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Adjusting to Life in Costa Rica

A. Personal Adjustment
Any time people dramatically change their circumstances, a certain level of stress accompanies that change. The longer the stay, the more significant the stress can be. This will almost certainly be the case with settling into your new (although temporary) life in Costa Rica. Sights, sounds, smells, and tastes will be somewhat different than you are likely accustomed to, and the social network of family and friends that you are accustomed to at home will necessarily be much more distant. This will take some getting used to. These issues are addressed in the Pre-Departure Orientation section of the 'Preparation' page. We will also address these issues more in-depth during the in-country orientation and throughout the semester. Despite the somewhat challenging transition, however, by the end of the semester participants always note that they are more self-assured and independent, better aware of themselves and the world around them, and have made new friends during their stay (many of which last a lifetime). Following are some suggestions in adjusting to Costa Rican life:
1. Try not to compare Ticos (Costa Ricans) to where you are from, and especially try not to judge them. The same applies to other group members. As one past participant concluded, the most important thing that he learned from participating in the program was "that 'better' or 'worse' doesn't exist, things are just different" (Bechtold, 2002).
2. Try to be aware of how you are feeling at any given time. Talk with others you feel comfortable with about those feelings and try to determine the cause. Also, be aware of out-of-place behaviors of others in the group. They may also be having difficulty adjusting.
3. Do not mail negative, depressing letters to your parents or friends. You will most likely regret having done so before the letters are received (two weeks or more after you mailed them). It may be good to write such letters and then tear them up. Or, write at length in your log or journal about your frustrations, complaints, loneliness, etc. Remember, things WILL get better.
4. Try to 'buffer' the expectations you are accustomed to. Expect things to be somewhat different, rather than the same. For example, expect things to take somewhat longer, be less rigid, and to see more trash around the streets than you may be accustomed to seeing at home.
5. Dress-up more. Clothing is historically very much connected with social class in Costa Rica and throughout Latin America, although this is somewhat less true with youth today. Costa Rican students (especially women students) generally dress-up more than 'western' students at all times. Your relations with locals will be smoother if you dress accordingly and try to present as clean an appearance as possible. This is especially true if you're dealing with officials (e.g., police, border officials, immigration officers), when it's a good idea to look not only clean, but also to act as respectable as possible.
6. Be creative about finding positive, enjoyable ways to spend your free-time, other than getting into a habit of 'hanging out' at the bars. There are various social activities available in the community including movies, dance, and opportunities to 'pair' with Ticos who are learning English. There are also extra-curricular volunteer opportunities in the community, a sports complex and swimming pool right in town (approximately $1/day to swim or sunbathe), and various recreational areas (e.g., pools, parks) nearby. Many people also spend time (typically in the late afternoons and weekends) socializing in central park, and because San Ramón is a smaller town, there are also various opportunities to be active outdoors; hiking, mountain biking, etc. Finally, the nearby cities of Alajuela (45 minutes) and San José (1 hour) have all the usual large city activities including concerts, malls, plays, etc.
7. Be aware of safety at all times. Although San Ramón is very safe by almost any standards, you can still have trouble. All of the following guidelines apply after dark: Never loiter in or around central park; always walk in groups of two or more (especially women); stay within the main area of town (the better lit areas); and always be aware of people around you.
8. Adapt to the local customs. You are more likely to be accepted and respected if you are willing to adapt to the customs and habits of Costa Ricans. You can never become a Tico, but you can become a foreigner with 'tiquicia.'

B. Group Dynamics
You will be spending a great deal of time with many other students, most of whom did not choose to go because they knew you were going. You will also be spending a great deal of time (far more time than you likely have before, and perhaps more than you ever wanted to) with the program director and other faculty. Please pay special attention to internal group dynamics. Because participants are often overwhelmed with their new environment and what they are feeling, they are often less aware of their responses to this more intense level of personal interaction that we all must adjust to. Occasional disagreements and tensions are inevitable. However, if we are aware of the circumstances we will be better able to deal with such situations when they arise. Please remember that communication, acceptance, tolerance, and respect for each other's individuality and privacy are crucial under these circumstances. For guidelines in this regard, see the Respect for Others section on the 'Policies' page.

C. Support and Assistance
The stresses of living in a foreign culture, and in a home when you are accustomed to living by yourself, are real. We are available to help you, in whatever ways we can, in dealing with those stresses. We will also have periodic group meetings throughout the semester for discussing adjustment issues and other program matters.

Your Homestay Family

A. What to expect
During semester programs, participants will be living with middle-class families while in San Ramón. The families inevitably do what they can to make you feel comfortable in their home, but do not expect families to give you a key to the house immediately. The homestay situation will vary from family to family; however, one bit of advice that would apply to everyone is: YOU GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT IN TO IT! Sundays and holidays are thought of as family days and most stores are closed. Families often visit nearby outdoor recreational areas (swimming pools, waterfalls, sports complexes, etc.) on these days, and novios (boy/girlfriends) often spend time together in central park, going to the movies, etc. Information on homestay guidelines is available on the 'Policies' page.

B. Recommendations
The following are recommendations to help adjust to life in the homestay:
1. Always notify your family as to your whereabouts, for both safety as well as cultural reasons. This is especially important in the evenings, when you will miss meals, or if you leave town.
2. Always ask your home stay family's permission to make phone calls, or use a pay phone. Most Costa Rican phone contracts are on a per-call basis; every call costs money. If you make a long distance call, it is especially important to ask for permission. If dialing directly from the home phone, write down the number, date, and place of call and pay your bill promptly. Another option is to use your phone card (AT&T, MCI, and Sprint all offer these cards, as well as locally-available calling cards in Costa Rica).
3. Plan ahead for meals and washing laundry. Your family will provide 3 meals per day, a room, and laundry services (see Homestay Policies for more details). It is respectful to advise them of your plans in advance (especially for meal planning). Also, most houses do not have dryers. Laundry is hung on the line to dry. A pair of jeans may take as long as 2 days to dry and may feel somewhat stiff. If you wear jeans a lot, we recommend that you take at least two pairs.
4. Keep your money and any other valuables locked in a safe place at your Costa Rican home. Do not leave large sums of money lying around.
5. It is advisable not to walk around the house barefoot. Feet can get very dirty, very fast. Also, walking barefoot around the house is not considered 'clean' in most of the middle-class families with which you will be staying.
6. Accept insects as a part of the environment. A tropical climate invites them into the house.
7. Do not store clothes in a tightly closed drawer or closet. Dampness or mildew is often a problem.
8. Be open minded to local foods. Rice and beans (e.g., gallo pinto, arroz con pollo) are commonly served at homes and restaurants. Many fruits and all kinds of juices are also part of the menu. There are many reasons why you should make a major effort to try foods you've never heard of, let alone ever imagined.
9. Do not invite other people to your home without permission from your host family mother first.
10. Accept invitations to do things with your family, especially early in your stay. If you keep turning them down, they'll stop asking.
11. Give home remedies a try. Often your families will be able to suggest such remedies, and many of them are very effective.

Banking

A. Currency
The national currency of Costa Rica is the Colón, although U.S. Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and often quoted because their value is more stable. Compared to the U.S. Dollar, the Colón devaluates approximately 11% annually. Click here to see the current exchange rate, or use the universal currency converter.

B. Obtaining/Changing Money
Money can be obtained or exchanged in a variety of ways in Costa Rica as follows:
1. Cash. You can exchange Dollars cash for Colones at any bank, although exchange rates do vary somewhat. You should have your passport on hand to exchange cash (though some places may accept a copy). If you are staying with a homestay family, they may also be interested in exchanging money with you. They often give students a better exchange rate than you can get at any of the banks.
2. Traveler's Checks. Traveler's checks are not widely accepted for purchases, and thus must typically be exchanged into Colones (most likely no one will change them into Dollars cash). This can be done at most banks in Costa Rica , but with fees that vary substantially. The lowest fee charged is a 1% commission, but the bank (Banco Nacional) often has long lines. Some banks charge a flat fee rather than a percent. HSBC, for example, charges a flat fee of $3 for any amount changed (worthwhile if you are changing more than $300 only). You will almost certainly need your passport to change traveler's checks.
3. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's). ATM's are common in larger cities throughout Costa Rica . Cards that use the 'Cirrus' system appear to be more widely accepted, but cards with the 'Plus' network are also available. If you will be accessing money through an ATM in San Ramón, Mutual Alajuela and Banco de Costa Rica both have machines that will accept 'Cirrus' cards and lines are relatively short. Keep in mind, however, that most machines will only give Colones, at more or less current exchange rates. Thus, you will need to calculate how much money you want in Colones ahead of time to be able to key in the amount.
4. Wiring Money. Money can be wired from other countries to Costa Rica. The funds can be deposited either directly into a Costa Rican bank account, or received at a local Western Union office. There is a Western Union office in San Ramón. Processing/bank fees apply.
5. Credit Cards. Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Visa is the most accepted, followed by American Express and Mastercard. Credit cards are invaluable for certain circumstances such as large purchases, as well as emergency situations (the typical way foreigners pay hospital bills, which are then later reimbursed by their insurance company). Credit cards can also be used for cash advances at certain banks, although fees for this service tend to be very high. Note that Costa Rican purchases are required by law to be in local currency, which is then converted into your home currency. Thus, please be aware that a common 'scam' is for a company to charge your card at a lower exchange rate than what you would receive for exchanging cash. Thus, when you receive the final credit card bill in Dollars, the amount is somewhat higher than what you were quoted, or your Dollar receipt shows (if you have one).
6. Personal Checks. It is possible to write a personal check from your account in other countries in Dollars or Euros, but we understand that they must be deposited into an account, and can take up to a month and a half to clear.

C. Banking Recommendations
Follow these recommendations to make the most of your banking experience:
1. Plan ahead when it comes to withdrawing/exchanging money in the case of unexpected holidays (where banks are closed) or exceptionally long lines.
2. Keep a small reserve of Colones available (though not on your person) at all times for emergencies.
3. Avoid banking on Mondays and Fridays, as banks are much busier on those days. They also tend to be busier in the afternoons and at the end of each month. Avoid those days/times.
4. Plan ahead. Banks are open limited hours. Most close early in the afternoon, whereas some close at midday and reopen in the afternoon. Almost all banks are closed Saturdays and Sundays. Plan accordingly.
5. Do not change money on the street. There is a high risk of losing your money.

D. What Things Cost
Here are some typical charges for what items cost in Costa Rica:
Taxi from the airport (Alajuela) to San Ramón-$30
Taxi from the airport (Alajuela) to San José-$20
Local telephone call-$.10
Hotel room-$20 - $100
Lunch-$2 - 10
Dinner-$6 - $20
Bottle of beer-$2
Soda (pop)-$1.50
Cup of coffee-$1
Roll of film, 24 Exposures-$8
Admission to the Jade/National Museum-Free (students with ID card)
Admission to the Gold Museum-$10
Movie ticket-$5
Concert ticket-$25 - 40
Theatre ticket-$10 - 30

E. Banking Vocabulary
Here is some common vocabulary used in banking:
Yo quisiera cambiar dinero-I would like to change money.
Yo quisiera cambiar un cheque (de viajero)-I would like to cash a (traveler's) check.
¿Cuánto quieres cambiar?-How much would you like to change?
¿A cómo está el cambio hoy?-What is the rate of exchange today?
¿Quiere pasar a la caja?-Please go to the cashier.
¿Cómo quiere su dinero?-How do you want your money?
¿Puede darme cambio?-Can you give me change?
Quiero abrir una cuenta-I want to open an account.
Billetes grandes-large bills
Billetes pequeños-small bills
Las monedas-coins
Firme aquí-sign here
Endorsar-to endorse
Retirar-to withdraw money
Depositar-to Deposit money
Identificación-Cédula (equivalent to passport)
La ventanilla-window
Cheque-check
Cheques de viajero-traveler's checks
Libreta-bank book
Chequera-check book
Tarjeta de crédito-credit card
Sucursal-bank branch

Food

A. Available Foods
As someone in the program once said, "if you don't like rice and beans, maybe you should start." Gallo Pinto (mixed rice and beans), Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken), and black beans with rice are typical dishes in Costa Rica . There's nothing else like it, the food is delicious and healthy. Take advantage of the wide variety of fruits and fruit drinks ('naturales') as well. They are often cheaper and much healthier than soda (pop). Other foods are also available. In San Ramón there is rotisserie chicken, Italian, and Chinese foods, among others. Other specialty foods such as Asian and vegetarian, as well all common fast-food restaurants, can be found in the larger cities. Bringing your own (store-purchased) food on trips is much cheaper than eating out. Be cautious about eating food purchased from carts along the streets.

B. Drinking Water
Tap water is safe to drink in most places in Costa Rica, including San Ramón. However, take care when traveling outside of the central valley, and especially in small towns. If in doubt, drink bottled water.

C. Eating Out
Here are some points and suggestions when eating at restaurants:
1. The bill includes tax and almost always a 10% service charge. A tip is not required, and generally not expected (except perhaps in tourist areas or very expensive restaurants).
2. You must ask for the bill ('la cuenta, por favor'). As a sign of courtesy, it will not be brought until you request it.
3. Men-You are expected to pick up the tab. Ticas (Costa Rican women) don't understand "Dutch Treat."
4. Women and men: If you invite someone to eat with you, you are expected to pay the check. Note that this may apply differently if a group is going out together, and you ask someone if he or she would like to be part of the group. It is still better for you to pay for the person you invited.

Shopping

A. Shopping Advice
Depending on what type of shopping you are interested in, and how important it is to find exactly what you are looking for, there are numerous shopping options. Here is some advice:
1. Souvenirs ('artesanias') can be found in at least one store in San Ramón, nearby in Sarchi (home of the famous ox carts), or along the inter-American highway. For the greatest selection, however, visit San José. Try the following locations: Plaza de la Democracia in front of the National Theatre; La Casona downtown (three floors of crafts); inside the Mercado Central (somewhat dangerous area-be careful); or tourist hotels (e.g., Hotel Don Carlos at Ave. 9, Calle 9). Tourist towns around the country also offer many options for purchasing souvenirs.
2. For books, and school/office supplies find a local "libreria' (bookstore). There are numerous in San Ramón, and larger ones in San Jose that have a greater selection (e.g., Lehmann, Universal).
3. Always try to bargain with vendors. It is expected. You might also use paying in dollars, buying in quantity, or telling them you can get it cheaper elsewhere to get a better price.
4. Business hours of stores vary. Some stores are closed from approximately 12:00 noon until 1:00 or 2:00 p.m.
5. Visit local places. San Ramón has a well-known 'féria' (farmers market) every Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Various tropical fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, and miscellaneous other items can be purchased there. It is also a cultural experience not to be missed.
6. Store hours. The majority of stores close for the evening at approximately 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.

B. Shopping Vocabulary
Here is some common vocabulary used in shopping:
¿cuanto cuesta/cuanto vale?-How much does this cost?
al contado/en efectivo-in cash.
vuelto-the money given back to you in change. Tome su vuelto.
cambio-change to break a big bill. ¿tiene cambio?
¿Qué se le ofrece?-May I help you?
Gracias, sólo estoy viendo-I'm just looking, thank you.
Pase adelante-Come on in!
¿Qué calza usted? or ¿Qué número?-What shoe size do you wear? (talle-size)
Es demasiado grande-It's too big.
Es demasiado pequeño/apretado-It's too small/tight.
Estoy buscando... or Busco...-I'm looking for...
almacén-Large department store that sells hardware, kitchen goods, veterinary supplies, some clothes, fabric and sometimes groceries.
tienda-Usually considered a clothing store.
zapatería-shoe store.
boutique-small, specialty (and usually pricey) clothing or accessory store.
farmácia or botica-pharmacy.
librería-book, stationery and school supply store.
ferretéria-hardware store.
depósito-home improvement center (hardware and building materials).
pasamanería-Sewing notions store (thread, interfacing, buttons, lace, zippers, etc.)
pulpería-neighborhood grocery store where all merchandise is often behind a central counter.
supermercado-supermarket.
féria-weekend farmers' produce market or exposition and sale.
mercado-a large space, covered or uncovered, where many small vendors sell their wares, both edible and non.

Transportation & Recreational Travel

A. Transportation Information
Walking and public transportation (e.g., buses & taxis) will make up the vast majority of non-program travel needs during the semester program. In San Ramón, everything is close enough that you will likely walk most places, perhaps taking an occasional taxi only when you are in a hurry or going from one extreme end of town to the other. All public transport is extremely reasonably priced (e.g., direct bus from San Ramón to San Jose for $1.25) and is easy to use once you know the system. Please note the following recommendations:
1. Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way. As a pedestrian, you are expected to give way to vehicles! Always be cautious and look both ways before crossing streets. Drivers are quite courteous in San Ramón, but in the larger cities (e.g., San José ) it is another story completely. Be EXTRA careful in those locations.
2. Buses are the most important means of transportation in Costa Rica. When crowded, watch out for pickpockets. See 'Going to Alajuela or San José ' below for more information on riding the buses.
3. Watch where you walk. The danger to pedestrians from holes, open drainage ditches, sharp objects (e.g., broken off sign-posts), uneven surfaces, metal garbage receptacles, protruding objects from buildings, and telephone pole support cables on the streets and sidewalks is very real. Pay very close attention to your surroundings at all times.
4. Taxis are a very popular mode of transportation in Costa Rica. Legal taxis are red, have yellow triangles on the doors, and a trip meter ('maria'). To catch a taxi, either whistle or simply raise your arm to flag it down. When taking a taxi, ask if the driver if he/she will go to your destination (and knows where it is) BEFORE getting in the taxi. It may also be necessary to give specific directions to your location during the trip. Be sure that the driver activates the 'maria' to calculate the fare. Otherwise (e.g., longer trips), ask (or negotiate) the fare before getting into cab, and repeat it back to the driver for assurance. After you have reached your destination, pay the driver the price on the meter (or that was set before hand). No tipping is necessary. While taxis are a lot more expensive than buses, the fares are still very reasonable by most standards. There is a 20% increase in taxi fares after 10 pm. A good safety precaution in case you forget something in the cab, or if you have a problem and need to report it, is to note the taxi ID number on the door of the cab (in the yellow triangle).
5. Always bring some toilet paper, and perhaps soap with you anytime you leave home. It is not a common Costa Rican custom to provide these in public restrooms.

B. Going to Alajuela or San José
Following are some important tips on safely getting to and from the larger cities from San Ramón (semester program):
1. Safety. The larger cities are much more dangerous than San Ramón. ALWAYS be aware of what's going on around you. The streets are always very busy. Women, ALWAYS keep your hand on your purse/bag in FRONT of you. Men should carry their wallet in their FRONT pocket. There are a lot of pick-pocketers who can pick foreigners out of a crowd. You must carry some form of identification with you at all times, and a copy of your passport is sufficient for most uses. Please be aware that you may be stopped and asked to present some form of identification. Avoid carrying unnecessary cards or documents with you. Keep an additional copy of your passport at home.
2. Getting around by bus Finding your way to and around Alajuela and San José is very easy after you have familiarized yourself with the surroundings. The bus system in San José is very extensive and efficient, but be sure you know where the bus stop that you need to get off is. The average cost for the buses in San José is about USD$.50 (in Colones). There is no set schedule for the buses in San José ; however, the buses generally pass by every 10 to 20 minute and run from 5:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. every day of the week. Most buses use some sort of vertical electronic bars to count the number of people getting on and off the bus. Move through the bars quickly, DO NOT stop in between them. If you do, you will cause the bus driver to get very angry with you (he could be responsible for paying any extra registered fare out of his own pocket)! Give your money to the bus driver when you get on the bus, and he'll make change for you if it's necessary. To get off the bus you can ring the bell, whistle, or yell "parada." Be sure to familiarize yourself with the location of the bus terminal in San José where buses leave to return to San Ramón (known more commonly as the 'Puntarenas' terminal). The last bus leaves the San José terminal to return to San Ramón at approximately 10p.m. If you miss that bus, you can take the last Puntarenas bus, which leaves at 10:30p.m., but you will have to get off at the main highway ('el cruce de San Ramón) and walk (not recommended at night) or get a taxi (if one is available that late) into town from there.

C. Recreational Travel
Always be attune to your surroundings when you travel, for both safety and theft reasons. When traveling, you will be more vulnerable because you will likely be identified as an 'extranjero' (foreigner), and the perception is that ALL extranjeros are wealthy. Do not carry more money (or other valuables) with you than necessary, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Adhere to the follow guidelines when you travel on your own, whether for the day or on overnight trips (also see Travel Safety/Theft on the 'Preparation' page and Health & Safety on the 'Links' page):
1. Keep your bags with you at all times and never let your bags out of your sight.
2. DO NOT put valuables (e.g., money, passport) in your bags. Always keep them securely on your person (preferably in a neck or waist pouch, not in a loose pocket or purse).
3. Be especially aware of your surroundings in busy locations (e.g., bus stations) and when there are many distractions (e.g., border crossings).
4. Be careful with backpacks and fanny packs. They are used mostly by foreigners and are not secure. Use small locks on zippers to deter theft.
5. Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. Remember to take your passport when you cash travelers checks or deal with a government agency.
6. Write down your new phone numbers and addresses in Costa Rica when you travel.
7. Look for identification signs when you get off buses in new areas.
8. Carry a small notebook with you all the time to record things of interest: observations, shops, street scenes, directions, phone numbers, names, and ideas, as well as new vocabulary/expressions.
9. Do not get involved with drugs or consume excessive amounts of alcohol.

D. Leaving the country
If you participate in a semester program, you will leave the country with the group as an educational excursion. Because we travel by land there is no exit fee. However, when you fly out of Costa Rica (on your own, or at the end of the program) you will be required to pay an exit tax of $26. Pay your exit tax after entering the airport (turn to the right). When flying out of the country, it is necessary to be at the airport two hours before your departure (or it is possible that you may miss your flight). Security regulations now require that your check-in bags be searched (manually), in addition to your carry-on items (which are x-rayed).

E. Having visitors
Parents, relatives, and friends may be interested in visiting you in Costa Rica if you are here for an extended time. This is a wonderful idea, since it will allow you to share your living situation with them. However, we urge that visits be scheduled during break periods or after the program ends. Prior experiences in the program make clear that visits during the course or program are disruptive to the participants receiving the visit, as well as to the program itself.

Communications

A. Telephones
There are a variety of ways to make calls in Costa Rica:
1. Calling within Costa Rica. Telephones calls are somewhat expensive, and there is a charge for each call made, even local calls. ALWAYS ask to use the phone if with a homestay, or use a public phone. Public phones typically accept three types of payment: a) 'Colibri' calling cards, b) 'chip' calling cards, or c) Local currency coins. If making limited calls, coins are an acceptable solution, otherwise the 'COLIBRI' CALLING CARDS ARE BY THE BEST OPTION. To use them, you will need to purchase a 'Colibri' phone card (available at various stores). These cards are paper with a scratch-off section on the back. You will need to scratch off the covering to reveal a number. This is the number you will key into the phone when prompted. Some of these cards require you to dial a 197-access number (usually for in-country calling), whereas others (higher value cards) use a 199-access number. Instructions for using the 199 access cards can be found in English on the cards, and when you dial the access number to make a call. The 'Colibri' cards can be used in ANY PHONE WHATSOEVER, whereas the 'Chip' cards (a plastic card with a metal circuit on it) can only be used in phones designed for their use.
2. Calling Outside Costa Rica. International calls can easily be made using the 'Colibri' calling card mentioned above, which are widely available. Additionally, all of the large long-distance companies (e.g., MCI, Sprint, and AT&T) can also be used, and they have directory assistance in English. Each of these companies offers a variety of calling cards and plans. Check with them to get the best rates for your type of calling (and that they can be used from Costa Rica ). The rates for calling Costa Rica FROM the United States vary significantly depending on the phone company. If you are living with a homestay family, be sure to inform them if you will be receiving calls late at night. They usually don't appreciate calls after 9:00 or 10:00pm. When making or receiving calls, please note that Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (and does not change for daylight savings).

B. Electronic Mail and Internet
Access to computers and the internet for e-mail (and homework assignments) will vary. At times, we will likely have access through the computer lab at the University. However, the lab is also used by other students and may or may not be available at any given time. Alternatively, there are about five internet cafés in town that you will have to pay by the hour to use. The cost is very reasonable (a little over $1/hour), and the connection speed is good. This may be the preferred option much of the time in any case.

C. Letters and Faxes
The mail system in Costa Rica is very unreliable. Letters to/from the U.S. can take anywhere from 4 days to 1 month, and sometimes they never make it. Your letters may be opened if it is suspected that the letters contain money or drugs. To mail letters from Costa Rica, the letters must be sent directly from a post office ('Correo'). We receive mail through the University, where it can be picked up. Mail leaves the country every 3 days, with the last shipment leaving at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays from San José. If you need to send/receive faxes, the Correo (and other locations in town) will send and receive faxes for you, for a minimal charge. The sender must simply put your name on the document so that they know that it is for you. The local Correo in San Ramón is conveniently located near the center of town.

D. Packages
Be advised that receiving packages in Costa Rica is a somewhat risky proposition. It is advised that you simply do not have packages sent to you, or only very small ones that do not contain valuables in case they are lost. Additionally, any item that enters the country may be subject to import duty, and thus a VERY complicated procedure. It may not be worth the time and energy spent to get the package if you should have to go through the process. There is no way of knowing whether your package will get through customs without having to go through this process or not, except that small packages seem to fair much better. If you should have to claim a package from customs, it could entail going to the other side of San José (at least a 1 ½ hour trip each way) and going through an extremely bureaucratic process, as well as paying import duties, to pick it up. The process for sending packages from Costa Rica is much easier, as import duties do not apply. Packages can be sent regular mail, courier service from the post offices (more secure than regular mail and few-day delivery), or through private companies (e.g., FedEx, United Postal Service).


E. Participants Address in Costa Rica
Semester participants will be able to use the mail services of the host university in San Ramón to receive mail while they are participating on an EEI program. The address you should give to friends and family is as follows:

Photo Gallery Postings

A. Academic Assignments
All participants in the semester program will be required to post digital pictures on the EEI photo gallery (with accompanying descriptions) as an academic assignment for at least one course. This may consist of either case-study assignments associated with field study trips, and/or volunteer service-learning work postings. To view previous academic postings, visit the semester abroad photo gallery page.

B. Personal Photo Albums
Participants may also create personal photo albums to share their pictures online with friends and family. If you are a current participant or alumni and would like to do so, we invite you to sign-up and start your own photo album. To view previous personal photo albums, visit the personal photo albums gallery page.

C. Posting Guidelines
Signing-up and posting pictures on the online photo gallery is a relatively simple process, but you will need to review the instructions and guidelines thoroughly prior to registering or attempting to upload any pictures. See detailed information on the photo gallery 'posting guidelines' page for more information.

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