Why study in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has no official military and has instead chosen to invest most of its funds in the areas of Health and Education. There is virtually no political unrest in the nation, which makes traveling considerably more safe and comfortable for visitors.

Costa Rica has a rich diversity of elements to enjoy running the gamut of cuisine, fruits, culture, people and various other activities, particularly in the realm of ecotourism. Twenty-five percent of its lands are designated as National Parkland and therefore offer the visitor a wide assortment of choices when participating in outdoors activities.

These range from the pristine rainforests of Corcovado, to the wide beaches on both the Pacific and the Caribbean, to the high altitude cloud forests of Monteverde and the seasonally snow covered top of Chirripo (2nd highest mountain in Central America). In terms of cost, Costa Rica is considerably more reasonable than Spain and a lot closer.

Costa Rica is your best choice from security standpoint, plus it offers a wealth of pleasurable activities and a quality educational experience.

Our focus is mainly on the Spanish (Regular and Technical) aspects of the program, but because we have various locations around the country each of which provide different environments for learning, it’s up to the student to decide which environment is best for them given their objectives. Schools not only offer classes, but they also provide different activity options, depending on the package chosen, which let the student determine what’s best for them.

Costa Rica has invested much of its resources in health care infrastructure and education. The nation is a stable, tourist friendly, advanced country with a high literacy rate.

But for those seeking to improve their Spanish language skills, they will be hard pressed to find a better combination of learning opportunity, environment, pricing and sheer beauty.

School Policy

Once you get to school in Costa Rica

Personal Checks - (Personal checks are accepted with school payments). This is a better way to pay the school. Note: Please bring extra checks just in case you make a mistake on them. Also if you if sign them, make sure it is accurately signed becuase banks in Costa Rica are sensitive to any errors.
Money orders (Prior to purchasing this, please confirm the amount)

Credit Cards - a 5% charge will be applied when used in Costa Rica. Especially at the school.

Contact Us

info@spanishforsuccess.com

Cancellation and Refund Policies

Spanish for Sucess is an independent broker for language programs. Spanish for Success cannot be held liable for the actions of said schools.

We will attempt to make every effort to assist students to resolve any issues that may occur between schools and themselves. Our goal is to ensure that students have a positive experience.

Furthermore, Spanish for Success is also not liable for personal injury, property damage or loss occurring while attending these institutions. Spanish for Success is not a travel agency and all matters of reimbursement, refund, or change of program must be dealt with between the student and the school or agency.

If a student changes their mind prior to travel during the first week after sending in their deposit and decides that they do not want to participate in the program:

Before six weeks prior to travel, Spanish for Success will refund 100% of the deposit minus a $50 dollar administrative fee.

After three to six weeks prior to travel we will refund 60% of the deposit.

The final two weeks prior to travel we will refund 50%.

Once the program has begun there is NO refund of the deposit.

By filling out the registration form and sending it in to Spanish for Success you are declaring that you have read and agree to this statement as written and intended.

Changing campuses

If you decide you would like to change campuses or language programs, please give them approximately a week to make the change from host families to school stay.

Adding Classes

At anytime you feel like that you would like extend your program, the school is there to help with your needs. Please inform Spanish for Success of any changes in your schedule at info@spanishforsuccess.com .

Gifts for Host Families

It is usually advisable to bring a small gift to the host families. The value of the gift can be from $5 and up. Some recommendations that we have provided past students are: calendars, books, sweets, body fragrances, t-shirts, and many more. Basically anything that is unique from your home place that the country will not have. This is not mandatory, but is considered good manners in the cultural context.

Upon Arrival

Airport arrival: Depending on the location, airport pick-up might not be included with the package. If you choice this service keep in mind the process of the pick-up. The private driver will usually pick you up at the location. Be on the lookout for your name on a sign being held up by our driver.

There will be plenty of people with other names with signs and will be yelling at you if you want a taxi. Just go around and look for your name. If by any chance you don’t see your name, we have emergency phone numbers that you may call at the airport.

Once you sign up, we can provide you more information.

Contact info in the US

Main Office

4222 Santa Monica Blvd Suite #106

Los Angeles, CA 90029

USA

Processing Center

P.O.Box 29637

Los Angeles, CA 90029-0637

Telephone Numbers
(866) 310-7600 (Toll Free USA & Canada)
(323) 472-4487 (Office Number)
(309) 403-1986 (Fax Number)

Website Information
Website: www.spanishforsuccess.com
Email: info@spanishforsuccess.com

Emergency Numbers in Costa Rica

Emergency 911
Red Cross 28
Police 257-0033
Tourist Board SJ 257-1733
Western Union 800-777-7777
US Embassy 220-3050
Can. Embassy 296-4149
British Embassy 221-5813
Weather 226-5616

Tips and Advice

Currency (Colones)

Colones is the name of Costa Rica’s currency. On average, every few days the Colones goes up two points per each dollar exchanged. Since we don’t set the exchange rates, make sure you verify the current rates on your own before you leave.

As a base measure, an average sit down lunch in the main city might cost you 1,000 -2,000 Colones. This varies depending on where you have lunch and whether in a tourist attraction/center or a local eatery.

Currency Exchange

Travelers Checks (Preferred choice is American Express DO NOT BRING Mastercard).

Do not change money at US Exchange places (Wait till you get to Costa Rica).

Visa or MasterCard (debit or credit card works with pin in the ATM’s)

America Express cards are accepted at most locations (Oath or Total ATM’s)

With any cash advance with credit cards, there will be fees. Charging the cost of the rogram or in other terms purchase charge, a 5% applicable fee is added.
Cash (Bring some small bills like $1 or $5 bills.)

Make sure you notify your credit cards companies that you are traveling down to Central America and give them itinerary of use. Many credit cards flag and freeze if unusual transactions are noted.

Inquire about their lost or stolen policies and replacement details.
Bring multiple credit cards if possible and don’t carry around more than one at a time.

Transportation Getting around in Costa Rica

Public Buses. This is a good way to see Costa Rica, but if you don’t have the time to do Stop and Go, we suggest taking the private buses or airplane.

Private buses like Interbus can be arranged with Guest House.

There are lots of connecting points from the major tourist sites.
Sansa, Costa Rica’s private domestic flight operation, will link to the biggest tourist sites.

Standard bus option (bus schedules) email info@spanishforsuccess.com for more information.

Traveling around (suggestions)

See above for other information.
When crossing borders, always have a copy of your airline itinerary.
You may want to travel with a buddy, so you won’t get bored. Make sure to try and register with the US Deparment of State

Water and food safety

In San Jose and mid-size towns like Turrialba and La Fortuna the water is generally safe to drink. Most host families serve tap water. The only points for concern, are in beach towns like Dominical because a lot of those areas have not fully developed their municipal water system yet. However, the school can be relied upon to provide safe drinking water.

As in many parts of the world, when in doubt, drink bottled water. Remember to budget appropriately for this possible expense. There can be a huge difference between what is charged in tourist markets and local markets.

Food is safe to eat, even in the fruit district of San Jose. Lots of the fruits sold are safe, but be wary! Pick your fruits safely because lots of fruits are over exposed to the sun where they can go bad.

Eating in a soda (CR diner) is a different situation. Sodas vary depending on the location. To protect yourself from bad café/restaurants or soda, make sure to check out the place. If you can see the kitchen, then you can see how they prepare the food. Also check their bathroom, clean stalls means clean restaurants.

Medical Considerations

If you require medical attention please see your doctor prior to departure.
Injection shots like tetanus, flu or anything that might pertain to traveling. See your doctor for more information.

Prescriptions

If you require a refill on pills, bring a copy of the prescription and go to your local Pharmacist and have them look up name in Spanish. By doing so, the Pharmacists in Costa Rica can tell what pills you need. This goes as well for other prescriptions such as eyeglasses and contacts. Bring an extra pair if your can.

What to bring

Bug Spray
Sun Screen
Sun Glasses
Alarm clocks
Hiking shoes (for tours)
Running Shoes (for those people looking to run)
Tevas or sandals with straps that prevent them from coming off your feet.
Bring clothes for warm weather (Note: depending on the season it may get a little chilly in San Jose or higher elevated towns or cities) Bring plenty of shorts and a couple of long pants. Also bring t-shirts that are easy to dry.
Umbrella or raincoat
Money Belt
English Spanish Dictionary
Note Book
Over the counter pills like (Tylenol to Anti-diarrhea etc.)
Camera (regular and water proof).
Zip lock bags to prevent your belongings from getting wet.

Copy of passports

Copy of a passport is important. When you get to Costa Rica, make sure to make a copy of the entry stamp. When you’re walking around town or going out at night, always have a copy of your passport with you! You can leave your real one in the Guest House or your lodging when you are in town. It is always safer to leave your real one behind. But when you start traveling around to a different town or in the country always have your real one on you.

Money belt

Having a money belt when traveling around the world helps. But how you use it is critical! One has to know how to use it correctly.

For example, people have made the mistake of using it as an extra pocket. Meaning, when they see they want to buy, they pull it out as if it is an extra pocket. If it is to be used properly, the person should step into a private corner or bathroom and take out what they need and then come out and pay for that item.

This prevents the belt from being exposed to the public.

Notify Your Credit Cards Prior to Departure

Call your credit card company and let them know your going on a trip. This is to ensure that, just in case of any emergency the card does not get blocked when you are abroad.

Maps

If you prefer, you can pre-purchase a map before you leave for Costa Rica. Sometimes the Guest House can provide a copy if they are available.

Phone Cards

Costa Rican phone cards are:

197 (only used for local)
199 (can be used for local or international)
US phone cards like AT&T or MCI or SPRINT have better rates in Costa Rica

Access numbers for US phone cards (In Costa Rica)

AT&T 0-800-011-4114
MCI 0-800-012-2222
SPRINT 0-800-013-0123
Can. Direct 0-800-015-1161
International Operator 116
Collect Calls 175
VISA 0-800-011-0030
M/C 0-800-011-0184
AMEX 0-800-011-0216

Renting a Car

There are plenty of car rentals in Costa Rica. Majority of the major companies are located in the airport or San Jose or popular tourist sites. Spanish for Success works closely with Poas rent-a-car. Email: info@spanishforsuccess.com for more details.

More tours

Spanish for Success works closely with the company Explonatura. They provide packaged tours around the country.

They also work with the school providing trips such as Rafting at the Pacuare (it is best known as one of the top rivers in the world) and Canyonering, which uses ziplines and involves repelling off waterfalls. They offer weekend trips to locations like Corcovado, Arenal and Puerto Viejo in combination with adventure tours.

Airport tax

Current exit tax for early 2004 is $26 (Can be paid in dollars or Colones. Checks or credit cards are not accepted)
You can also pre-purchase your exit tax at the bank BCAC (BanCrédito). Locations can be found in most cities. This will save time from the airport lines.

Holidays

January 1 New Year’s Day
April 1 First Day of Passover
April 2 Good Friday
April 11 National Hero’s Day
May 1 Labor Day
July 25 Guanacaste Province’s Annexation Day
August 2 Virgin of Los Angeles Day
August 15 Mother’s Day
September 15 Independence Day
October 12 Columbus Day
December 25 Christmas Day

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