Costa Rica 08

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Costa Rica 08

• Summer Program

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Fast Facts

• Costa Rica is a democratic republic
• Capital San José
• Currency Colón
• 1 US dollar 500 colones (approximately)
• Travelers checks, ATM, credit cards, cash
• Pocket money 500
• Climate May 71F (average), 17 days of rain
• Spring / Summer clothes sandals, raincoat, small
  umbrella, one nice dress, towel, personal items
  (soap, shampoo, etc.), sun block, and insect
  repellent. Dress conservatively!

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• Electricity same as the U.S.
• Health Information Amoebas and other intestinal
  woes. Allergies. Bring medications /
  prescriptions.
  
• Safety CR is a safe place. Pickpockets. Do not
  bring prominent jewelry. Be sure not to leave
  valuables unattended. Do not walk alone in the
  late night.
• Drugs Drugs laws are strict
• Food Drink bottled drinks, avoid ice. Eat well
  cooked food.

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Family

• If you have a question, ask!!! Do not assume!
  There will be misunderstandings, but that is ok!
  
• Culture shock. It is OK!
• Inform your host family whenever you will not eat
  or sleep
  
• Your family will take you to ICADS for your
  orientation on the first day of the program. Make
  sure to pay attention to the route they take so
  you can learn the way to ICADS.
• Dont be afraid to ask questions or express your
  concerns to me or to the housing coordinator.
  
• Telephone access from your host familys phone
  will be limited. Use public telephones.

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Family

• They will wash all of your clothes except
  underwear. They will show where and how to wash
  your intimate clothing by hand.
  
• You should never feel obligated to clean the
  house, baby-sit, etc. Of course, do not make a
  mess, and try to clean your room.

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Language

• Use Usted with your family, teachers and new
  people you meet. Be polite!!
  
• Bring a Spanish dictionary
• It is OK to make mistakes! Costa Ricans have a
  lot of patience
  
• Practice Spanish!! Not English!
• Study the vocabulary list!

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Courses

• 800 a.m. to 1230 p.m. Spanish classes
• 1230 to 130 p.m. Lunch
• Students usually have lunch in many neighborhood
  restaurants
  
• 130 to 500 p.m. Every afternoon, except
  Fridays, students will have the opportunity to
  participate in lectures, field trips, or cultural
  activities. Friday afternoons are free, to allow
  weekend travelers an early start. Sometimes,
  special activities may take place during evening
  hours.

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Policies

• We are representing Piedmont College. Therefore,
  we follow the Academic Integrity Policy and
  Student Behavior Code (see Student Handbook,
  www.piedmont.edu/student_life)
• Attendance policy (The maximum allotted number of
  absences is 3 days)
  
• We are adult people and not children!

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Help

• I will be there 24 hours/ 7 days a week
• There are no stupid questions! Ask!
• I will be there, helping you with your Spanish
  and making this trip a positive learning
  experience

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Useful information

• ICADS address
• (Your name)
• c/o icads
• apartado 3002050
• SAN PEDRO MONTES DE OCA
• COSTA RICA
• CENTROAMERICA
• 011-506-2225-0508 (this is the only ICADS line
  that receives international calls)
  
• Spanish web site (all the information /
  gallery) www.piedmont.edu/spanish
  
• U.S. embassy in Costa Rica 506 2519-2000
  http//sanjose.usembassy.gov/

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Recommended items to bring

• Two copies of passport
• Glasses, sunglasses, contact lens
• Copy of your health/ accident insurance
• Medication (prescription)
• Personal items shampoo, soap, sun block, etc.
• Cash (100)
• Credit cards
• A notebook
• A handy Spanish-English Dictionary
• Cellular??

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Recommended items to leave with someone in the
U.S.

• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your credit and debit cards
• A copy of your airline itinerary
• A copy of health/ accident policy
• Your host family address
• ICADS address
• Spanish section web site www.piedmont.edu/spanish
  
  

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Keep in touch

• Please keep in touch with your family here in the
  U.S. I am not a messenger boy.
  
• Use the Internet for communication! E-mail. ICADS
  has a computer lab with Internet availability.
  
• Skype, MSM, AOL (I will try to install these
  programs over there). I will also bring a
  laptop.
  
• Please give your family the house phone number,
  in case they need to contact you for an
  emergency
  
• Tell your family to call you at ICADS in the
  morning. 011-506-2225-0508. They speak English.
  
• Use public telephones. In Costa Rica, you can buy
  calling cards.
  
• It is ok to be homesick! Remember, this a unique
  experience. It is just 4 weeks. Practice Spanish.
  Enjoy Costa Rica!
  
• If you need assistance, please let me know