FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT TO BRING WITH ME

I.        Important Documents

a.       Passport
b.       Credit card, Visa for cash advance
c.       Driver’s license
d.       Traveler’s checks
e.       $50-100 in cash ($10 in singles) for emergency money

NOTE: Do not bring personal checks.  They are very difficult to change.  You can pay for your tuition in U.S. dollars, Costa Rican colones, or Travelers Checks or credit cards.  Make copies of your important documents.  Keep a copy with you as well.  If your passport is lost, it will be easier to replace if you have a copy.

-INTERNET SERVICE:
"La Academia de Español D’Amore offers free high speed internet service at specific times of the day. We also offer wireless connections for those interested in bringing their laptops".

II.       Materials for Study

a.   Spanish pocket dictionary.  We suggest University of Chicago pocket size edition.

b.   Bring any materials you may have on Costa Rica and Central America.  This may include pamphlets, newspaper articles, and books.  Sharing this material with other students, teachers, etc. is always appreciated.
 

III.      Attire and Personal items

Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are the daily dress code.  It is very informal. Leave all valuables, jewelry, etc., at home.

a.       Towels
b.       2 swimming suits
c.       Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
d.       Sunglasses
e.       Alarm clock
f.        Small flash light (important)
g.       Small lock for backpack
h.       Umbrella and/or raincoat.  Rainy season begins in May and continues through November.  Generally it is sunny in the morning and rains in the afternoon.

i. Money belt.  It is really a must for any traveling.  Quepos is a safe town, but in San José you need to be more careful.  Be very careful in the Coca-Cola bus station.  Wear your money belt under your clothes; please take precaution with your backpack and luggage at all times in San José. Petty theft occurs all over Costa Rica. Never leave anything unguarded on the beach.  Lock up your tickets, documents, money, etc. in your luggage once you are here. 

j. Prescription drugs.  These drugs can be found in most of Quepos pharmacies.  If you bring important drugs, please, put them in your carry-on luggage.  If your baggage gets on the wrong flight it may be difficult to find what you need in the meantime.

k. Illegal drugs:  This will cause you more problems than they are worth.  Drug laws in Costa Rica are extremely stiff.  Being a foreigner won't help you, they'll still lock you up. 

l. Remember that traveling is always tough when you lug around large, bulky suitcases.  Travel light!  This can't be emphasized enough.

WHAT TO BRING MY COSTA RICAN FAMILY

If you like, you may bring a gift for your family.  Simple, inexpensive gifts are best; such as chocolates, pens and pencils, a T-shirt, children's books in Spanish, or even postcards of your hometown or state.  Also, your family will probably be interested in your life at home.  Any photos of your house, friends, and family are a great beginning for cultural exchange.  You could also put something together (photos, magazine photos, maps, etc.) that would describe what you see as the "reality" of your country.

WHAT ABOUT HEALTH

Water is delicious in Quepos/Manuel Antonio.  It comes from the mountains and is also purified in Quepos.  Talk with your doctor or state health authority about the necessary shots before leaving (They usually have a chart with the appropriate vaccinations for the different countries & regions.)  In Costa Rica there is little problem.)

WHEN TO SCHEDULE MY PROGRAM

Academia de Español D'Amore is open all year-long and start classes on Mondays at 8:00am except for the following Costa Rican National Holidays:
- Holy Thursday and Friday (April 1st, April 2nd),
- Día de Juan Santa Maria (April 11th),
- Labor Day (May 1st),
- Anexión de Guanacaste (July 25th),
- Mother's Day (August 15th),
- Independence Day (September 15th), and
- Culture Day (October 12th).

Classes can not be recuperated on these days

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY PROGRAM

Refund Policy

a.   General Refund:  A full refund of tuition and homestay is granted to students who request it in writing prior to the start of the program. 
b.    Students who enroll and begin the course are granted a 50% refund of remaining tuition alone if request is in writing by the first week.  No refunds are granted after the first week. 

HOW TO CONTACT LA ACADEMIA DE ESPAÑOL D’AMORE

Homestay address is not provided until you arrive at the school.  If your friends or family wish to send you mail in Costa Rica, have them use the school address in the following manner:

                              ACADEMIA DE ESPAÑOL D'AMORE
                              Attention:   (your name)
                              P.O.Box 67-6350
                              Quepos, Costa Rica
         
Mail from the U. S. to Costa Rica and Costa Rica to the U.S. takes ten working days.  A faster way is to write to: info@academiadamore.com

Just ask your senders to write your name in the subject.

HOW TO GET TO MANUEL ANTONIO TRAVEL INFORMATION

Getting to Manuel Antonio from San José is an easy thing to do.  Direct bus service is available at the "Coca-Cola" Bus Station, in San José (all taxis know how to get there), six times daily (6:00 AM., 9:00 AM., 12:00 M.D, 2:30 PM., 6:00 PM., and 7:30 PM.); the cost is $5.50 U.S.  The trip is very smooth and enjoyable and lasts 4 hours. 

To book an alternative bus ride, contact lyntur@racsa.co.cr or visit the following sites for more detailed information on bus schedules.

1.) Lynch Travel Agency
2.) Grayline Travel Agency
3.) Interbus

Additionally, there is a shuttle flight which takes fifteen minutes each way. Reservations and pre-payment are needed.  Call "Nature Air" at (506) 2220-3054, or fax 2220-0413, "SANSA " at (506) 2221-9414, or fax 2255-2176.
If you are a university student, feel free to check with your nearest Council Travel for special student rates.  International Student I.D. cards are available and will make your travel expenses lighter.

FINAL NOTE

It is definitely our desire that you have a delightful trip to and in Costa Rica.  Feel free to get in touch with us in any moment, so we can help you make your travel plans and trip nice and smooth at info@academiadamore.com .  ¡Hasta la vista!

Immerse Yourself in Quepos, Costa Rica

ACADEMIA DE ESPAÑOL D'AMORE offers the perfect environment to meet the student's linguistic needs at an exclusive campus in the jungle.  Our goal is to provide the student with the unique blend of higher education, set amongst breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. (For U.S. K-12 school teachers, you can apply for a grant to study at our school at http://www.fundforteachers.org .)

ACADEMIA DE ESPAÑOL D'AMORE offers free high speed internet service at specific times of the day.  We also offer wireless connections for those interested in bringing their laptops.

______________________

Manuel Antonio National Park

Once in Quepos, Manuel Antonio you will also have the chance to enjoy yourself with a myriad of extracurricular activities. These include, horseback riding, sport fishing, international cuisine, bars and discos.  And if you tire of those, you may want to consider the river rafting, expeditions in kayaks, surfing, snorkeling, bird and butterfly watching, quiet beaches and astounding sunsets.  Welcome to ACADEMIA DE ESPAÑOL D'AMORE, the most exclusive Spanish Immersion Center in Costa Rica!


Weather Forecast in Quepos.

______________________

Why to Study Spanish
in Manuel Antonio

• You can study close to one of the most beautiful beach/park areas that Costa Rica has to offer.
• This region of Costa Rica is home to a wonderful array of plant life and wildlife. In particular, Manuel Antonio Park is recognized as one of the best natural parks in the country.
• The area has endless activities to keep even the most avid outdoor enthusiast entertained.
• Close by the school you have the town of  Quepos, small, but very well known for its abundance of bars and restaurants.
• San Jose is less than 4 hours away by bus, and 20 minutes by airplane.
• It is possible to get to most locations of interest in Costa Rica from the Spanish school in less than 5 hours.
• It is the ideal location for those individuals who want to get away from the city life and experience something far more relaxing.