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Costa Rica - Location and Politics

Costa Rica is in Central America, bordered to the north by Nicaragua, and to the south by Panama. Despite its tiny size (about the size of West Virginia), Costa Rica is geographically and ecologically diverse. It is one of the most peaceful countries in the world and has the most stable political situation in all of Latin America. Democratic elections have been held in this country since 1890. In 1948, Costa Rica voted to abolish their army, becoming one of the few countries in the world without an army. Since then they have maintained internal peace, setting an example of peace and stability for Central America and the world.

Airline Tickets

The tuition for student courses includes round trip air travel (for students coming from within the continental U.S.) from your closest major airport to the host country. Tuition for adult trips and educator courses do not include airfare. EPI will make the necessary reservations for air travel that is included in the course. Tickets are purchased as a group, ensuring everyone will be on the same flight. Because we purchase blocks of tickets, it is not possible to use frequent flyer miles to cover the cost of your airfare.

Travel Documents and Money

• Passports: U.S. citizens need a passport valid for at least six months after your trip date to enter the country, but do not require visas. If the participant is not a U.S. citizen, check with the Costa Rican embassy to find out if you will need a visa.
• Minors: If you are under eighteen, you will need a Minor International Travel Letter − signed and notarized by both parents − to enter and depart the country. Be sure to carry the original of this letter in the participant's passport.
• Currency: The currency of Costa Rica is the colon. U.S. dollars are accepted in Costa Rica, however you'll likely want a few colones to spend in the small towns we visit. We recommend that you exchange $20-$50 into colones before you leave the United States.
• Spending money: All expenses, such as food and lodging, are included in your tuition. You may want spending money for souvenirs and an occasional snack−$50−$100 should be sufficient. If this seems low, take more. If this seems high, remember that you don't have to spend it.

Insurance

All participants must be covered by medical insurance while on course. When traveling abroad, we recommend that you check with your insurance carrier to confirm that your coverage is valid in the host country. If not, we request that you purchase medical insurance specifically for this course. We can recommend several vendors that may assist you. EPI insurance does not cover the theft, loss, or damage of participant's personal property and equipment. We suggest you confirm that your insurance coverage includes these risks.

Health

• Vaccinations: At this time, no proof of vaccinations is required to enter Costa Rica. EPI strongly recommends that each participant receive a Hepatitis A vaccination and a tetanus vaccination within the past ten years prior to traveling. Participants and their families should consult with a medical doctor for the latest recommendations about additional vaccines.
• Malaria: The areas you will visit while with EPI are known to have had limited cases of malaria. Consult your doctor to help you decide if you wish to take anti-malaria medicine.
• Fitness: This course is physically demanding with lots of walking and hiking involved. We encourage our students to exercise regularly in the weeks before the course.

Communication

• Spanish: Spanish fluency is not required for participation. EPI instructors all speak English and Spanish and can serve as translators when needed. Spanish is the language of Costa Rica, however, and participants will find knowledge of the Spanish language helpful. Start reviewing that Spanish vocabulary ¡Ahora!
• Phones: Due to the remoteness of our locations, the only opportunities students will have to call home will be upon arrival and before departure at the San Jose International Airport. Prior to departure, the group chaperone will be sent a phone tree to notify parents of the group's safe arrival in Costa Rica.
• Email: There are no internet cafes or places to check email during the course.