are encouraged to read through the information on Costa Rica, and visit other recommended sites provided in each section.

While no study abroad program can offer an absolute guarantee that students will be safe, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming injured or a victim of crime abroad. We encourage all students, their parents, and study abroad program administrators to read through the following safety suggestions in order to better prepare themselves in the case of health or safety challenges in Costa Rica.

To address the current worldwide concern for safety, and the need for informed study abroad program participants, the Safety Abroad First-Educational Travel Information (SAFETI) Clearinghouse of the Center for Global Education makes the following safety resource guide available for students studying abroad in Costa Rica. This document is made possible through support from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) of the U.S. Department of Education.

Why Study in Costa Rica?

Nature, nature, nature! One of the main reasons for choosing Costa Rica over other study abroad destinations is the pristine bounty of natural splendors unique to the country. Costa Rica's biodiversity, including over 800 bird species and 1400 tree species, makes it the perfect spot for students interested in biology, anthropology, ecology, ornithology, zoology, development, tourism and other such subjects. An estimated 27% of the country is protected land area in which you can find monkeys, sloths, armadillos, tapirs, turtles, quetzals, toucans, caimans, butterflies, flowers and more.

Students and travelers tend to choose Costa Rica over other Central or South American destinations due in part to the country's history of stability. While other nations in the region tend to get a bad rap in the press for their volatile, corrupt systems of government and potentially dangerous links to the drug trade, Costa Rica remains surprisingly calm. Costa Rica doesn't even have a regular standing army. The nation instead chooses to invest in protecting its natural resources in national parks and preserves. Perhaps because Costa Ricans don't tend to live with the same fear of violence or instability some of their neighbors do, the ticos (as Costa Ricans are commonly called) seem to be more relaxed and are noted to be very friendly to visitors.

Due in part to its stability, the CIA World Factbook calls Costa Rica "a Central American success story." Besides wildlife, the country also boasts strong technology and tourism sectors. The nation's well-developed and prosperous tourism industry provides international and intercultural exchange, as it remains a draw for study abroad students and travelers. Tourism is big business, and it helps attract investors just as much as adventurers. High levels of literacy and education, coupled with political stability, are two other factors that continue to attract foreign investors to Costa Rica.

As many students are well aware, different languages, people, and cultures are impacting our lives at a critical rate. In the United States, the Latino culture will have the greatest impact. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 27 million Latinos in the United States; this is almost 10% of the entire population. Some estimates claim that in the near future, one out of every six people in the United States will be Latino. These people are consumers with an estimated purchasing power of more than $220 billion. Much of U.S. manufacturing is being relocated to Latin America. Big businesses recognize the importance of their spending and the need to reach a Spanish-speaking audience. In areas like advertising, health services, and media (print, TV, Internet, and radio), there is a need for people with experience in Costa Rica and other parts of Latin America. While English remains the language of business in Asia and Europe, a familiarity with Spanish and Latin American culture is absolutely essential for conducting business or working in this region.

Why Learn Spanish?

Learning Spanish used to be an asset; in today's world, it has become a necessity. In the short span of 50 years, some estimate that nearly half the U.S. population will be Spanish speaking. Not only will those living in states that border Mexico find Spanish essential, but all those living in major U.S. cities will also need Spanish reading, writing, and speaking skills. In the job world, being bilingual in English and Spanish may even become a requirement rather than just advantage over the competition.

Varieties and dialects of the Spanish language make Spanish the official language of 21 countries. If territories are included, then there are more than 30 worldwide destinations in which Spanish is widely spoken. In fact, more than 250 million people consider Spanish their first or "native" language, making it the third most widely-spoken language in the world. There are currently more than 280 million people living in countries where Spanish is the official language, thus opening up for you a realm of possibilities to explore the globe, work, teach, volunteer, intern and live abroad in any one of many Spanish-speaking nations, including Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, you can't always rely on English as a back up to communicate. In Costa Rica, you will use and practice Spanish every day; you will interact with native speakers at every turn. Even a simple task like going to the market becomes a learning experience. You pick-up subtleties, authentic accents and pronunciation, jokes, stories, and local phrases you never would have learned in the United States. Most of the time, you find you are learning new things without even trying; simply being surrounded by Spanish day and night helps you absorb more than you think.

Another advantage of total immersion is that you not only become immersed in the Spanish language, but in Costa Rican Spanish culture as well. Initial language learning opens up more opportunities to explore the literature, music, art, dance, sports, etc… of Costa Rica.

Total immersion also makes you more marketable in the job world, even on an international level. After learning Spanish, you have an advantage-an extra edge-above other job candidates. You have broadened your communication skills beyond just the English-speaking world. Your Spanish language abilities are a major asset, and companies know it.

Aside from the job world, you may also use your Spanish class credits earned abroad to add a major or minor back at your U.S. home campus.

Each program has its own specific language level requirements. Usually, you can tell how intensive a program's course of study will be based upon its required level of Spanish language proficiency. Language requirements range from no prior language instruction in Spanish, to a highest language level of nearly bilingual. You may want to check and see what prior level of Spanish your program requires, so that you can start or continue learning Spanish in Costa Rica.

Advice for Parents

You may want to take a similar role in the selection of your student's study abroad program as you did with your son or daughter's selection of an appropriate U.S. college or university. To begin, we recommend that students read and fill-out this Study Abroad Handbook independently. This can be the first step that helps him/her take charge of his/her own study abroad experience. However, accomplishing the many tasks involved with planning study abroad in Costa Rica can be overwhelming. Your son or daughter will most likely need your assistance.

Finding a Quality Program

In this section, you will get some helpful tools and advice on how to select the best study abroad program for you. You have a variety of programs to choose from in Costa Rica; they include: language academies, traditional universities, cultural tours and eco-adventures. Prior to participating, students and their parents should take time to look at the different programs available for study abroad.

One of the main reasons students cite for not studying abroad is that they start the planning process too late and miss the opportunity. The earlier you start researching programs, the better chance you will have to study abroad, include the coursework in your on-campus degree program, and graduate on time. The simplest way to find an appropriate study abroad program in Costa Rica is to look at programs available through your home campus; home campus faculty and staff can help you through the process.

Selecting the Right Program for You

In this section, you will learn how to go a step beyond finding a quality program. You will begin to research quality programs that reflect your individual needs. You will be better able to find a program that matches academic and personal objectives. The following things are some personal factors that can affect a student's program decision:

Cost: Finding a quality program that's affordable is possible. Depending on you or your family's financial situation, program cost may or may not be an issue for you. No one wants to compromise quality for cost. However, many students need to find programs that fit their personal budget. Costs for study abroad programs don't end with a basic fee; rather, additional costs can add up for insurance, housing, meals, excursions, travel, medical needs and purchases.

Spending and Saving: Frugal spending is key both before you go, and while you are in Costa Rica. Make a budget for yourself and stick to it. Before you go, you may want to budget your spending by giving up that morning cup of coffee you buy on your way to work/class. Instead, you could make your own coffee at home, and bring your lunch with you rather than buying it every day. You may have to eat out less and give up going out as frequently. You could take the bus instead of paying to fill up your car, and you might even start clipping coupons.

Group Size: Some study abroad programs have very high limits for enrollment, while others are very selective about the number of students they allow to participate. You should determine in which situation you might feel more comfortable. In a smaller program group, you may get to bond and form closer friendships with the other participants than you would in a larger group. On the other hand, you may get tired of being with the same small group of people. In a larger group, you may feel lost, not know anyone and it may be harder to form strong friendships. On the other hand, you might enjoy the possibility of meeting so many new people and not being with the same group of people all the time.

It is important to ask your study abroad program coordinator what the ratio is between staff and students-a small program staff in charge of a large group may not be the best when you are trying to find someone to assist you. Of course, if you plan to do independent study, you may very well be the only U.S. student at the institution you've chosen. This would probably give you the highest level of immersion, but you would have added responsibilities that another student studying in a program group may not have.

Class Size: Depending on how you learn best as a student, you will want to choose a program with smaller or larger class size. As a student, you may enjoy smaller class sizes because of the personal attention you receive. Also, if you are a beginning-level Spanish learner, you may appreciate the extra help that smaller classes can provide. On the other hand, you may be comfortable and accustomed to larger classes in which you have more independent study time. You may enjoy a larger class setting where you may come in contact with more students. Ask your study abroad program coordinator what the average class size tends to be for the subjects you will take in Costa Rica.

Class Dynamics: Ask yourself whether or not you prefer sitting next to a Costa Rican or another U.S. student in your classes. The answer to this question will help you determine whether or not you would like to be in classes with only other U.S. students, a mix of Costa Rican and U.S. students, or a class where the majority of the students are Costa Rican. Although usually not at the beginning Spanish level, some programs offer courses where a student can be fully immersed in the Costa Rican education system by attending class with regular students at a university/institution. Other programs separate students by designing special courses for program participants. Inquire as to which classes you are able to take as part of your program. Also ask whether or not your teachers will be from the United States or Costa Rica, if this matters to you.

Language Instruction: Even if you have minimal or no prior Spanish language experience, you can still find a program to suit your personal needs. Ask if your program offers Spanish for all levels, including beginner level instruction. If not, you may be able to take some classes in English. However, you may prefer to take all of your classes in Spanish-after all, it is the official language of Costa Rica. The more classes you take in Spanish, the more your Spanish will improve and the more immersed you will feel in Costa Rican culture and society. Ask if your program provides classes in Spanish, English or both.

Goals: Everyone chooses to study abroad for different reasons. You may want to learn or improve your Spanish. You may want to conduct independent research. You may want to pursue a degree, or you may just want to travel and get away. Before choosing a program, see if it fits the personal goals and objectives you have. Ask yourself if the program you choose will allow you to accomplish what you have in mind.

Eco-Adventure: Costa Rica has recently become a popular destination for young people seeking alternative forms of study abroad, travel, and recreation. Many students choose Costa Rica because they are seeking an eco-adventure, a chance at a hands-on experience with nature, or a more environmentally friendly way to travel while learning about and participating in conservation efforts. If getting up close and personal with flora and fauna tops your list of objectives for studying abroad, then Costa Rica may just be the destination for you.

Who Runs Your Program?

In this section, you will learn how to better understand who runs your program, and whether it is closely connected with your U.S. home university. Before deciding on a study abroad program in Costa Rica, it’s important to identify what kind of relationship your U.S. college or university has with your study abroad program; essentially, you want to know who is “in charge,” and who will help you if you need assistance.

There are five general types of study abroad program sponsors, which can be classified by the kind of relationship your U.S. home institution's staff has with a program's international staff. This can help you determine how much communication goes on between U.S. staff and abroad staff; does each party know what the other party is doing?

1. Home University Owned and Operated:	A U.S. college or university usually operates facilities and programs in Costa Rica as if they were extensions of its U.S. campus. It employs some or all of a program's academic/administrative staff in Costa Rica and owns, leases, controls or operates some or all of a program facilities and operations in Costa Rica. Staff and facilities in Costa Rica vary greatly from a one-person office to a comprehensive campus.
2. Home University Partnerships:	A study abroad program is a result of a cooperative arrangement or agreement between a U.S. college or university and one or more educational institutions or organizations in Costa Rica. This allows a U.S. university to send its students on programs owned and operated by a U.S. or a foreign college, university or independent program provider.
3. Independent Student:	Students find and enroll in programs independent of their college or university. In some cases, students will remain enrolled at their U.S. home campus, using their financial aid. In other cases, students will be required to take a leave of absence. Upon return, students may or may not receive credit for study completed in Costa Rica.
4. Individual Faculty/Staff Travel Study Program:	An individual faculty or staff member from a U.S. home campus, who has no permanent office in Costa Rica, accompanies a group of students for many of the short term and summer programs offered.
5. Hybrid Programs:	Many study abroad programs are mixtures of the four previously mentioned types of programs. For example, your home university may have an administrative office in Costa Rica, but a Costa Rican institution may offer courses and housing, and an independent program provider may arrange excursions.

The program sponsors listed above, may provide on-site program administration in Costa Rica through four types of program providers:

1. Foreign University Programs: Students directly enroll in the courses offered by a Costa Rican college or university. Costa Rican colleges and universities offer varying levels of services and support.

 
2. U.S. University Abroad: Students can enroll in other U.S. universities' programs in Costa Rica with which their U.S. home university has a formal agreement.

 
3. Independent Program Providers: Many study abroad providers are neither colleges nor universities, but are solely in the business of providing study abroad programs. Programs vary from well-staffed organizations with offices in the United States and Costa Rica to a one-person office anywhere in the world. Popular Independent Program Providers in Costa Rica overwhelmingly prove to be those offering eco-adventure, including everything from courses where students learn about and witness sea turtle egg-laying, to anthropological field studies of rain forest species, to white water rapid excursions. A very important aspect to consider when choosing such programs is whether or not your insurance covers activities in which you will be participating.

 
4. Hybrid Program Providers: Many study abroad program providers are mixtures of the three previously mentioned types of program providers. For instance, your U.S. college or university may have an administrative office in Costa Rica, while courses and housing may be offered by a Costa Rican college or university, and excursions may be arranged by an independent program provider.

After you understand who runs your study abroad program in Costa Rica and whether it is closely connected with your U.S. home university, the next step should involve a review of whether the level of support services both in the United States and in Costa Rica will meet your needs. Remember that there is no national organization that regulates the quality and certifies any minimum standard for study abroad programs. For this reason, it would be wise to take an active role in evaluating a program prior to participating in it. It is important to look at the many types of activities provided by your program.

• Excursions/Field Trips
• Travel/Transportation
• Classes
• Housing
• Counseling (if provided)/Student Services/Health Office
• Academic Advisement for classes

Participation in a study abroad program very likely will involve contracts. You, and maybe your parents, will have to read through and sign a number of important documents. Some of these documents might limit a program's responsibility or liability in the case you are injured in Costa Rica, other contracts might hold you responsible for certain behavior, still other contracts may require you to release personal information. Read everything before you sign. If you have to, re-read everything, have your parents read everything, or have your lawyer read everything before you sign anything. Don't let anyone pressure you into signing an agreement that confuses you, or one you don't understand. Ask study abroad administrators to explain exactly what they are having you sign, what it means, and what happens if you don't want to sign. Know your rights and take time to think about any possible consequences of signing or not signing. Among other things, think about the following when deciding to sign or not sign a contract:

• By signing, what are you agreeing to do/not do?
• What rights do you gain/give up?
• Does the contract protect you or your program sponsor?
• Is the contract legally sound?
• Can the contract be broken after you have signed?

Financing Study Abroad

In this section, you will learn how to help cover the costs of study abroad in Costa Rica. With appropriate planning, most students that can afford to study at a U.S. college or university, can afford to study abroad in Costa Rica. It is important to take into account all program costs to ensure you have sufficient funds for a healthy and safe experience in Costa Rica.

In most cases, a student's financial aid package should cover most, if not all, of the costs of certain study abroad programs. Usually, study abroad programs affiliated with your U.S. home campus are more likely to be covered by financial aid. If you don't have financial aid, there are also many scholarships and fellowships available; you just have to know where to look for them. Grants and loans are yet another way to help cut costs.

• Loans and Financial Aid: If you receive financial aid, study abroad in Costa Rica may be partially or fully covered by the terms of your financial aid package. If the study abroad program you have chosen is directly associated with your U.S. home campus, you may have a better chance of having your financial aid money cover your program costs in Costa Rica. However, you can't assume that financial aid will apply; even if it does, there may be limits as to what it covers. Inquire about the terms of your financial aid package at your college or university's financial aid office. You may also be eligible for a student loan, or an additional loan, if you receive federal work-study as part of your financial aid packet. Before asking for a bank loan, ask a financial aid adviser on your campus.
• Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants: With advance planning, you may be able to obtain scholarship or grant money from your U.S. home university or even from the institution in Costa Rica where you will study. There are many academic awards and fellowships available for students with an interest in study abroad or other international experiences. To find scholarship and fellowship opportunities, visit your college or university's financial aid office, search on-line, or consider purchasing one of the many books available on the subject. Many academic departments also offer student research grants for research completed abroad; most often, the fields of anthropology, geology, and medicine offer research grants.
• Other Sources of Money: Even though it may be hard to juggle a full load of classes and a job, working is a great way to raise money for study abroad. Although working on-campus doesn't usually get you the highest salary possible, campus jobs do help your cash flow. Since your goal is to earn fast cash, you don't necessarily need to look for a job oriented around your future career. While career-oriented jobs can be terrific learning and networking opportunities, non-career jobs may have more flexible hours allowing you to work between classes. Also, try making appeals to your local community, religious and academic organizations. These groups may set aside funding, or take up special collections, for students. If you or your family happen to belong to any community or religious organizations, those groups may be more apt to sponsor you because they know you; these groups often see you as a representative or role model and may even ask you to speak at their meetings when you return from studying abroad. If your study abroad in Costa Rica involves volunteer work or charitable activities, some organizations may also be more willing to support your efforts.

Cost of Living

Cost of living varies from country to country, with currency fluctuations, and according to your personal budget. You are probably used to a certain standard and cost of living in the United States, and you probably budget your income in order to maintain (or better) the standard and costs to which you have become accustomed.

You can calculate the difference in cost of living between the United States and Costa Rica by using an on-line international cost of living converter. Enter the U.S. city in which you live and your current salary. Then, enter the city in Costa Rica where you will study. The converter calculates how much you will need to earn in order to live in Costa Rica as you do in the United States. This rough estimate can provide you with a goal amount of money you will need to raise/save before going abroad:

Application Process

In general, expect to be asked to provide the following types of information about yourself on your study abroad program application form(s): your academic performance (Grade Point Average, scholarships, etc…), your selling points/talents (what you think about yourself), letters of recommendation (what others think about you), your hobbies and interests, your knowledge of current events in Costa Rica, your resume and official college transcript to date, etc...

Your Personal Statement/Essay is like a written handshake; it’s the first impression you give to administrators. Your personal statement is your opportunity to emphasize your best qualities and to show off your writing and communication skills. Also, if your transcript isn’t the greatest, you can use your personal statement to explain why, or to go into detail about your other talents away from school. While your GPA does factor into the equation, other extracurricular activities count as well, so be sure to list them. Even if there is a minimum GPA requirement that you don’t meet, you may still be able to participate in a program if you write a strong Personal Statement/Essay and have good letters of recommendation. You will probably write and re-write more than one draft of your personal statement before turning in your application. You may even want a professor to look it over before you write the final draft. This is especially true if you are asked to write your Personal Statement/Essay in Spanish. Remember to show maturity and to tell your audience what you are hoping to learn and get out of your study abroad program. Briefly explain your personal and academic goals. Most study abroad program administrators particularly want to know why you desire to study abroad in Costa Rica.

If your Personal Statement/Essay is like a written handshake, then your Interview is your actual—in person—handshake. The Interview process lets a program selection committee match your face with your name. It allows them to see you on a more personal and human level, rather than just on paper. Since first impressions can leave lasting impressions, it is important to present yourself as best as possible. You may want to dress professionally for your interview, and get a good night’s sleep beforehand. As you may be asked about the current events of Costa Rica, it’s helpful to read Costa Rican and U.S. news in preparation for your interview. Remember your manners and be polite; give others your full attention and listen to everything being asked of you. Since group interviews are common, make sure to listen to other students as well. However, remember that a group interview is not a competition between you and the other students; you do not need to talk longer or louder than the others. If a question catches you off guard, or you don’t know the answer, ask the person to repeat the question. Take your time when answering, and be honest if you don’t know something.

Pre-Departure Planning

In this section, you will find useful information on how to select a travel provider, decide which guidebook is right for you, learn how to tune-in your favorite Costa Rican radio station, and find out what documents are necessary for study abroad in Costa Rica. Before you buy anything, research your choices, select a travel provider, and find out what documents are necessary for study abroad in Costa Rica.

Student travel agencies may be the most discount-oriented. Travel agents are a traditional option, but several student-oriented travel agencies can offer discount fairs. Other young adults, who have recently studied abroad themselves, often staff these student agencies. Therefore, they can be more knowledgeable about travel abroad. Many student agencies offer exclusive student or youth travel discounts. Some discounts may be valid for a full year, an extended time limit that most regular travel agencies do not offer.

Travel agencies are usually the least discount-oriented. Checking with several of them may help you to establish a base price, or sometimes you may even get a reasonable fare. If you are extremely flexible, many airlines offer last minute airfare deals that can even be cheaper than student tickets.

Buying online is yet another option. Most sites post new discount offers three times a day. Some also offer the possibility of bidding for tickets at your own specified price. If your bid is accepted, you could end up flying for a very low price. However, be wary of restrictions on bidding (like not being able to back out of the deal once your bid has been accepted, and not being given a choice of airlines or flight times).

When you have decided where to purchase your airplane ticket, many travel experts recommend paying with a credit card. Several credit card companies offer insurance on purchases; should your tickets be lost or stolen, or you flight cancelled, you needn't lose all your money. Check with your credit card company to determine what conditions of protection apply.

Proper documentation and identification is required for entry to Costa Rica and for re-entry into the United States. Costa Rica has its own special requirements for entry based on your citizenship, purpose of visit and length of stay. Find out which requirements pertain to your situation, and plan in advance; obtaining documents from embassies or consulates can take from one hour up to three months. Getting a new passport may take up to six weeks.

How Foreign Laws Apply to You

In this section, you will find information on what you should know about Costa Rica's legal system, and the legal system of the countries to which you will be traveling. If you are a U.S. citizen, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Costa Rica is limited in what it can do to assist you if you should get into legal trouble abroad. As a foreigner in a foreign land, you are obligated to act in accordance with foreign law.

Not knowing local laws can get you into serious trouble. Just because something is legal in the United States doesn't mean it is legal in Costa Rica. Most students who study abroad do not break the law on purpose; instead, they end up doing something illegal without knowing it. Even as a foreigner, you must obey all Costa Rican laws and the laws of other countries to which you are traveling.

If you break local laws while in Costa Rica, the U.S. government can do very little to help you. You are granted no special privileges or rights, and will be dealt with according to standard procedure of the legal system of Costa Rica. The U.S. and Costa Rican governments encourage all visitors to Costa Rica to become familiar with local laws before they visit. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, you may also wish to ask a Costa Rican official about local laws and procedures. Remember, most students who study abroad wind up breaking the law unintentionally, and alcohol or drug use has been associated with law-breaking in many cases.

Methods of Communication While Abroad

In this section, you will learn how to communicate better with a program's administration, family and friends while you are in Costa Rica. When looking at a study abroad program in Costa Rica, see if it has a 24-hour communication contact person both in Costa Rica and in the United States. With the advent of the "information age," there now exists more than just one way to communicate internationally.

Housing

Your place of residence in Costa Rica will become the main site of most of your cultural interaction. Where you choose to live in Costa Rica can determine to what level you will immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture.

The majority of your language practice and communication will not take place in the classroom, or even during your travels. Rather, most of it will happen at home in your residence. At your place of residence, you will experience the most intense and personal form of culture-sharing, as the locals you will live with become your family, friends and roommates.

Just as it took getting used to living with your dorm or apartment roommate(s) in the United States, it will take just as much effort to adjust to your living situation in Costa Rica. Your place of residence in Costa Rica comes with challenges, perhaps even more challenges than you had to deal with when you lived with roommates at your U.S. home campus. You will face language and culture differences which can affect everything from when a person eats a meal, to what he or she eats, personal hygiene issues, study habits, likes and dislikes, etc… However, keep in mind that your own habits and views will also seem different to the person(s) you are living with in Costa Rica.

When thinking about housing in Costa Rica, the most important thing to remember is patience. Try to be patient with yourself as you try to adjust to living with others in Costa Rica. Also, try to be patient with those you live with, as they will be learning to adjust to you as well. In the chance that things just don’t work out for you, or you just are not compatible with your roommates or host family, make sure your program offers you the right to change your place of residence. Ask your program’s administrators about your rights in regards to switching places of residence, and whether or not an administrator can help you find alternate housing should you need it. Your program administrators can act as conflict mediators to help you and your roommates or host family resolve any issues troubling you. If at any time you find your housing unsafe, be clear with program administrators and explain to them why it is unsafe and that you need to change housing as soon as possible.

There are three main types of housing options in Costa Rica. However, not all programs will offer all three housing options. In many cases, you may only be offered one type of housing option. Also, your program may not provide housing at all, or may not be able to guarantee housing for you.

Packing

Expectations

Living abroad in Costa Rica will be different, and it's crucial for you to start expecting that Costa Rica will be different. Simply anticipating some of the differences ahead of time can help better prepare you for life abroad in Costa Rica. The single most import thing to remember is to be flexible. You will no doubt have to adapt to new things you encounter in Costa Rica.

You should learn to expect the unexpected. Accept the fact that everything in Costa Rica will not be same as it here in the United States. The following are some very general and basic things to which you are probably accustomed in the United States, but that may be very different in Costa Rica:

• Routines and Schedules: Your routine will change once you get to Costa Rica. Not only might you be dealing with a time difference upon arrival, but many Costa Ricans may have a unique work schedule. Shops and stores may be closed earlier than you are used to, so you will have to work your routine around those business hours. You may find rural life in Costa Rica to be slower paced and more basic than the lifestyle to which you are accustomed. You will also have to adapt your routine to bus and metro schedules and to your roommates' schedules. There are countless ways in which your routine in Costa Rica can be different from your routine in the United States.


• Facilities: Facilities may be modern or rundown, working or out of order, clean or dirty. Basically, you take what you get and deal with it. You have to be your own judge of when facilities like hospitals, restaurants, beaches, public transportation, apartments, or even phone booths are in safe, working condition. In many cases, especially in poorer areas of Costa Rica, you may have to lower your standards a bit and accept what's available to you. Facilities do not have to be new to be useful or safe.


• Modern Conveniences: In Costa Rican supermarkets, you probably will not be able to find certain favorite food items you always eat in the United States. Just because you can't find something you're looking for in Costa Rica, doesn't mean Costa Rica lacks anything. If you like Costa Rican food in the United States, it doesn't mean it will taste the same in Costa Rica. You should not expect to find the same foods in restaurants or supermarkets, the same fast food chains or name brand items, the same style or sizes of clothing and shoes, etc. Many of the modern conveniences you may take for granted, like ATM machines, hair dryers, cell-phone reception, Internet hook-ups and microwaves, may not be available. In short, if you can't have or find everything you want; you will have to compromise.


• Bathrooms and Toilets: You may very likely find things are different even in Costa Rican bathrooms. The idea of a western toilet with a porcelain bowl and a seat is not universal. Bathroom facilities abroad can literally be holes in the floor, outhouses, or non-existent. Bidets are common, especially in Europe. Toilet paper is often not available, or not commonly used. You may always want to carry a pocket pack of tissues with you just in case. Sinks and running water for you to wash your face and hands or brush your teeth may or may not be an option. If sink water is an option, be sure to ask if you can drink it or brush your teeth with it. Showers may also be different in Costa Rica, as some cultures prefer to bathe in a tub or other water source instead. Hand-held water sprayers may replace U.S. style fixed showerheads.


• Co-ed Living: If you are not comfortable with living with the opposite sex, make sure to make your wishes known before you are assigned housing, or before you place an ad for a roommate. Otherwise, you may be assigned to live in a co-ed dorm, or find that your roommates are of the opposite sex.

Airport Safety, Duties and Customs

In this section, you will find information on how to check for new updates and stricter requirements now enforced by airports and airlines. There are some basic restrictions regarding what you can and cannot bring back from Costa Rica into the United States. You will also learn how to keep a better watch on your luggage so that no one else can tamper with it.

No matter the country from which you are departing or entering, it is important to understand airport and airline safety and security, remembering to cooperate with airport, airline and customs officials.

• Showing Identification: Try to always have your passport easily accessible, yet protect it against theft. Be prepared to show your passport when presenting your airline tickets/receiving boarding passes, entering departure gates, going through passport control, when boarding flights, etc.
• Carry-on Luggage: Check with your airline to find out its regulations for what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on bags. Do not put any sharp objects like nail scissors, razors, or pocket knives in your carry-on. Such items may be considered a threat to safety and could be taken away from you. Pack them in your checked baggage instead.
• Accepting Things from Others: Under no circumstances, should you ever take anything from, or hold anything for, anyone who asks you to do so. If anyone does ask you, simply say "no" and walk away. Don't be afraid to say "no" to family and friends. You need to think about the potential consequences before you hold anything for anyone.
• Watching Your Bags: Your bags should be in your sight at the airport up to point when you check them at the airline counter. Once you have picked up your bags from baggage claim, and are on your way to customs, be sure to keep a close eye on all your luggage so that no one but you has access to it.
• Random Baggage Searches: If you are stopped and asked to open your luggage, cooperate with the customs officials. Customs officials often conduct random baggage searches; just because your luggage gets searched, doesn't mean you have done something wrong.
• Body Searches: Airport security officials may conduct random body searches using an electronic device they wave over you. In some cases, a security official of the same sex as you may conduct a body search using his or her hands, and/or ask you to remove your shoes for inspection.
• Distractions: Airports are full of people carrying cash, travelers’ checks, credit cards, passports and other valuable documents. Therefore, airports tend to be an active place for thieves. While your attention is focused on checking in, boarding, getting your bags, finding a restroom, etc., you can become an easy target for theft. Be alert to anyone who suspiciously tries to distract you by asking directions, knocking over your coffee, reaching under a bathroom stall, etc.

Reverse Culture Shock

Making the Study Abroad Experience Count at Home

As you transition back to life in the United States, you may want to continue interacting with the Costa Rican people, do further study on Costa Rican issues, work in a bilingual environment, or even study abroad again in Costa Rica or another country. One advantage of study abroad is that it can offer you a more global perspective and expand your mind. So, don't forget to consider other opportunities outside of Costa Rica as well.

After you begin to readjust to being back home, visit your academic advisor. S/he will be able to inform you of whether your study abroad credits from Costa Rica will transfer properly. Even if you are not planning on using those credits toward your graduation, the records are still important and may be needed if you decide to go on and pursue a higher level of education. You should also check with your academic advisor to make sure that you are registered for all of the courses that you need for the upcoming semester, and that you have filled out any financial aid or tuition forms that you will need for that year.

Sometimes studying abroad will affect you to the point where you may decide to pursue another area of study. This meeting with your academic advisor is a good time to discuss any changes that you might want to make to your class selection or even your current major/minor. Your advisor will be able to discuss your options with you and help you decide what the best academic path for you may be.

If you are considering a career with a Costa Rican or international component, or looking for a job abroad, we also recommend that you visit your campus’ career center. A campus career center often provides various services for students seeking employment, and this is generally a good place to start looking for international job opportunities in Costa Rica and in other countries.