FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Costa Rica 

HOMESTAYS:  

Q.  Are there any age restrictions to doing a homestay?

The minimum age for home-stay and classes for a student traveling alone is 18 years. On occasion, we do accept younger students with special permission from their parents or guardians

Q. How do I sign-up and what does it include?

All you need to do is specify “homestay” on your “About Me” form, and we will take care of the rest. Here you can also note dietary restrictions or other preferences you might have. Typically homestays include breakfast and dinner + laundry service.

Q.  We are a family of five. Can we all be in the same homestay?

Whenever possible we try our best to put all family members in the same house... or in two neighboring houses. A second alternative would be a bed-and-breakfast or apart-hotel.

PRIVATE & GROUP CLASSES 

Q. Can I just do private one-on-one classes?

Absolutely! We can arrange for a private instructor for any number of hours each day.

Q. Can I come with a group?

 
We welcome groups of all sizes. If you don’t come with a group, we will place you in a class with students at your  own level.

Q.  When can I come? Is there some kind of course schedule?

New classes begin each Monday. Give us a few weeks notice, arrival and departure times and we will arrange a program that fits your schedule.

GETTIING HERE 

Q.  Do I need a visa to get into Costa Rica? 

Every visitor must present a valid passport to enter Costa Rica.  Certain nationalities need visas to enter. So check with your local Costa Rican consulate before traveling, or visit http://www.visasinfo.com/costa_rica.html.

For citizens of the USA, Canada , or Western Europe, No visa is necessary. When traveling with a passport, US, Canadian and most Latin American and European citizens may remain in Costa Rica for a total period of 90 continuous days.

Q. How do I get there? 

Getting to Costa Rica is easy and relatively inexpensive. Most international airlines have regularly scheduled flights to San Jose (a few minutes from our school) and there are budget airlines like Spirit, offering super discounts from selected US cities.

When you arrive, we will greet you at the airport and bring you to your homestay and - back to the airport when you leave. You receive a welcome packages that includes local maps, phone card and all kinds of interesting information about the area where you will be staying – and phone numbers for the school and 24 staff contacts – so you will never be left on your own – that is, unless you want to be!

GETTING AROUND

Q. How do I get around the area? Public transport?

Costa Rica has an excellent public transportation system – and you can go most places locally for less than a dollar, and almost anywhere in the country for a few dollars. In addition to our knowledgeable staff, bus schedules are available on-line.

If you prefer to travel fast in more comfort, there are two regional airlines that can take you to most destination in about a half-our and air conditioned van service as well. (Pura Vida can arrange private van service for local and long distance travel)

SHOTS, MEDICAL SERVICES, ETC.  

Q. Do I need any shots? 

Not unless you enjoy pain!  From a general health standpoint, Costa Rica is one of the safest destinations in the developing world. This is largely due to high health standards in our country. Thus, there are no required immunizations when traveling to Costa Rica.

Q.  What if I need emergency medical care?

Costa Rica offers the best medical care in Central America. Within 20 minutes of the school are three major hospitals, accredited by the same organization that sets standards for US hospitals. 3rd party travel insurance is available from a number of companies.

Q.  Can I drink the water? 

Yes, you can drink the water! The public water system supplies potable water to 98 percent of the country. Water is filtered and chlorinated, and the quality is controlled by the State.

Q. What about mosquitoes, creepy crawly things? 

They exist in our area, but in surprisingly small numbers. In the more tropical sectors, mosquito repellent is recommended – especially in the early evening and morning hours.

Q. Do I need to take anti-malaria?  Any other health precautions? 

No (even though there have been a few cases of dengue; malaria is extremely rare.)

WHAT TO BRING  

Q. What do I need to bring with me? 

Bring light clothes, sandles, sneakers, light jacket and your camera......

There are basically two seasons in Costa Rica: the dry season (late Dec  - April)and  the rainy season (May - early Dec.). 

• During the dry season, short or jeans, a light shirt sneakers or sandals are probably all you need. If you are visiting the higher elevations – such as nearby Voclano Poas, then a light jacket or sweater would come in handy.

• During the “rainy” season, there is usually some precipitation in the afternoon. An umbrella or rain poncho would serve you well during these times.

Q. Are there stores, a pharmacy and such around?

There are grocery stores, large and small, and pharmacies everywhere. Fruit, in season is very inexpensive. The local pharmacies are also a place where you can receive antibiotics and other “prescription medications – without a prescription, since pharmacists have the legal authority to dispense such medications. 

Q. Where can I eat? 

Your homestay host will provide breakfast and dinner, but for lunch there are tons of options, ranging from typical “casados” which include fresh fruit drinks, rice, beans, vegetables and some kind of protein (fish, chicken, beer, pork, etc) to sushi – depending upon your preferences. You can expect to spend from $3 - $6 for a great lunch.

WHAT TO DO 

 Q. Do we do trips to the beach or rainforest?

Pura Vida has its own, in-house, tour service, offering travel to the most amazing places – and all at student rates. Day tours, including transportation and meals. Of course we can help you plan super-budget trips, with travel by bus and accommodations in low cost hostels or hotels.

After class, there are tons of local places to visit, soccer games, the marketplace, museums, and night spots.