FAQ
Why study in Costa Rica rather than other countries?
Costa Rica is your best choice
Language Programs and Lodging
School Policy
Contact Information
Tips
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Why study in Costa Rica rather than Spain or Mexico or Guatemala?
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.
Costa Rica has a rich diversity of things 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. In addition, it's more politically stable than Guatemala or some parts of Mexico.
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 Medical 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. Many medical techniques are on a par with or near to the US, Canada, and Europe. Costa Rican regulations are strict as well. This may not be the right choice for medical professionals looking for intensive hands on experience working in developing nations (such as many parts of Africa and Southeast Asia).
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.
Language Programs and Lodging
Language Programs
The Turrialba campus is located about one and a half hours from San Jose. With a population of about 40,000 it's a town that is not to be missed. It's a relatively affluent middle-class town and offers plenty of opportunities for cultural experiences. The town isn't as media saturated as many places and is an ideal location to study Spanish away from the tourist centers.
The people take a simple, positive approach to living and the town is very tranquil with plenty of activities from mountain biking, running, hiking, horseback riding, swimming in almost Olympic size pools, dancing (salsa, meringue, and cumbia), cooking, rafting, kayaking, and much more. It's an easy environment to engage in the Immersion process.
Dominical is a beach town located on the central pacific side of Costa Rica, about four hours from San Jose. As it's a small town, you get to know the locals very well. The town is about one hour from the next mid-size town called San Isidro, which is the southern agricultural hub of the country. This is where many of the medical visits will take place. The school is surrounded by plenty of activities such as surfing, ocean kayaking, hiking, running, swimming, zipline, horseback ridding, and many more. This beach is known as one of the best beaches to surf Costa Rica.
La Fortuna is a town with many natural wonders. It's located about four hours from San Jose. It has an large active volcano, named Arenal, which spurts lava rocks every few seconds, which makes this place a star tourist attraction. It's also responsible for producing largenumbers of hot springs that people flock to each year. There are many other beautiful ttractions such as waterfalls, hikes around the volcano and a lake that you can circumnavigate with an ATV.
These are just a sampling of the activities that will keep you interested for a long time. The local culture in La Fortuna is a mixture of local Costa Ricans natives to people associated with the tourism industry.
The school will work closely with families that best suit program needs. If students decide not to participate in the host family program, there are plenty of hotels in the area to choose from. However, we highly recommend staying with a family in order to give oneself many more opportunities to be fully engaged in the Immersion process.
Host Families or Student Housing (Cabinas/School Stay)
Host families are different in each location. In small towns like Turrialba, host families are, for the most part, middle class and educated. In these houses, you will find basic comfort amenities like a nice TV, computers, modern furnishings and clean houses.
In the beach towns, many host families are in a lower income bracket and the availability of modern conveniences may vary considerably. Some students should expect to modify their lifestyle expectations in this regard if they choose this option.
With that said, most of the families in Turrialba, Dominical or Fortuna are extremely motivated to help students learn to communicate and have a desire for students to comeway from their visit with a positive experience . All host families are very friendly and love to chat when they get a chance.
Some of the schools have very nice on campus housing options as well.
Depending on the length of stay, students may want to consider a combination of housing choice (e.g 2 weeks with family, then 2 weeks of on- campus housing.)
School Stay, or Cabinas stay ,is an option at Dominical. Because host-families live an average 11 kilometers away from the school, cabinas might be a better option because of distance. The rooms are shared, but they can be rented as private accomodations for a higher price. All the cabinas do not have air-conditioning but they are equipped with electric fans.
A few things to take into consideration regarding the beach town and cabinas:
Because it's in a tropical region, Dominical is always humid. Most of the time, clothes or sheets can get moist. In the rainy season plenty of wildlife from critters to insects can come around lit cabinas.
As a note always keep your doors closed, and windows are ok to leave open as all are equipped with screens.
Hotels
If you prefer a B&B with the Guest House, Spanish for Medical can help set you up with the various locations near or around the Guest House. If you'd like to inquire about prices, please feel free to contact us. (Pictures can be provided)
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 they are accurately
signed, because 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.
866.310.7600
Main Office
4222 Santa Monica Blvd Suite #106
Los Angeles, CA 90029
USA
Processing Center
P.O.Box 29637
Los Angeles, CA 90029-0637
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Spanish for Medical is an independent broker for language programs. Spanish for Medical 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 Medical is also not liable for personal injury, property damage or loss occurring while attending these institutions. Spanish for Medical 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 Medical 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 Medical 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 schools 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 Medical of any changes in your schedule at info@spanishformedical.com .
Credits for Classes
When you take classes in Costa Rica, you can apply
to have the classes credited towards your certification
or degree. Check with your school prior to signing
with us to confirm that credits can be transferred.
You have the opportunity to earn college credits. Western Association of Schools and Colleges "WASC" accredited these units. These courses have graduate-level accreditation and are designed primarily for students who have baccalaureate degrees and appropriate teaching credentials.
These semester hours of credit are used for professional advancement and to satisfy certain degree and credential requirements. Obtaining advance approval from your institution is necessary, as each district, college, or state has its own policies regarding the types of credit it will accept.
Over the past years, undergraduate students at the following Universities have received transfer credits for their time in one of our programs:
University of Vermont at Burlington
University of California at Santa Cruz
University of Massachusetts
University of Texas at Austin
University of Colorado
Lindenwood University
Salisbury State University in Maryland
University of South Carolina
Florida State University
University of Washington
Stanford University
Teachers, graduate students or undergraduate students
can receive 3, 6 or 9 semester credit hours for
time spent in an language programs total immersion
course.
To receive 3 units a student must be in class for at least 48 hours, and to receive 6 units they must be in class for a minimum of 96 hours. To receive the maximum number of units possible (9) you must be in class for a minimum of 144 hours.
Students wishing to receive these credits will also have to pay a fee directly to the accrediting institute in the states. This is in addition to the program and lodging price paid to language programs.
The charge is $60 a semester hour. For 3 credits the additional cost is $180. For 6 credits it is $360. For 9 credits it is $540.
Teachers or students who are interested in receiving credits for their time in one of our Spanish immersion programs should contact us for more specific information on what is needed and how to go about getting these credit pre-approved.
Upon Arrival
Airport arrival. When you pick the deluxe or the pre-program, your pick up is covered by the package. Our 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 cards that only work for the airport. Once you sign up, we can provide you with that information.
Contact Information
Contact info in the US
Russo MutucAddress: 4222 Santa Monica Blvd Suite #106
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Email: info@spanishformedical.com
Costa Rica
Walter Garrison or Francini Salas
Desde Paseo Colon Pizza Hut
100 mts. Norte
25 mts. Oeste
El Porton Amarillo
Office number 011(506) 258-5111 (When calling from the US)
Emergency 011(506) 391-0125 (When calling from the US)
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
Currency (Colones)
Colones is the name of Costa Rica's
currency. In order to get an idea of the exchange
rates, please refer to the chart below. These
prices are based on early 2004 trading. 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.
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.
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 much of that area has 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 and local markets.
Food is safe to eat, even in the fruit district of San Jose. Many 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 are a good indication of 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
Keeping a copy of a your 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.
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 Medical works closely with Poas rent-a-car. Email: info@spanishformedical.com for more details.
More tours
Spanish for Medical 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 also 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