Costa Rica and San José
Costa Rica has an area of only 19,575 square miles (roughly the size
of West Virginia or Vermont and New Hampshire combined), but since it
ranges in altitude from sea level to nearly 13,000 feet, it is a continent
in miniature. There are rain forests, cloud forests, mangroves, jungles,
deserts, volcanoes and beaches, more than 8,000 species of plants and
more than 800 species of birds, more than in all of the U.S. and Canada
combined.
In a part of the world where rebellion, repression and extreme poverty
seem to be endemic, Costa Rica stands out because of their absence.
It has traditionally been
one of the most stable and democratic republics in Latin America. Having
celebrated more than 100 years of free and democratic elections and
more than 50
years of having abolished its army, Costa Rica can be described as an
orderly and friendly country with the highest standard of living in
Central
America, a good health care system and a literacy rate of over 96
percent.
San José, the capital, is the cultural center of the country, with
many museums and theaters. Since it is situated at 3,800 feet above sea
level, its one million inhabitants enjoy year-round daytime temperatures
in the 70s.
Admission Requirements
The program is open to serious students, teachers and others who
have a strong interest in immersing themselves in another culture. There
will be a personal interview with the directors to determine
the student's maturity and ability to adapt to a different environment.
Applicants are required to obtain a physician's OK as part of the application
process.
The successful completion of the application process is required for
admission
to the program. College students must also present evidence of a 2.75
GPA. If a student has special needs, the program will attempt to make
whatever
reasonable accommodations are possible, but, as in many developing countries,
it may be difficult to travel in Costa Rica.
Language Classes
All students are required to enroll in a Spanish language class.
Language classes will be held at Forester Instituto Internacional. They
will meet from 8:15 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Classes will
accommodate students at any level: Beginning I & II, Mid-level I &
II and Advanced I & II. However, students who have already studied
Spanish one year in college or two years in high school will benefit more
from the program. In the language classes, conversation together with
grammar is stressed in the small class setting.
Prior to the beginning of classes, all students will be tested and placed
at the appropriate level. Changes can be made if a student progresses
at a faster rate or shows different learning needs.
Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica
All students are required to enroll in this class. The course of
study covers the geography, history, political and social institutions
and the arts of Costa Rica. The sessions will be held prior to departure
at College of DuPage on
Saturday, May 16, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Costa Rica, the course will continue with guided cultural excursions to theaters, museums and other places of interest that are integral
components of this class, and therefore attendance is required. A short written
report on each visit is also required.
Faculty and Staff
All language classes will be taught by faculty members at Forester
Instituto Internacional.
The Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica class will be team-taught in
Spanish and English by College of DuPage faculty members who are directors
of the program. The directors are available to counsel, supervise and
assist students.
Town Meetings
Time will be set aside for the purpose of discussing interests, impressions
and reactions to the Costa Rican culture.
Credits
Upon successful completion of classes, students will receive credit
as follows:
• Spanish 1840 (Beginning, Mid-level or Advanced): 4 credits
• History 1820 (Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica): 3
credits
Students from colleges that are not ICISP members are advised to clear
all courses with their home school before traveling to Costa Rica if they
wish to receive credit.
Grades
Instructors at Forester Instituto Internacional will assign the grade
for the language class. The directors will assign the Culture and Civilization
class grade. Grades will be submitted after return from Costa Rica.
Forester Instituto Internacional
Founded in 1979, the institute provides instruction in Spanish in
a warm, congenial atmosphere. It is located in a residential area on the
east side of San José in a section called Los Yoses, a 20-minute
walk from downtown. Its instructors are all native speakers with university
degrees and experience in teaching Spanish as a second language.
Housing and Meals
Students will be housed in carefully selected Costa Rican homes in
double occupancy rooms. They will be provided with breakfast and dinner and laundry service during the homestay period. This arrangement helps
the student continue practicing Spanish and share the everyday life of
the "ticos." Families are chosen for their friendliness and
helpfulness. Board in the families is good, and food and water are sanitary
and safe. Except in remote areas, the water in Costa Rica is drinkable.
The homes are near transportation to class. A few may be within walking
distance. Lunch is not provided, but there are many excellent eating places
in Los Yoses, close to the location of Forester Instituto Internacional.
Activities, Field Trips and Excursions
Activities specified in the program schedule are included in the
price of the program. Out-of-pocket expenses are indicated on the daily calendar by the "$" symbol. Visit our Photo
Journey for exciting photos of previous trips.
Program Cost
The total fee will be approximately $2,949 plus tuition. Many types
of
financial aid can be applied to study abroad. For information on aid available to College of DuPage students,
contact the directors at (630) 942-3937 or (630) 942-2791, the International Education office
at (630) 942-3078, or the Office of Student Financial Aid at (630) 942-2304.
The program fee includes:
Round trip airfare from Chicago
Hotel accomodation on Manuel Antonio excursion (Diquis region)
Double occupancy homestay
Breakfast and dinner during homestay
Application fee
Full-time administrative staff
Transfers to and from airport in San José
Admissions and excursions listed as included in the cost of the program
Textbooks for language classes at Forester
Not included in the program fee:
College of DuPage tuition for 7 credits
Passport fees (approximately $90)
Visa fees (only if not a U.S. citizen)
International Student Identification Card (approximately $22)
Optional excursions
Personal expenses
Telephone calls
Lunches and other meals while not in homestay
Costa Rican departure tax (approximately $27)
Checked baggage (first bag/$15, second bag/$25)
Optional Excursions
Information will be provided on a variety of optional excursions
which are not included in the price of the program. Approximate
prices for some typical excursions:
Rain Forest Aerial Tram ($85)
Island Cruise ($100)
Two-Day Monteverde Cloud Forest ($150)
Two-Day Tortuguero National Park ($200)
To apply, you must complete Steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 IN
ORDER:
Step 1: Apply
Fill out the Application
Form and send it to:
Costa Rica Program
Field and Interdisciplinary Studies
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
Step 2: Interview
Upon receipt of the 2009 Costa Rica Summer Study Abroad completed application packet, the applicant will be contacted to schedule a 30-minute interview with the program directors. The application packet includes:
• Application form
• Essay
• Two recommendation forms
• Two passport photos (signed on the back)
• Housing preferences form
• Official transcript (non-C.O.D. students only)
Step 3: Register
If accepted into the program, go to the Registration office at College of DuPage or call (630) 942-2377.
Do NOT use the automated way of registering. You MUST speak to a person. Ask to register for the Costa Rica program. Give the code and please make a note of this code, as you will need it later: Spring Code# 36551.
Please note: Non-C.O.D. students must also complete the C.O.D. Admission Form and submit it at the time of registration with the $10 application fee ($20 effective Oct. 21, 2008).
Step 4: Pay
After you have registered, pay your $500 deposit/application fee through the Cashier's office. You may pay by check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Make check payable to College of DuPage. Write on the check "Costa Rica Program," your phone number, Social Security number and, if somebody else is signing the check, your name. Mail or take the check to: Cashier's Office, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599. Questions regarding payment should be directed to the Cashier's office, (630) 942-2206.
Step 5: Submit Final Paperwork
Upon acceptance into the program, the student is required to submit the following:
• Signed statement regarding the use of Spanish
• Signed student conduct agreement
• Signed general agreement
• Signed sexual harassment form
• Release agreement
• Physician's statement
• Proof of medical insurance (photocopy) that is valid outside the United States
• Emergency information sheet
• Medical insurance information sheet
• Travel insurance waiver
Registration for classes is separate from registration for the program. You will be registered for classes at a later date.
Remaining Payments
Make all payments directly to the Cashier's office following the directions above. It is very important that your payments arrive on time and that you pay exactly the correct amount each time.
First payment due on March 1, 2009: $817
Second payment due on April 1, 2009: $816
Third payment due on May 1, 2009: $816
Late Applicants | Late Payments
We welcome students beyond the application deadline if space is available.
However, additional charges may apply. Participants who fall behind in
their payment schedule will be assessed $15 per payment. Students enrolling
late must pay the application fee and the total fee due up to that point
when they apply.
Changes in Prices
The program fees are based on air and land rates in effect at the
time of writing (October 2008) and are subject to change, without notice,
due to possible increases in the cost of air transportation or land arrangements,
devaluation of currencies or other reasons not under the control of College
of DuPage.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
• Notification of withdrawal must be in writing.
• Claims for refunds must be in writing.
• The $500 application fee is non-refundable unless the applicant is not
accepted in the program.
If a participant's withdrawal request is received more than 50 days prior
to departure, he/she will receive full refund, less $250.
• If he/she withdraws fewer than 50 days prior to departure, he/she will
receive partial refund, but withheld will be at least $620 and may be
the amount considerably more.
• If a participant's withdrawal request is received more than 50 days prior to departure, he/she will receive a full refund, less $250.
• If he/she withdraws fewer than 50 days prior to departure, he/she will receive a partial refund, but the amount withheld will be at least $620 and may be considerably more.
• No refunds after 30 days prior to departure.
• Due to special contracts and conditions, no refunds will be made under
any circumstances for unused accommodations, land transportation or other activities once the trip has begun. Substitutions are
not allowed.
• We recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation Insurance.
Other Information
International Student ID Card
All participants will be required to obtain an International Student
ID Card. Basic emergency medical insurance is provided, and occasionally
bearers are entitled to discounts. College of DuPage will provide application
forms. Non-C.O.D. students should visit: www.myisic.com/MyISIC/
Transportation
Air transportation is provided by regularly scheduled and approved
airlines. No changes or deviations in itinerary/schedule are allowed.
All participants must travel together as a group to and from Costa Rica
departing from and returning to Chicago. Trip extensions are not allowed.
Tickets
The Director will have participants' tickets.
Passport
You must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least
six months from the anticipated return date to the U.S. You are responsible
for obtaining your own passport. To obtain a passport you can apply at
the nearest central post office in your own town. We urge you to apply
for the passport as soon as you are accepted in the program. For more information, visit: travel.state.gov/passport/
Visa
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Costa Rica. Only participants
who are not U.S. citizens may need one. Be sure to let us know at the
time of application if you are not a U.S. citizen.
Immunizations
Costa Rica does not require any immunizations. However, whether traveling
or staying at home, it is wise to have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation (no more than 10 years before return to U.S.).
Please check with your family physician for additional confirmation or
suggestions on your personal health needs.
Insurance
All participants in the program will have basic emergency medical
insurance through the required International Student ID Card. However,
in case of any major occurrence, this would not be sufficient. Therefore,
all participants are required to have additional medical insurance which
is valid outside the United States and to show proof of such insurance.
Insurance can also be purchased to provide protection against cancellations
and lost or damaged baggage. We suggest cancellation insurance to cover
any payments lost if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to illness
or other reasons.
Flight insurance can also be purchased if desired. Information on insurance
will be provided at the time of the interview.
Photos
You will need two passport photos which must be submitted
with your application.
In addition, if you do not already have a valid passport, you will need
two more photos for the passport. Photos can be taken at Walgreens and other discount stores.
Clothing
It is difficult to provide a complete list of precisely what to pack,
but a list to use as a guideline will be provided at a later date. You
do not need as much clothing as you might think. It is not wise to purchase
a new wardrobe because clothing gets harsh treatment when traveling.
Be
sure you have comfortable walking shoes. Do pack an umbrella. The month
of July can be quite rainy. Temperatures in San José will be in
the 70s by day. At the coast the temperature can be in the 90s.
Linens and a towel are provided by the family.
Money Matters
We recommend at least $100 to $150 per week for spending money (lunches,
incidentals, museum visits, theaters, concerts, plus more for optional
trips).
VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted in Costa Rica. Each participant
must have a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) with his or her name on it in order to cover medical
emergencies which must be paid for even with medical insurance. However,
do not take extra credit cards you will not need, such as cards for local
stores or oil company cards. There are automatic teller machines in Costa
Rica which accept some ATM cards.
Mail, Fax and E-mail
It takes one week ore more for mail from the U.S. to reach Costa
Rica. It is very important to remember this during the last two weeks.
If necessary you may have mail sent to you at Forester Instituto Internacional,
Apdo 6945, 1000 San José, Costa Rica.
You may receive faxes at Forester Instituto Internacional. The cost is
approximately $1 per page. The FAX number is 011-506-225-9236. You can
send faxes from the post office in San Pedro and other places in San José.
Faxes cannot be sent from Forester Instituto Internacional.
There are five computers at Forester which you can use for e-mail, and there are many inexpensive Internet cafes in San Jose.
Rules of Behavior
These rules have not been drawn up to restrict freedom, but to ensure
that the program is successful. The participants are subject at all times
to the guidance and authority of the director, and the director has the
right to enforce appropriate standards of conduct. The director reserves
the right to cancel any participant at any time for reasons which appear
to the director to be valid in his/her sole judgment. The director shall
have the right to withdraw a student from the program without refund if
his/her conduct causes serious inconvenience for the rest of the group
or for any actions or conduct which they consider to be incompatible with
the interest, harmony, comfort and welfare of others or the reputation
of the program. The use of illegal drugs and/or the excessive use of alcoholic
beverages are not allowed and are grounds for termination of participation
in the program.
Each student will be required to indicate his/her compliance with these
rules by signing a separate Student Conduct Agreement. The judgment of
the director will be final in all matters of discipline. Students may
not withdraw from classes without consulting with the director.
