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Travel
Newsletter
Costa Rica Semester 1 2011
January 7, 2011

Contents Checking In for Your Flight
Last-Minute Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 You should plan to arrive at the airport three hours before
Checking In for Your Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 your international flight. This should allow you enough time
Running Late? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 to check in, go through security and make it to your gate.
Baggage and Backpacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Packing Your Carry-on Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 You must check in for your flight. Otherwise, the airline can
Security Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 give your seat to someone else.
Host Family Packing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Ask if your domestic carrier has an agreement with your
In-flight Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 international carrier. If so, the domestic airline may be able
Customs Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 to check your bags all the way through to your final desti-
Clearing Customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 nation. If your bags can’t be checked through to your final
Lost Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 destination, you’ll have to leave the gate area, claim your
Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 luggage, check your luggage and get a boarding pass at the
Phone Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 international airline desk in the check-in area, then go
Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 through security to re-enter the gate area.
Getting to Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Luggage Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Get to the gate in plenty of time so you don’t miss your
Last-Minute Tips and Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 flight.
Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Orientation Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Running Late?
Updated Program Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 If you are running more than an hour late and it looks like
you might miss a flight, you'll need to make alternate travel
arrangements and then call IFSA-Butler to let us know.
Last-Minute Reminders
Before you get on a plane, make sure you have your pass- You must call us at 800-858-0229 to let us know about your
port and acceptance letter from your host university with pro- change in plans. We will then inform our IFSA-Butler office in
gram dates. If you don’t have your passport with you, immi- Costa Rica of any delays on your behalf.
gration will turn you away at the airport.
Be sure to leave your name, location, airline, old flight num-
You may need to show your acceptance letter from UNA bers, new flight numbers, and departure and arrival times.
with program dates at the airline counter to confirm your Also include the name, number and room of the hotel if you
return date. have to stay overnight. Then call your parents to let them
know about your flight change.
Make sure you have paid your program fee and/or taken
care of your financial aid. We can’t place you in housing if We monitor messages on flight days, so if no one answers
your program fee isn’t paid. the phone, leave a message. Be sure to call IFSA-Butler on
our general line at 800-858-0229 to ensure that the correct
Send in your travel notification form if you haven’t already person gets the message. Please do not leave a message
done so. We need to know when to expect you so that we about travel problems on your program advisor’s voicemail
have a way to track you down if you don’t turn up on time. or e-mail.
If you miss a flight or change your plans, call IFSA-Butler at
800-858-0229 and let us know.
Costa Rica Travel Newsletter 2

Baggage and Backpacks • Metal knitting needles (plastic needles are acceptable)
Check with your airline to ensure that you have not packed • Lighters
more than your baggage allowance. Most airlines allow two • Metal scissors (plastic scissors are acceptable)
checked bags and one carry-on. • Baseball or softball bats
• Golf clubs
If you exceed these limits, the airline can require you to buy • Pool cues
new luggage and repack right there in the airport. Do not • Ski poles
overpack. You may be required to pay a fee for extra or • Hockey sticks
oversized luggage.
You can get the most up-to-date list of prohibited items
Do not lock your luggage. If your bag is searched, officers from the Transportation Security Administration website at
may cut the lock off, damaging your bag in the process. If www.tsa.gov (click on “Travelers and Consumers” and then
you use a lock, make sure it is Transportation Security on “Air Travel”).
Administration-approved in order to lessen damages to
your luggage. Airports have implemented very stringent security meas-
ures and any items described above will be confiscated and
We recommend that you do not bring sports equipment not returned. Remember that metal objects, even pocket
such as bikes or surfboards. If you feel you must bring your change and pen caps, can set off the airport’s security
own, contact your international and domestic carrier for alarms.
additional baggage fees.
All carry-ons are subject to inspections. You may bring an
umbrella on board, but only if it has been inspected at the
Packing Your Carry-on Bag airport. If you need to take a syringe and/or injections on
Did you pack: the airplane, you must have documented proof of medical
• Your passport need.
• Your tickets or e-ticket confirmation
• Preparing to Study Abroad Costa Rica If you intend to bring a laptop computer, iPod or a hand-
• This newsletter and the acceptance letter from the host held electronic game, follow your airline’s instructions for
university use.
• List of contact names, addresses, phone numbers, fax
numbers and e-mail for: Security Check
• Academic advisor at your home college
Security is likely to be tight at all airports. Do not joke about
• Study abroad advisor at your home college
hijacking, weapons or explosives—you can be arrested on
• Parents
the spot and sent to jail. Be patient and cooperative with all
• Relatives
airport personnel.
• Academic documents
• Updated transcript (it’s useful during registration) You may be required to turn on electronic equipment to
• Course descriptions from home college prove that it works. Be sure that your equipment is fully
• Rules of transfer credit from home college charged and include the power cord and/or batteries in
• Letter/statement from your physician or counselor if you your carry-on.
have special needs for assessment or learning
Host Family Packing
You might also want to bring:
• Travel-size toiletries that meet airline specifica- You might want to pack a small gift for your host family.
tions/restrictions (i.e., liquids in containers no larger Past students have found that chocolates, professional
than 3.3 ounces, all sealed in a clear, quart-size plastic sports goods, calendars and products from their home
bag). regions all make good gifts.
• Something to read You’re likely to meet a lot of children in Costa Rica (whether
• Something to listen to in your family or in the neighborhood), so you might want
• Spare clothes in case your luggage is lost to bring some small toys or games (coloring books, crayons,
(it happens all the time) etc.).
• Any medications and prescriptions
• Your spare glasses or contacts Remember, you will have two host families, one for orienta-
• Snacks tion in Monteverde and your regular host family in Heredia.
• Camera
According to FAA regulations, you are not allowed to bring
in your carry-on the following items:
• Knives (including pocket knives)
• Cutting instruments of any kind
Costa Rica Travel Newsletter 3

In-flight Comfort (Your Name)
For comfort during the flight, wear loose-fitting clothes and c/o Teresita Camacho Víquez
comfortable shoes. Your feet might swell during the flight. Programa IFSA-Butler
You’ll probably find that the cabin feels cold, so don’t give Universidad Nacional
away your blanket. Hotel Bougainvillea
San Luis de Santo Domingo
Heredia
Customs Forms Costa Rica
As your plane descends into Costa Rica, your flight atten-
dants will hand out a few forms with customs and agricul- If your luggage is scheduled to arrive after noon the next
tural declarations (declaraciones). They limit the amount of day, give this address:
alcohol and cigarettes that you can bring into the country. c/o Teresita Camacho Víquez
Do not bring explosives or flammable fluids. Remove the Programa IFSA-Butler
price tags and wrappings from any new purchases; you Universidad Nacional
don’t want to pay customs charges on new items. Instituto Monteverde
Puntarenas
If you have a question about declaring goods, declare Costa Rica
them. It’s not a problem to declare something you don’t
have to. However, if you neglect to declare something cus- You can call:
toms considers dangerous to agriculture or against the law, 8888-2600 IFSA-Butler Costa Rica cell phone
they may fine, deport or imprison you.
Please note the airline may charge approximately $100 to
deliver your luggage to Monteverde.
Clearing Customs
When you go through customs, the officials will ask the Currency
purpose of your visit. Tell them that you are a student from You can exchange currency at the airport. If you arrive late
Universidad Nacional and present your passport and at night or on a weekend, you should definitely exchange a
declaraciones (from the airplane). They may also ask to see small amount of your currency at the airport. Banks give a
the acceptance letter from your host university, so have it better rate of exchange, but they are not open on week-
with you also. ends or holidays. You can also exchange money at the ori-
If you are bringing any prescription medications with you, entation hotel for a fairly reasonable rate. See Preparing to
bring your doctor’s prescription and have it ready to show Study Abroad Costa Rica for more information about
to the customs officers. Usually officials don’t ask about exchanging money.
medicines, but have the prescription ready just in case.
Phone Home
Passing through customs is usually a quick procedure, and
Call home as soon as you get to Costa Rica. Your family will be
our students have never had serious trouble getting
worried about you. Check with your long-distance carrier
through. We recommend you dress casually but conserva-
for instructions on calling home from Costa Rica (and any-
tively (don’t wear shorts or miniskirts), blend in with the
where else you plan to travel) before you leave. You can also
crowd and be as cooperative as possible.
purchase calling cards at the orientation hotel when you
If the official asks for your address, give him or her the arrive.
address of our orientation venue:
Let your parents know that you’ll be very busy during ori-
c/o Teresita Camacho Víquez
entation and might not call during that time. We will con-
Programa IFSA-Butler
tact them if any emergencies arise, but it’s likely you won’t
Universidad Nacional
have time to call. You can call the United States collect by
Centro Comercial Plaza Heredia
dialing 001 or 116 (with the assistance of an operator).
Junto a la biblioteca Tierra y Mar
Heredia, Costa Rica
Hotels
Lost Luggage If you arrive before the program start date, you’ll need to
If your luggage doesn’t come out of the carousel, see the make hotel or hostel arrangements. Check your Lonely
airport officials to file a lost luggage claim before you leave Planet or Rough Guide travel guide for information about
the customs area. hotels and hostels.
If your luggage is scheduled to arrive before noon the next
day, give the following address:
Costa Rica Travel Newsletter 4
In Heredia, we recommend the Hotel Bougainvillea: Luggage Storage
Apartado 11-3100 IFSA-Butler does not have luggage storage facilities. If you
Santo Domingo plan to arrive in Costa Rica before orientation, you are
Toll free from U.S. and Canada: 1-866-880-5441 responsible for finding accommodation and luggage stor-
Phone from U.S.: 011-506-2244-1414 age. Remember, neither IFSA-Butler nor your host family
Fax from U.S.: 011-506-2244-1313 can store luggage for anyone who arrives before the first
E-mail: info@hb.co.cr day of orientation. If you arrive in San José before noon on
Website: www.hb.co.cr. your program start date, the hotel can watch your luggage
until time to check in.
Getting to Orientation
All students must arrive at the Hotel Bougainvillea on your Last-Minute Tips and Suggestions
program start date (see your program calendar). Check-in • Sign up for frequent flyer miles.
begins after noon. See “Hotels” above. You will share a room • Reread the host family and health insurance sections of
with two other students chosen at random (two double Preparing to Study Abroad Costa Rica.
beds per room). All students will need to pick up an infor- • Photocopy your passport and tickets and give a copy to
mation sheet at the hotel reception desk. your parents.
Tell the hotel staff member, “Estoy con el grupo de la UNA.” • Bring your authenticated background check and birth
Orientation starts with a welcome breakfast at the hotel at 8 certificate with you; otherwise you cannot register at
a.m. the following morning. the university.
• Give your parents the numbers of your credit cards and
You are responsible for making your own way to the hotel; traveler’s checks in case they are lost or stolen. Keep a
IFSA-Butler staff cannot meet you at the airport. copy of your bank information with you.
• Plan to try new things, taste new foods, and go where
From Juan Santamaría Airport, Alajuela (main international
airport for anyone who flies to San José): Take a taxi from the
you never expected to go.
airport to Hotel Bougainvillea. The taxi company name is • Buy a travel guide or rent a video of Costa Rica.
Taxis Unidos del Aeropuerto Juan Santamaría, and the taxis • Visit La Nación newspaper online at www.nacion.com.
are red. The drive will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. • Read something about Costa Rica before you leave
Tell the driver, “Necesito ir al Hotel Bougainvillea en San Luis (see page 78 of Preparing to Study Abroad Costa Rica for
de Santo Domingo.” The cost should be around US$22 suggestions).
(11500 colones). If the driver helps with your bags, you
should tip him US$1–$2. You can contact Taxis Unidos at Questions? Call us at 800-858-0229, send an e-
2222-6865. For hotel information, see “Hotels” above. mail to ifsapilas@ifsa-butler.org or check our
website: www.ifsa-butler.org.
Orientation
Packing List
Costa Rica Semester 1 2011
Orientation in Costa Rica is a mix of informational meetings, Spanish classes and fun activities. The first part of orientation for
UNA students will take place in Monteverde and the second part in Heredia.
The Monteverde community is located within walking distance of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This means that
Monteverde can be cold, rainy and windy, even in the summer. The temperature can vary from 59°F to 76°F. Bring an umbrella,
raincoat and clothes that can withstand rain and mud. We suggest you bring clothing you can layer in order to dress for a variety
of weather conditions. Additionally, some roads are not paved and several do not have street lights, so don’t forget your flash-
light!
Keep in mind that orientation in Monteverde consists of various outdoor activities: hiking, horseback riding and walking tours of
nearby communities. Therefore, you should bring shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. Don’t forget your
house slippers or indoor sandals because your host family will request that you leave your muddy shoes at the door.
Pack everything you’ll need at orientation into one bag. Students will store their other bag in Heredia at the Hotel Bougainvillea
for the duration of orientation in Monteverde. Luggage will be retrieved upon return to Heredia. Please keep in mind that the
hotel will not store and is not accountable for your laptop computer. If you choose to leave your laptop in Heredia, be sure it is
locked in your suitcase. The hotel is not accountable for damage or theft of property. For more information on packing for the
semester, see page 37 in Preparing to Study Abroad Costa Rica.

Clothes • Umbrella
• Shorts • Sunscreen (SPF 45 or higher)
• Jeans/khakis • Insect repellent (DEET is recommended by the CDC;
• T-shirts, long sleeve T-shirt and sweatshirt make sure you are not allergic to this product)
• Underwear • Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic ointment, mole-
• Warm pajamas and house slippers skin for blisters, aloe vera gel for sunburns, pain reliever,
• Sun hat Lotomil or Immodium, etc.)
• Waterproof tennis shoes or hiking boots • Flashlight and batteries for night walks
• Sandals • Extra batteries for camera and flashlight
• Swimsuit/trunks • Water bottle
• Socks (not heavy, thick ones) • Notebook and pens or pencils
• Bath towel and hand towel • Travel alarm or watch with alarm
• Rain coat • Ziploc plastic bags for storing lotions and food
• Sandals or shoes for indoors
Other • Spanish/English dictionary and grammar book
• Tickets and passport. Keep these on your person! Do • Sunglasses
not pack them in your luggage. (Be sure to leave a copy
at home and pack a copy in the bag that’s being stored Optional Items
during orientation.) • Camera
• Prescription medications (many prescription drugs avail- • Guide to Birds in Costa Rica (less expensive in the U.S.)
able in the United States are difficult to find in Costa • Washcloth
Rica.) • Swiss army knife (pack it in your checked luggage; if you
• Backpack large enough for lunch, water bottle, rain gear, try to carry it on the plane, security will confiscate it.)
extra layer of clothing, camera, and binoculars • Paperback book (you can trade it later in book
• Personal toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, tampons, exchanges)
etc.) • Small binoculars
• Contact lens solution, glasses and lens prescription for • Rubber boots
students who wear contacts
• Extra pair of glasses and prescription for students who
wear glasses
Program
Calendar
Costa Rica Semester 1 2011

Universidad Nacional
Costa Rica Arrival*/Program Starts January 23
IFSA-Butler Orientation and Intensive
Spanish Classes in Monteverde January 24-30
Return to Heredia January 30
Orientation in Heredia January 31-February 4
UNA Registration January 31
Semester 1 Classes Begin February 7
Semester 1 Classes End June 10
Final Exams June 13-17
Last Day of Paid Housing June 17
Program Ends June 18

* All students must arrive in San José on this date.

These dates are correct as of December 1, 2010, but must be regarded as provisional, given the mutability of Costa Rican university
calendars.

Upon arrival at the overseas host institution, students should check the program end dates for changes before confirming return travel plans.
End dates vary from department to department, and students must complete all course obligations prior to departure. In addition, students
should not make plans to travel on the final day of exams since there may be exams on that day.

Program housing is available only until the date listed as “Last Day of Paid Housing” on the calendar.

Exams must be taken where and when scheduled. Under no circumstances may students request that an exam time be changed. In Costa
Rica, exams are taken under formal examination conditions, and changes cannot be made for individuals.