FAQ´S

MONEY MATTERS

We recommend bringing American Express traveler’s checks and some cash. VISA, MasterCard, and American Express cards are accepted in major stores restaurants and hotels. VISA is the preferred card. There are ATM machines throughout San José and in many of the regional cities. Outside San José traveler’s checks can only be exchanged into the national currency at state run banks. Most businesses will not accept traveler’s checks as payment. However, most places will accept payment in U.S. dollars if paid in small denomination bills. ($1, $5, $10)

MATERIALS TO BRING

All course materials are included in the course fees. We recommend you bring a small Spanish/English dictionary and the book 501 Spanish Verbs by Christopher Kendris.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Other than the study materials as stated earlier, we recommend that you bring a hat, swimwear, tennis shoes, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellant, light jacket, short pants, and film. While Costa Rica is generally warm some regions can be chilly, especially at night.

HEALTH CARE

Costa Rica has one of the finest medical systems in the world. If needed we can recommend a bilingual doctor. There are several major full service hospitals in San José. Tap water is safe to drink. Simply use the same precautions as you do at home.

IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS

Persons holding U.S. passports can stay for a maximum of 90 days without special permission. For students staying longer we can help you extend your stay. Passports must not expire within 6 months of arrival into the country.

TEACHERS

Our qualified teachers are university graduates with years of experience and all are Costa Ricans.

COLLEGE CREDIT

Students who successfully complete the program are eligible for transferable credit to their home college or university. Our school issues one semester credit for each 20 hours of class. On the last day of class students receive a certificate of completion.