ABOUT COSTA RICA. Population: +4 million people. Located in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panamá; and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans

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1 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

2 Veritas is a small private university founded in 1968, specialized in art, design and architecture on a national level. The Center for International Programs (CIP) at Veritas, has over 20 years of experience providing study abroad programs in Costa Rica. Our campus is located in Zapote, San José, a 45-minute drive from the airport Juan Santamaría, where you will be landing. UNIVERSIDAD VERITAS

3 ABOUT COSTA RICA Population: +4 million people Located in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panamá; and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans An extension that covers only 0.03% of the surface of the globe, but possesses 5% of the existing biodiversity of the world It is a democratic country that is proud to hold the distinction of not having and army since 1949 Official language: Spanish, although many people speak English Currency: Colón Climate: Tropical, high humidity, temperatures around 66F to 79F in San José. Two seasons: dry and rainy season

4 IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of you stay in Costa Rica and for at least 6 months after you finish your program and go back home (US residents). You will get a tourist visa stamp upon arrival at the airport, valid for 90 days (US residents).

5 Everyday clothes (light shirts, shorts, long pants, sweaters, etc.) Hiking/tennis shoes, sandals, flats Swimsuit, beach towel Rain jacket 1-2 more formal outfits for occasional outings that require dresscode Mosquito repellent Strong sunscreen and sunglasses WHAT TO PACK

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7 BE READY TO FLY Be sure to check baggage restrictions or charges for international flights Information for airport pick-up will be provided prior to departure If your flight is delayed, please let us know via the phone number provided in the flight information confirmation letter sent prior to arrival

8 IN COUNTRY EXPENSES Estimate $20 a day for miscellaneous expenses, although you re not going to spend this much every day Budget for individual excursions, CR cell phone or SIM card, lunch, incidental expenses, in country commuting, social activities, gym, etc. Bring a credit card and a debit card, preferably only Visa or MasterCard Notify your bank you will be abroad Know your bank s withdrawal limit Do not carry large amounts of cash No traveler s checks COLONES EQUALS MONEY

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10 To use your phone in Costa Rica with a local SIM card it has to be unlocked. SIM cards and prepaid phones can be purchased at the airport, service providers stores and at the travel agency located on campus. Internet access is available at all hosts families, on campus and in most restaurants and shops. We recommend using WhatsApp, Viber or Skype to communicate with your friends and family back home BE PREPARED TO COMMUNICATE

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12 YOUR HOST FAMILY IN PARADISE Offer private room per student with a safety box, bed linens, towels, cooking facilities Breakfast and dinner are included in your program. Laundry service and room cleaning are done once a week Host houses are close to campus Host families enjoy learning about your family and where are you from, this is a gesture of appreciation Make an effort to speak in Spanish all the time. Also, be considerate, mind your cleanliness, phone use and late night arrivals

13 Make sure to notify your host family if you re traveling outside of San José or will be absent for an unpredicted amount of time. Do not walk alone at night, travel in groups or use a taxi, or the shuttle bus available on campus. Keep your passport at home, carry a photocopy. Take the original when traveling outside San José. Avoid showing large amounts of cash Be careful with your electronic equipment (computer labs available on campus). Avoid excessive drinking, no drugs allowed SAFETY FIRST

14 HEALTH ISSUES Always have your insurance information with you. Drinking water is safe in the majority of the country, including San José. When in rural areas it is best to have bottled water to be on the safe side. When out in the country, drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice, eat vegetables only that have been properly washed, avoid eating from street vendors.

15 NOW YOU KNOW BEFORE YOU GO