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 (2009)

Academia de Español D'Amore is open year-long except for the last two weeks of the calendar year and the following Costa Rican National Holidays:
- Holy Thursday and Friday (April 9th, April 10th),
- 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.    In order to assure the highest quality education, it is suggested that the students accommodate their travel plans to begin the school on the following Mondays in 2008:

January 5, 19
February 2, 16
March 2, 16, 30
April 13, 27
May 11, 25
June 1, 15, 29
July 13, 27
August 10, 24
September 7, 21
October 5, 19
November 2, 16, 30
December 7

Students that enroll on other Mondays will be placed in an existing class.

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!