Intensive Spanish Language & Culture Courses
Internship
Volunteering
Parent and Child Courses
Table of contents Page
I Academia Tica - Services, Dates and Prices 2008
Course starting dates and bank holidays 3/4
Tuition prices Coronado 2008 4/5
Internship / Work Experience & Volunteering Placement Fees 2008 5
Tuition prices Playa Jacó (Pacific) 2008 - new 5
Accommodation prices Coronado 2008 6
Accommodation prices Playa Jacó 2008 7
II Description of products and services 2008
Our Service – Your Advantages: Best selling points 8
Infrastructure, methodology, levels, first day at school 9
Course profiles and content
A Main Group Course (Coronado & Playa Jacó) 10
B Intensive Group Course (Coronado only) 10
C Combination Course 20+5 (Coronado and Playa Jacó) 11
D Combination Course 20+10 (Coronado and Playa Jacó) 11
E One to One Tuition (Coronado and Playa Jacó) 11
F DELE Exam Preparation Course (Coronado only) 12
G Interactive Spanish Course Pura Vida (Coronado only) 12
H Parent & Child Course (Coronado only) 13
I Internship & Work Experience 14
J Volunteering & Volunteering at a glance 14-15
III Free Time Activity Program
Program schedules for Coronado and Playa Jacó 16
Academia Tica Tourism Service Platform & map of Costa Rica 17
IV Useful information from A to Z 18
V Terms of conditions, bank details & whom to contact 27
page 2
Course starting dates 2008
For students of Elementary level - Advanced level of Spanish for
A Main Group Course (Coronado and Playa Jacó)
B Intensive Group Course (Coronado only)
C Combination Course 20+5 (Coronado and Playa Jacó)
D Combination Course 20+10 (Coronado and Playa Jacó)
every Monday from Jan 07 to Dec 17, 2008.
For Absolute Beginners for
A Main Group Course (Coronado and Playa Jacó)
B Intensive Group Course (Coronado only)
C Combination Course 20+5 (Coronado and Playa Jacó)
D Combination Course 20+10 (Coronado and Playa Jacó)
on the 1st or 3rd Monday of each month, i.e. Jan 7, 21; Feb 4, 18; Mar 3, 17; Apr 7, 21; May 5,
19; Jun 2, 16; Jul 7, 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1, 15; Oct 6, 20; Nov 3, 17; Dec 1, 15 2008
E One to One Tuition (Coronado and Playa Jacó)
every Monday from Jan 07 to Dec 15, 2008.
F DELE exam preparation course starting dates (Coronado only):
4-week DELE courses starting dates: 14.04.08, 28.07.08, 20.10.08
8-week DELE courses starting dates: 17.03.08, 30.06.08, 22.09.08
DELE Exam dates (to be confirmed by Instituto Cervantes): 09.05.08, 22.08.08, 14.11.08
G Interactive Spanish Course “Pura Vida” (Coronado only)
and
H Parent & Child Course (Coronado only)
every 1st Monday of each month: Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4, Sep 1,
Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1. Please note that a minimum of 2 participants is required to run the course.
Please note: One to One lessons are also available at the host family´s home or in the apart-
ment during Christmas break (Dec 20th to Jan 04th 2009). On prior agreement between
school and agent, One to One Tuition starting dates can also be arranged on other starting
days than Monday.
Starting Dates for I Internship and J Volunteering
Every Monday of the year from Jan 07 - Dec 15, 2008 after the required Spanish course
Please note: Lost One to One lessons are made up on other days. Lost group lessons are not
made up. On other holidays except Good Friday a free tour is offered instead of group clas-
ses.
Christmas break: Dec 20, 2008 to Jan 04, 2009. School will open again Jan 05, 2009.
Aspect of school garden and garden class-
rooms in Coronado (San José)
School entrance Quinta
Garabito, Playa Jacó (Pacific) School entrance Quinta Toyopán,
Coronado (San José)
page 3
The schools will be closed on these bank holidays in 2008:
March, 20, 21 Easter week, Thursday & Good Friday
April, 11 Juan Santamaria Day
May, 01 Labor Day
July, 25 Annexation of Guanacaste
August, 2 Patron Saint of Costa Rica
August, 15 Mother's Day
September, 15 Independence Day
October, 12 Culture´s Day
Dec 20th 08 to Jan 04th 09 Christmas break
Academia Tica tuition prices Coronado 2008
Tuition prices include: course as booked and confirmed, written and oral testing on the first course morning, course
material, certificate of attendance, orientation kit and orientation tour on the first course day, 3-4 cultural or social activities
per week, free transfer from San José airport to Coronado if accommodation is booked with Academia Tica, book lending
from our library, free use of Internet, WIFI (free internet access with own laptop), individual help for tour reservations. (1
lesson = 45 minutes). All prices and fees in USD.
Enrolment fee
(to be paid only by direct booking clients, not by agents) $ 75,00
A Main Group Course, 20 lessons per week (3-6 participants)
A01 Main Group Course, up to 12 weeks
Price per week $ 220,00
A02 Main Group Course, over 13 weeks
Price per week $ 190,00
B Intensive Group Course, 30 lessons per week (3-6 participants)
B01 Intensive Group Course, up to 12 weeks
Price per week $ 300,00
B02 Intensive Group Course, over 13 weeks
Price per week $ 270,00
C Combination Course, Main or Intensive Course plus 5 One to One lessons per week
Price per week (additional) $ 110,00
D Combination Course, Main or Intensive Course plus 10 One to One lessons per week
Price per week (additional) $ 220,00
E One to One Tuition, 10, 20 or 30 lessons per week
E 01 One to One Tuition, 10 lessons
Price per week $ 225,00
E 02 One to One Tuition 20 lessons
Price per week $ 450,00
E 03 One to One Tuition 30 lessons
Price per week $ 675,00
F DELE Exam Preparation Course 30 lessons per week
DELE 4 week course $ 1.200,00
DELE 8 week course $ 2.250,00 page 4
G Interactive Spanish Course Pura Vida (minimum 2 participants)
2 weeks, 10 lessons plus 16 activity lessons per week
Pura Vida 2 week course $ 750,00
H Parent & Child Course (minimum 2 participants)
2 weeks (10 lessons plus 7 activities per week)
Parent & Child 2 week course $ 715,00
I Internship / Work Experience 8-24 weeks
Placement fee $ 420,00
J Volunteering 2-24 weeks
Placement fee $ 120,00
Academia Tica tuition prices Playa Jacó 2008
Tuition prices include: course as booked and confirmed, written and oral testing on the first course morning,
course material, certificate of attendance, orientation kit and orientation tour on the first course day, 2-3 cultural or
social activities per week, book lending from our library, free use of Internet, WIFI (free internet access with own
laptop), individual help for tour reservations.
(1 lesson = 45 minutes). All prices and fees in USD.
Enrolment fee
(to be paid only by direct booking clients, not by agents $ 75,00
A Main Group Course Playa Jacó, 20 lessons per week (3-6 participants)
A01 Main Group Course, up to 12 weeks
Price per week $ 320,00
A02 Main Group Course, over 13 weeks
Price per week $ 290,00
C Combination Course, Main Course plus 5 One to One lessons per week
Price per week (additional) $ 110,00
D Combination Course, Main Course plus 10 One to One lessons per week
Price per week (additional) $ 220,00
E One to One Tuition, 10, 20 or 30 lessons per week
E01 One to One Tuition, 10 lessons
Price per week $ 325,00
E 02 One to One Tuition 20 lessons
Price per week $ 550,00
E 03 One to One Tuition 30 lessons
Price per week $ 775,00
I Internship / Work Experience 8-24 weeks
Placement fee $ 420,00
J Volunteering 2-24 weeks
Placement fee $ 120,00
Boat ride in Playa Jacó
Group tuition Playa Jacó Playa Jacó
page 5
Academia Tica accommodation prices Coronado 2008
Category I Standard Host Family single or double room, meal plan: half-board (breakfast and
dinner), weekly laundry and linen service, transfer airport-family (one way), student must bring
towels, linen is included.
Occupancy 6 nights 13 nights 20 nights 27 nights 7 addtnl nights
Single $ 135 $ 270 $ 405 $ 540 $ 135
Double $ 115 p.p. $ 230 p.p. $ 345 p.p. $ 460 p.p. $ 115 p.p.
Extra night in both single and double + $ 20 p.p. (= per person)
Category II Standard Plus Family: single or double room, own bathroom for exclusive use,
meal plan: half-board (breakfast and dinner), laundry and linen service, transfer airport-family
(one way). Student must bring towels, linen is included.
Occupancy 6 nights 13 nights 20 nights 27 nights 7 addtnl nights
Single $ 200 $ 400 $ 600 $ 800 $ 200
Double $ 175 p.p. $ 350 p.p. $ 525 p.p. $ 700 p.p. $ 175 p.p.
Extra night in both single and double + $ 30 p.p.
Category III Apartments: nicely furnished apartments with own facilities, TV, kitchenette, washing-ma
shine, self-catering, double or single occupancy, student must bring towels, linen and linen service
is included, transfer airport-apartment (one way). Distance to vary from school 1.5 km to 4 km.
Occupancy 6 nights 13 nights 20 nights 27 nights 7 addtnl nights
Single $ 175 $ 350 $ 525 $ 700 $ 175
Double $ 115p.p. $ 230p.p. $ 345p.p. $ 460p.p. $ 115p.p.
Extra night in both single and double + $ 25 p.p.
Please note: Students can change their accommodation type (from Apartment to Family for
example) after the course starts - but there is a $ 50 processing fee.
Academia Tica Coronado
Quinta Toyopán (San Rafael de Coronado)
Coronado, San José, Costa Rica
P.O. Box 1294 - 2100 San José, Costa Rica
Tel. +(506)229 00 13 Fax+(506)292 71 36
actica@racsa.co.cr
Directors and Partners: Ana Mercedes Rodríguez & Joachim Pitsch
Example apartment kitchen Example apartment bedroom Example apartment living room
page 6
Academia Tica accommodation prices Playa Jacó 2008
In Playa Jacó Academia Tica offers Category I, Standard Host Families and Category III, Apartment
accommodation, but not Standard Plus accommodation.
Category I Standard Host Family single or double room, meal plan: half-board (breakfast and
dinner), weekly laundry and linen service, student must bring towels, linen is included.
Occupancy 6 nights 13 nights 20 nights 27 nights 7 addtnl nights
Single $ 135 $ 270 $ 405 $ 540 $ 135
Double $ 115 p.p. $ 230 p.p. $ 345 p.p. $ 460 p.p. $ 115 p.p.
Extra night in both single and double + $ 20 p.p. (= per person)
Category III Apartments: nicely furnished apartments with own facilities, TV, kitchenette, washing-
maschine, self-catering, double or single occupancy, student must bring towels, linen is included.
Occupancy 6 nights 13 nights 20 nights 27 nights 7 addtnl nights
Single $ 175 $ 350 $ 525 $ 700 $ 175
Double $ 115p.p. $ 230p.p. $ 345p.p. $ 460p.p. $ 115p.p.
Extra night in both single and double + $ 25 p.p.
Please note: Students can change their accommodation type (from Apartment to Family for
example) after the course starts - but there is a $ 50 processing fee.
Academia Tica Playa Jacó
Casa No. 15
Calles Naciones Unidas (also known as Calle Ricos y Famosos)
Playa Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Tel. +(506)643 4226 and +(506) 646 4225
actica@racsa.co.cr
Center Manager: Kenneth Soto
Challenge yourself with canopy! Weekend excursion to Arenal volcano
page 7
II Description of products and services
Our Service – Your Advantages: Best selling points
1. Academia Tica was established in 1986 and is one of the oldest language schools in Central
America teaching Spanish as a second language and Latin American Culture to foreigners.
2. Academia Tica is an Associate Center of Instituto Cervantes, Spain, and fully accredited by
ADES, Spain. All regulations learned by AT Coronado as an Associate Center of Instituto
Cervantes will apply as well in our new center in Playa Jacó.
3. Academia Tica is a full member of IALC and also recognized by CSN Sweden
4. Academia Tica Coronado is located 10km outside the noisy center of San José - in the green
and sunny suburb of Coronado (60.000 inhabitants), near the southern border of the beau-
tiful Braulio Carrillo National Park, yet with easy access to the city center of San José by pub-
lic buses (every 20-30 minutes). Our new Academia Tica Playa Jacó center is located just
7 blocks from the Pacific beach in the popular beach town of Costa Rica, in Playa Jacó. Easy
access to Playa Jacó from San José by public buses, taxis and private shuttles (117km, 73 miles
just 2-2,5 hrs).
5. Best study conditions thanks to the locations of the schools: In Coronado on the site of an
old farm, surrounded by 5,000 square meters of tropical garden, with more than 100 differ-
ent plants and trees, lots of birds and butterflies. In Playa Jacó in a quiet and pleasant resi-
dential neighbourhood - in a house with a 1000sqm tropical garden, a terrace and a swim-
ming pool.
6. Very qualified and experienced academic staff in teaching Spanish as a second language,
trained to use technology assisted education and teaching in accordance with the Common
European Framework (A1-C2) and in compliance with EN 14804, the new European
Language Study Travel Norm.
7. Flexible range of course intensity, content, duration.
8. Internship / Work Experience programs (8-24 weeks) and Volunteering programs
(2-24 weeks) are regularly available throughout the year.
9. Coronado (also called San Isidro de Coronado or Vásquez de Coronado) offers a friendly,
clean, safe and natural environment, where even female students going out alone will feel
comfortable. Playa Jacó has the best tourism infrastructure on the Pacific and is a well known
surfers paradise.
10. Families in Coronado and Jacó are kind and friendly; they actively take part in our homestay
program and are interested in a cultural exchange. They provide a unique possibility to prac-
tice Spanish and to learn more about the daily life and customs in Latin America.
11. Academia Tica is very integrated into the communities of Coronado County and Garabito
County (Playa Jacó). This gives your students a wide range of opportunities and contacts and
makes local institutions accessible.
12. Last but not least: The Costa Rican Spanish is considered to be among the best spoken
Spanish in the world. The pronunciation is clear, accurate, slow and accentuated.
page 8
The study center in Coronado
is equipped with 10 well-furnished classrooms, a winter garden used as reception, a multimedia
lab with 6 computers and Internet access, WIFI, a cafeteria and the Tourism Service Platform in the
lobby.
Some of our services available in Coronado include
resource library, Visa and airport information, flight confirmation and lost luggage follow up,
Cable TV with 64 channels, 33 in Spanish, WIFI, local newspapers, use of board games like
backgammon, trivia, etc., use of volleyball area, use of Latin American video and song collection,
luggage storage before or after the course, booking of local services: massage, medical service,
horseback riding, etc., rental of bicycles against a fee of USD 2 per day (deposit required).
Computer multimedia lab in Coronado
The multipurpose lab has grown into a key element in the learning process. It is used for research
by both students and teachers. Free Internet access from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for all our stu-
dents.
The new study center in Playa Jacó
Academia Tica Playa Jacó is located in a pleasant residential neighbourhood on Calle Naciones
Unidas, just 7 blocks from the beach (walking distance 15 minutes). Restaurants, hotels, grocery
stores, cabinas, hotels, drugstores, bicycle shops and many other services are all within walking
distance. The school is located in a house with a 1000sqm tropical garden, a terrace and a small
swimming pool (45 sqm). There are 4 inside classrooms, a terrace also used for tuition, 3 bath-
rooms and a kitchen area. 5 further classrooms and a cafeteria will be built in autumn and should
be available by January 2008.
Some of our services available in Playa Jacó include
resource library, Visa and airport information, flight confirmation and lost luggage follow up,
Tourism Service Platform, local newspapers, free Internet access from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., WIFI,
use of board games like backgammon, chess, trivia, etc., use of Latin American video and song
collection, luggage storage before or after the course, free time activitiy program.
Our methodology
Academia Tica applies the total immersion method and all classes are conducted in Spanish only.
Our teaching method is interactive, communicative, intercultural and student centered.
Course levels
Six course levels are available: Beginners I and II, Intermediate Level I and II,
Advanced Level I and II (in compliance with the European Common Framework).
Number of students in class
Maximum class size: 6 students, minimum class size: 2, average class size: 4-5.
Length of courses
In Coronado and Jacó Group Courses are available from 1 to 36 weeks. One to One Tuition from
1 to 12 weeks.
How to get to school
Coronado: Public buses stop right at the main entrance of the school in San Rafael de
Coronado, where a big sign indicates „Quinta Toyopán“. The main bus station of the town of
Coronado is 1000 meters away. Buses commute every 10-15 minutes between the Coronado
main bus station and Quinta Toyopán.
Playa Jacó: Students traveling by public bus who want to go directly to Academia Tica Playa
Jacó should get off at the bus stop in front of the CHOCUACO Restaurant. Ask the bus driver to
stop at this restaurant.
What a typical first day at school looks like
The student will be shown the way to school by his/her host family on the first day. A school staff
member will pick up students staying in a school apartment on this first day.
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. placement testing
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. break
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. applied grammar lessons, Unit 1
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. break
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. cultural training & orientation lessons, Unit 2.
Followed by orientation tour
page 9
Course profiles and content
A Main Group Course, 20 lessons per week (Coronado and Playa Jacó)
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (Unit 1) 2 lessons: applied grammar with explanations fol-
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 1 lowed by written and oral exercises, analyzing grammati-
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. break cal aspects through reading newspapers, games and popu-
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. lar Latin American songs.
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 2
(Unit 2) 2 lessons: conversation for every day situations
Classes in Playa Jacó start at with emphasis on increasing the student´s command of
8:30 a.m. communication skills through discussion and exchange of
information about social, economical, political and cul-
tural aspects of life in Costa Rica and Latin America. The
Main Course is developed for all those who wish to
acquire or improve their language skills in today’s spoken
Spanish and who seek a systematic though agreeable
instruction in grammar.
B Intensive Group Course, 30 lessons per week (Coronado only)
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Unit (1) 2 lessons: applied grammar from course A.
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 1
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. break Unit (2) 2 lessons: conversation from course A.
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 2
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. break Unit (3) 2 lessons: morning contents are reinforced through
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. additional written and oral practice, auditive comprehen-
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 3 sion exercises with use of videos, vocabulary extension,
conversation drills, idioms and, if necessary, phonetic drills.
Advanced students will also read and analyze Latin
American and Costa Rican literature. The Intensive Group
Course helps the motivated student to quickly enhance his
communication, listening and reading skills.
The two-week course B has the Bildungsurlaub recognition
from “Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg”, accepted also in
other German States (Bundesländer).
Some of our students from Japan Library Academia Tica Coronado
page 10
C 20 + 5 Combination Course, 20 Group lessons plus 5 One to One lessons per week
(Coronado and Playa Jacó)
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. This course combines the advantages of studying in a small
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 1 group with those of One to One classes, the most efficient
and rapid way to learn a language.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. break Unit (1) 2 lessons: applied grammar from course A.
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 2 Unit (2) 2 lessons: conversation from course A.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. break Unit (3) 1 One to One lesson per day. One to One classes
12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. are either conducted in general Spanish or in areas out-
1 x 45 minutes, One to One lesson, lined under E to suit the individual needs and targets.
classes in Playa Jacó start 8:30 a.m.
D 20+10 Combination Course, 20 Group lessons plus 10 One to One lessons per week
(Coronado and Playa Jacó)
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. This course combines the advantages of studying in a small
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 1 group with those of one to one classes, the most efficient
and rapid way to learn a language.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. break Unit (1) 2 lessons: applied grammar from course A.
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 2 Unit (2) 2 lessons: conversation from course A.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. break Unit (3) 2 one to one lessons per day. One to One classes
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. are either conducted in general Spanish or in areas out-
2 x 45 minutes, One to One lesson lined under E to suit the individual needs and targets.
Cooking class Coronado Entrance Quinta Toyopán, Coronado
E One to One Tuition, 10, 20 or 30 One to One lessons per week
One to One classes are designed to suit particular needs
(if 20 lessons per week) and interests; these courses focus either on improving the
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. student´s command of general Spanish or cover specific
2 x 45 minutes, One to One lesson topics and subjects. Intercultural training aims to prepare
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. break professionals who need to work in a Spanish-speaking
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. environment.
2 x 45 minutes, One to One lesson
One to One lessons can be focused in any of the following
(if 30 lessons per week) fields: Business, Medical, Tourism, Public Relations, Business
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. break Administration, Law, Water Treatment, Didactics of
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Spanish, Spanish for Translation and Spanish Literature
2 x 45 minutes, One to One lesson with vocabulary, visits to enterprises and institutions and
meetings with professionals from the field.
(if 10 lessons per week)
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. or Please note: For beginners, One to One lessons can only be
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. taught in general Spanish!
2 x 45 minutes One to One lesson
page 11
F DELE Exam preparation course, 4 or 8 weeks (Coronado only)
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Unit (1) 2 lessons: applied grammar from course A.
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 1 Unit (2) 2 lessons: conversation from course A.
Unit (3) 2 lessons: DELE preparation afternoon lessons fol-
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. break low a structure parallel to the DELE exams for each week in
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. the following way:
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 2
Monday: reading comprehension
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. break Tuesday: writing skills
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Wednesday: listening comprehension
2 x 45 minutes, Unit 3 Thursday: communication and vocabulary
Friday: oral communication
Practice exams will be conducted during the last course week.
Exams can be taken at an official DELE examination center
in San José, recognized by Instituto Cervantes. Exam fees as
defined by Instituto Cervantes apply and registration as
well as payment of exam fees is the student´s responsibility,
i.e. exam fees are not included in the course price.
Academia Tica assists the student in the process of the exam
registration. Exam grade reporting: Reports will be sent to
the student directly upon availability of results.
G Interactive Spanish Course Pura vida, 2 weeks (Coronado only)
20 Spanish lessons Spanish lessons: Main topics are applied grammar and
10 Learning by doing activities conversation.
6 cultural activities
Minimum group size: Learning by doing activities: gardening, a talk with a per-
2 and maximum: 8 participants sonality from Coronado (artist, politician, etc), orquid gar-
den visit, paint ball park trip, handicrafts workshop, popu-
Monday to Friday (2 weeks) lar Latin dance class, organic farm visit or tree planting
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. trip, art workshop, rain forest walk.
2 x 45 minutes, Spanish lessons
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. break Cultural activities: San José guided tour, tropical cocktail
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. workshop, visit a Costa Rican typical food restaurant,
learning by doing activities afternoon at rain forest aerial tram, evening at the the-
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. lunch break ater, visit of a coffee plantation and processing plant.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday only Accommodation: any type of accommodation at the usual
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. rates just like any other student. Transfer from airport to
to 10:00 p.m.: cultural activities the accommodation is included (one way).
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
free for own activities.
page 12
H Parent & Child Course, 2 weeks (Coronado only)
Minimum group size: 2 and maxi- 10 hours Spanish lessons per week
mum: 8 participants 5 hours Learning by doing cultural activities per week
2 hours Fun activities per week
Parent and Child Course schedule
Monday to Friday (2 weeks) Academia Tica is proud to announce a new program where
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. parents and their children can learn or improve their
2 x 45 minutes, Spanish lessons Spanish during the first hours of the morning, each one in
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.break a group at their respective level and also participate in cul-
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. tural and entertainment activities. Together that will give
learning by doing activities them an opportunity to interact, talk and really get to
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. break know each other again.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Parent & Child Program is designed for parents with
Monday and Wednesday children from 10 to 16 years of age. This program starts
fun activities every Monday. It has two main components: a Spanish
course of 10 lessons per week and 16 hours of cultural and
Course contents fun activities. The only requirement is the desire to share
Spanish lessons: Main topics are quality time.
applied grammar and conversa-
tion. Week 1:
Monday: organic farm visit
Learning by doing cultural activi- Tuesday: Latin food cooking class
ties: 10:00 a.m. - Wednesday: In-Bio biodiversity institute visit
12:00 p.m. Thursday: organic gardening
Friday: art workshop
Week 2:
Monday: tree planting trip
Tuesday: fruits and vegetables of Costa Rica at the Central
market
Wednesday: Coronado’s cloud forest walk
Thursday: coffee plantation visit
Friday: handicrafts workshop
Fun activities: 1pm-4 pm
Week 1:
Monday: Museo del Niño - Children’s Museum
Wednesday: paint ball or other activity
Week 2:
Monday: Parque Nacional de diversiones – amusement park
Wednesday: indoor soccer game
page 13
I Internship Program at private companies and social institutions
Typical work schedule for private This practical training program places university level stu-
companies and social institutions dents in enterprises or institutions to acquire work experi-
7:30 or 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ence in his/her field of study in San José or even outside of
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. lunch the Central Valley for a period of 8 to 24 weeks.
break It is non-paid work but a certificate of participation is
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. issued and many universities accept this to fulfill the aca-
Some industries such as tourism demic Internship requirement.
use a work schedule that includes
6 working days, and days off are The student receives counseling and supervision before
assigned during the week. and during the work period from Academia Tica and
his/her work is supervised by a staff member of the enter-
Internship program basic require- prise or institution. It is important for the student to adapt
ments to a different work environment and style.
1. Academia Tica´s Internship
request form. Specific requirements
2. Copy of resume/curriculum vitae This program is available to those students who:
that includes: education histo- Have completed at least 4 university semesters.
ry, employment history and any Enroll for a minimum of a 2-week Spanish course if their
previous internship or volun- Spanish level is upper intermediate.
teering experiences. Enroll for a minimum of a 4-week Spanish course if their
3. A short letter written in Spanish Spanish level is lower intermediate.
by the applicant to introduce The course has to take place directly at Academia Tica prior
himself/herself and apply for to the commencement of the internship stay.
the internship program. There are private companies available for this program in
4. A two-week (for upper inter- the following fields: tourism, law, education, ecology, agri-
mediate level applicants) or a culture, veterinary, health, finance and information systems.
four-week Spanish course (for
lower intermediate level appli- All documents must be sent to Academia Tica between 12
cants) at Academia Tica. The goal and 16 weeks prior to the start of the practical training.
of this course is to activate the The school then starts a selection process to find an appro-
Spanish language and to serve as priate company or institution for the student. This process
a cultural buffer. may take a few weeks.
Accommodation will be addition- If you are interested in our Internship Program please ask
ally arranged on request in a host for a list of companies and institutions available.
family or in a school apartment.
J Volunteering Program at national parks, social institutions and farms
This practical program places Academia Tica students from
18 years old and above in National Parks, social institutions
and farms.
Requirements
Volunteer applicants must enroll for a minimum of 2 weeks
in a Spanish course at Academia Tica prior to the com-
mencement of their Volunteering period.
Volunteers health should be good enough to allow them
to adapt to the tropical conditions found in National Parks
and farms (humidity, heat, rain, insects, unsophisticated
infrastructure, remoteness).
The students receive counseling from Academia Tica
before they leave for the volunteering period and if neces-
sary during the volunteering period.
page 14
Volunteering options at a glance
Initial Lodging Min. When to
Volunteering Fee Spanish Lodging to be work present
Options (in USD) Weeks level type* paid at load docs
National Park
The park where FB in Park
the student is USD
placed is 15/day First
defined during Payable Volunteers meeting
$ 110 2-24 False Full-
the first meet- only to Office in in
beginner time
ing between the San José Volunteers
the volunteer Volunteer’s Office
and the Office in
Volunteer San José.
authorities
HB Min. 8
Lower Homestay weeks
Social Your 1/2 day or
$ 110 2-24 intermedi- or Self before
Institution Agency full-time
ate catering course
Appt. starts
HB
Homestay Documents
False Your 1/2 day or
Farm $ 110 2-24 or Self not
beginner Agency full-time
catering needed
Appt.
Volunteering Options Requirements Work schedule Work duties
Min. 2-week Spanish
course Maintenance, teaching,
Sign Volunteer 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. park guide, flora and
Application
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. fauna protection,
Meeting in Volunteers
National Park Parks are open reforestation, fighting
Office
7 days per week, forest fires, illegal
2 passport size photos
day off is assigned hunting and fishing,
Sign Volunteer Work
during weekdays rivers and forests
Contract
contamination.
Passport main page
Copy
Min. 2-week Spanish
Administration, next
Course 1/2 day or
to a counselor,
Send Volunteer 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Social Institution teacher, therapist
Application 8 weeks 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
or another
before leaving to Monday to Friday
volunteer.
Costa Rica
Feeding,
At least a 2-week Spanish
maintenance,
course commit to a mini- To be arranged
cleaning, planting,
Farm mum of a 2-week volun- between farmer
irrigating, buying
teer period, be ready to and volunteer
supplies, harvesting
adapt to a farm situation
* See accommodation section.
page 15
Part III: Free Time Activity Program
The Free Time Activity Program is mainly designed to promote conversation among students of
all levels with fun cultural activities. A very enthusiastic professor in charge of this program
organizes all activities. Activities are announced a few days before they occur. A monthly calen-
dar is also available and all students are welcome to participate, the only requirement is a desire
to have fun and speak only Spanish while in it.
Free Time Activity Program Schedule Coronado
Monday: Orientation tour for new students around the Coronado area and film projection for
“old” students.
Tuesday: Dance class twice per month. Twice per month: cooking class, Costa Rican typical food
tasting class, tropical fruits class, cocktail preparation class (USD 6) or a visit to a typical food
Restaurant, Approx. 2 hrs each.
Wednesday: Club Deportivo Los Jaules Coronado - Sports Center (Pools, Basketball Gym, Fitness
Gym, Soccer Field, Restautrant, Cafeteria) 1,5 km from school - Entrance USD 5. Alternatively 2
free classes in Latin American literature.
Every first and third Thursday: an excursion to a place of interest such as a Volcano National Park,
a coffee plantation and processing plant, Waterfall gardens or a visit to the rain forest. The price
for a day tour is USD 14 and USD 7-10 for entrance fees. Every other Thursday walking tour (hike)
in Coronado mountains. Participation is always optional.
Free Time Activity Program Schedule Playa Jacó
Monday: Free orientation tour around the Playa Jacó area for all new students. Film projection
for old students.
Tuesday: Latin Dance activitiy. (Approx. 2hrs each)
Wednesday: Costa Rican Fruit class or Costa Rican cooking class
Thursdays twice a month: Optional 1/2 day tour to a place of interest such as Manuel Antonio
National Park, Carara National Park. Cost for a 1/2 day tour is approximately USD 14 plus
entrance fees of USD 7 to USD 10, includes: transportation and guide. Every other Thursday walk-
ing tour (hike) in Jacó mountains. Participation is always optional.
Bike can be rented at school for USD 2 per day.
page 16
Tourism Service Platform in Coronado
The Tourism Service Platform is conveniently located in the lobby of the school and offers a vari-
ety of important services. It saves the student time and money.
Here is the current list of services:
Free advice on tour characteristics, hot spots, public bus system, money exchange, personal
safety, hotel descriptions, food, other tour operators
Car rental service
Hotels and tour information and booking
Internet access on school computers outside of free time
Lockers and bike rental
Document and e-mail printing
Fax service
Costa Rican souvenirs, post cards and maps
International telephone cards
Cellular phone rental
Airport transfer out, private transport services.
This platform books and organizes half-day, one day and weekend excursions, jungle lodge stays
for animal observation, trips to the oceans, and different accommodation options to choose
from, starting from a simple guest house to a four-star hotel.
page 17
PART IV: Useful pre-departure information A-Z
Information for emergency cases
The following emergency phone numbers are to be used in the following cases:
To report changes during your flight to Costa Rica
If unforeseen changes to your flight occur that will result
in a different date or time of arrival
You can’t find the Academia Tica person at the airport
You can’t find your host family
You can’t find the school
Academia Tica emergency phone numbers
1. Eduardo Solano, school airport driver, cel +506-845-9602, anytime – Spanish
2. Ana Mercedes Rodríguez, director, home +506-283-9773, after 6:00 p.m. – Spanish,
German and English
3. Elza Quirós, Accommodations, cel +506-399-3688 after 5:00 p.m. – Spanish, English
4. Academia Tica, tel +506-229-0013, fax +506-292-7136, only Monday to Friday from
7:30 am to 4:00 pm local time – Spanish, German and English
When arriving in San José at the International Airport…
Look for the person with the Academia Tica sign. Give them a chance to find you. There are now
two exits from the International wing. It is possible that you won’t see the Academia Tica person
immediately among the other drivers that wait for passengers at the airport. Be patient because
he could be just delayed in traffic and on his way to pick you up. Once you are sure that no one
showed up, start calling the emergency phone numbers.
How to call collect
You may call collect from any public phone by dialing 110. You may also try to borrow a cell phone
from the tour agents who wait at the exit of the International wing.
Please be aware of the following: Agents or taxi drivers that lend you their cell phone will try to
make you their client.
Airport Taxi Service
Taxis serving San José’s airport are convenient and readily available at all hours. The taxi ride from
the airport to the school or most host families takes about 40 minutes and it costs from USD 25
to USD 30. This can be paid either in USD or Colones, the local currency. You must negotiate the
fare to Coronado before you get in the car. Only get in an airport taxi if you are completely sure
that no representative from Academia Tica is waiting for you and you know how to get to the
host families (you have your host family address).
Airport taxi drivers are aggressive in their pursuit of clients and some might tell you that they are the
ones sent to pick you up. Make sure that they have an Academia Tica sign with your name on it.
National Theater, San Josè Cathedral of Coronado Coronado Municipality Building
page 18
Emergency hotels
Academia Tica does not have any relationship with the following hotels in San José, but we
can recommend them:
Hotel Aranjuez, San José, tel, +506-256-1825 fax +506-223-3528
Hotel Don Carlos, San José, tel +506-221-6707 fax +506-258-1152
Free airport transfer to Coronado
During 2008 all Academia Tica students get a free one way airport transfer provided accom-
modation is booked with Academia Tica as well. If you don´t show up at the airport at the
agreed date and time you will lose your free transfer. Additional transfers will run at the stu-
dent´s expense at the rate defined by the school for that period. Airport taxi fares run from
USD 25 to USD 30 for a one way service to the Coronado area. The driver will wait 1,5 hours
at the airport upon arrival of the scheduled flight. Of course drivers check whether flights
might be delayed.
Other airport transfers can be arranged at the TOURISM SERVICE PLATFORM located in the
school lobby for USD 25.
Payments at the school
Acceptable payment methods directly at the school are US dollars, US travelers checks or Costa
Rican currency (Colones). We do not accept credit cards or personal checks.
Addressing System – Costa Rican style…
There are few street signs and street numbers to go by in Costa Rican cities and towns. People
here use familiar reference points to give directions. An address is given by indicating the dis-
tance in meters and direction to the north, south, east or west from a recognized reference
point or place. Sometimes the important building or place has been removed but people
remember where it was and keep using it!!!
Air Travel
Flying is one of the best ways to get around Costa Rica. Because the country is quite small,
flights are short and not too expensive. The domestic airlines of Costa Rica are Sansa (www.fly-
sansa.com), which offers a free shuttle bus from its downtown office to the airport, and
NatureAir (www.natureair.com). Sansa operates from San José’s Juan Santamaría International
Airport, while NatureAir operates from Tobías Bolaños Airport in Pavas, 4 miles (6.4km) from
San José.
Airport Exit Tax
All visitors must pay an exit tax of
USD 26 at the airport before they
leave the country. This can be paid
in dollars or colones directly at the
airport, but it is better to pay it at
any branch of the Banco de Costa
Rica or Banco Crédito Agrícola a
few days before departure. To pay
this tax, you must bring your pass-
port.
page 19
ATM´s or ATH (“a toda hora” – 24h/7d)
While ATM’s are still mostly found at bank offices and major shopping centers in and around San
José, they are beginning to pop up at major tourist destination around the country. Think of your
ATM card as a backup measure, since machines are not nearly as readily available or dependable
in Costa Rica as you might expect, and you may encounter compatibility problems. So it’s always
a good idea to carry some cash with you.
About car Rental
Renting a car in Costa Rica is no idle proposition. The roads are riddled with potholes, most rural
intersections are unmarked. But renting a car is still your best option for independent exploring.
Four-wheel-drives are particularly useful in the rainy season (May to November) and for navigat-
ing the bumpy, poorly paved roads year-round. Be forewarned, rentals are easily identifiable to
thieves and frequently targeted. Transit police also seem to target tourists. Never pay money
directly to a police officer that stops you for any traffic violation. Before driving off with a rental
car, be sure that you inspect the exterior and point out to the rental-company representative
every tiny scratch, dent, tear or any other damage. Some car-rental companies will claim that you
owe payment for minor dings and dents the company finds when you return the car. Also, if you
get into an accident, be sure that the rental company
doesn’t try to bill you for a higher amount than the
deductible on your rental contract. Thousands of
tourist rent cars here every year and the large majori-
ty of them encounter no problems.
Business Hours in Costa Rica
Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Public offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (many close for an hour at lunch).
Stores are generally open Monday to Saturday from
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (some close for an hour at lunch).
Stores in modern malls generally stay open from 9:00 a.m. Coronado Sunday Market
to 10:00 p.m. and don’t close for lunch. Most bars are
open until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m.
Check in time at school
Students should come to school at 8:00 a.m. on the
first day for a placement exam.
Costa Rica General Information
In the United States or Canada, you can get a basic
packet of information on Costa Rica by contacting the
Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT or Instituto Costarricense
de Turismo) at 800/343-6332. Much of the same infor-
mation is available at its website
www.visitcostarica.com
Coronado - Las Nubes
Credit cards
Credit Cards are invaluable when traveling, and they
are becoming widely accepted in Costa Rica (primarily
Visa then American Express, Master Card). They are a
safe way to carry money and provide a convenient
record of all your expenses.
Since credit-card purchases are dependent upon
phone verifications, some hotels and restaurants in
more remote destinations do not accept them. Always
check in advance if you are heading to more remote
corners of Costa Rica. Also note that many US banks
page 20
(including Citibank) are beginning to charge an additional 2% surcharge for transactions in for-
eign currency; ask your credit-card company about its policy before you leave home.
Don´t give your credit card number to strangers. There has been a recent increase of credit card
fraud. Make sure there are no extra blank vouchers when paying with credit card. Cancel your
card immediately if lost or stolen.
Dressing Costa Rican style
Costa Ricans are very aware of world trends in fashion but the easy going weather they are
blessed with has left a definite mark in their clothing style.
No matter what time of the year you visit this country always bring and wear lightweight cloth-
ing. Have a windbreaker and an umbrella handy but also be ready to take your light sweater off.
Jeans and Cotton short sleeve shirts are common among men and jeans or skirts and small tops
for women. At night a light jacket or sweater it is a good idea, too. For special occasions such as
parties or weddings men can wear a tie and women a formal dresis.
Toiletries and Drugstore items can be found in all pharmacies and supermarkets.
Driver license use
Costa Rican transit law allows you to drive for 3 months with a valid driver’s license issued in your
own country. Always carry a copy of the main pages of your passport. Leave the original safely at
home.
Drug laws
Drug Laws in Costa Rica are strict, so stay away from marijuana and cocaine. Many prescription
drugs are sold over the counter here, but often the names are different from those in the United
States and Europe. It’s always best to have a prescription from a doctor.
Entertainment and night life
San José is a very cosmopolitan city; here you can find theaters, movies, water parks, casinos, spe-
cialty shops. Nightlife in San José is active with a variety of places to eat and dance.
Embassies / Consulates in San José
United States Embassy, in front of Centro Comercial, on the road to Pavas (506/220-3939).
Canadian Consulate: Oficentro Ejecutivo la Sabana, Edificio 5 (506/296-4149).
British Embassy: Paseo Colón between Calles 38 and 40 (506/258-2025)
Playa Tortuga page 21
Emergencies
In case of emergency, dial 911 (which should have an English-speaking operator); for an ambu-
lance call 128; to report fire call 118. You can also call the police at 506/222-1365 or 506/221-5337
and hopefully they can find someone who speaks English. You may also call the school
506/2290013 during the week or 506/283-9773 during the weekend
Films
Most types of film are available, as are film developing services.
Food in Costa Rica
Typical breakfast and dinner meal schedule at a Costa Rican home:
Some homes may vary this schedule to fit their needs.
Breakfast It varies with family schedules, starting at 6:00 a.m.
Dinner It varies with family schedules, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Food Items you may find in a Costa Rican breakfast: Coffee, milk, fruit drinks, black or herbal tea,
oats, white bread toast with butter, bananas, papaya, eggs, cheese, sour cream, ham, “gallo
pinto” (rice and black beans mixed with fresh spices). Food items you may find in a Costa Rican
dinner: Rice, black beans, garbanzo beans, beef, pork, spaghetti, coffee, black or herbal tea, fruit
drinks: mango, cas, lemon, carambola, papaya, mellon, water mellon, salads, avocados, potatoes,
sweet potatoes, cucumber, onion, garlic, carrots, yucca, cheese, sandwiches, soups, beef stews,
mashed potatoes.
Gifts for the host family?
It is not necessary to bring presents to the host family. However if you prefer to do so a little
souvenir, like a bottle of wine, or chocolates would be fine.
Health and weather
Water is safe to drink in most areas of this country. No shots are necessary to visit Costa Rica.
Medical facilities are numerous and dependable. There are many private doctors available, many
do speak English with practices in San José.
Holidays
Government offices and banks are closed on official holidays, transportation services are reduced
and stores and markets may also close. There is no public transportation on Good Friday.
Home addresses
The school will provide the addresses and telephone numbers of the host family in advance so
that students know where they are going. Students who do not want to go directly to their host
families should come with their luggage to the school on the first day of class. Their families will
meet them here after classes and take them home.
Internet Access
Staying connected on the road is getting easier.
Internet cafes have popped up at most major
tourist destination. Many hotels allow guests to
send and receive e-mail. It’s best to set up a free
Web based mail account with someone like
Hotmail, Yahoo, Netscape, Freemail etc., before
you leave for Costa Rica, since you are most likely
to have only Web (and not POP) access. Rates run
between USD 1 and USD 4 per hour in tourist
regions.
page 22
International mail
Regular mail may take from 8-15 days to get to and from
Europe, Asia or the US. There are however mail delivery
services like DHL that operate in Costa Rica. You can
send mail or post cards from the school.
Laundry
Laundromats are few and far between in Costa Rica,
more common are hotel laundry services, which can
sometimes be expensive.
Liquor Laws
Alcoholic beverages are sold every day of the week
throughout the year, with the exception of the 2 days
before Easter and the 2 days before and after a presi-
dential election. The legal drinking age is 18, though it’s
almost never enforced.
Local Transportation
There is a wide network of buses that run all over the
country. The service is not first class but fares are low and
are dependable. Taxis also are everywhere. They can be
found near the main bus stops. Taxi fares are around
USD 1,50 per mile. Travel by air within the country is ade-
quate and inexpensive.
Tortuguero
Money matters and currency
We recommend that you bring your credit card, VISA and Mastercard are accepted nationwide.
We recommend that you bring at least USD 75 in small bills for traveling expenses, taxis, food,
phone calls, etc.
The Colon is the Costa Rican monetary unit. Its relative value to the US dollar is determined by the
market and changes daily.
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere in the capital city of San José and all major cities
around the country. It is best to bring money in form of travelers checks (US dollars). Personal
checks are most likely not accepted in stores but some banks might. Major credit cards are accept-
ed in most large stores in the main cities.
Street crime
Crime rate is low in Costa Rica. Most of the reports are of the petty type. Visitors need to be care-
ful with purses, cameras, and backpacks, especially on buses and in crowded areas. Do not leave
valuables visible in a parked car.
Suggested items to bring
We recommend bringing along some warm clothing like blue jeans, a jacket, windbreaker and
sweater (after 6 p.m., temperatures may fall to 16 C° in the Great Metropolitan Area), sunglass-
es, hiking shoes, swimming suit, towel, at least one formal shirt for men or blouse for women for
an occasional formal activity, notebooks, a pen, a pencil, an eraser, a pencil sharpener,
Spanish/your language dictionary.
page 23
Tipping
A 10% service charge is included in the bill in most restaurants in Costa Rica, so no additional tip-
ping is necessary. Taxi drivers are usually not tipped, but remind them to use the “maria” if they
don’t turn it on. The “maria” is the taxi fare meter.
Transfer from San José to Playa Jacó
Transfers from San José or San José International Airport to Playa Jacó are not included in the
course fees. These are the transfer options from San José to Playa Jacó:
By Public Bus (fares and schedules as per April 2007):
There are 2 public bus lines which run every day between San José and Playa Jacó. The “San
José - Playa Jacó bus line” and the “San José - Manuel Antonio bus line”.
San José - Playa Jacó Bus line schedule: Every day 07:30, 11:00, 15:00, 17.00; duration 2 1/2 Hrs
Playa Jacó to San José: Every day 07:30, 10:30, 13:00, 15:30, 18:30, duration 2 1/2 Hrs
Cost for 2007 approx USD 3 one way, Terminal: Coca Cola bus station in San José (1st Ave & 16th
Street)
San José - Quepos / Manuel Antonio Bus schedule
Get off in Playa Jacó, bus continues to the Quepos & Manuel Antonio area
San José - Manuel Antonio "Express"
Every day 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 19:00 (duration 2 1/2 hrs to Playa Jacó)
San José - Manuel Antonio "Regular"
Every day 05:00, 8:00, 14:00 16:00 (duration 2 1/2 hrs to Playa Jacó)
Manuel Antonio to San José "Express"
Every day 06:00, 09:30, 12:00, 17:00 duration 3 1/2 Hrs (2 1/2 hrs to Playa Jacó)
Manuel Antonio to San José "Regular"
Every day 05:00, 08:00, 14:00, 16:00 duration 4 1/2 Hrs (2 1/2 hrs to Playa Jacó
Cost for 2007 approx USD 4 one way
Students traveling by public bus that want to go directly to
Academia Tica Jacó should get off at the bus stop in front of the
CHOCUACO Restaurant. Ask bus driver to stop at this restaurant
when you get on the bus.
With Private Shuttle Services:
There are 2 private shuttle service companies that offer services to
and from San José and Playa Jacó. They won't take students directly
to school; a local taxi will be needed in Playa Jacó to get to the
host family, apartment or school.
Costa Rica Shuttle Service
www.costaricashuttleservice.com/rates.htm
San José to Playa Jacó 08:00 15:00
Cost 2007 USD 31 per person one way
Gray Line Tours Shuttle Service
www.graylinecostarica.com/graylinetouristbus.html#sanjose
San José to Playa Jacó 08:00 14:00 15:00
Cost 2007 USD 21 per person one way
Both companies offer Playa Jacó to San José services daily as well.
page 24
Travelers checks
With so many more ATMs popping up in every corner of the globe, travelers checks seem less
necessary these days. But if you prefer the security they offer and don’t mind showing iden-
tification every time you want to cash one, travelers checks might still be for you. Banks
charge a fee if you cash a travelers check into US dollars, a smaller fee if you ask for colones.
Travelling by bus/coach in Costa Rica
This is by far the most economical way to get around Costa Rica. Buses are inexpensive and
relatively well maintained, and they go nearly everywhere. There are three types: Local buses
are the cheapest and slowest; they stop frequently and are generally a bit dilapidated.
Express buses run between San José and most beach towns and major cities; they sometimes
operate only on weekends and holidays. Luxury buses and minibuses drive to destinations
frequented by foreign travelers.
Visa (Entry Visa)
Citizens from the USA and most Western European countries and Japan get an automatic
90-day permit to stay in Costa Rica, extensions are possible too. Citizens from other coun-
tries please check visa regulations with the Costa Rican consulate or embassy for your area.
For a complete list of Costa Rican consulates or embassies in your area please visit:
http://www.rree.go.cr/servicio-exterior/index.php
Voltage
Costa Rica uses the same type of electrical voltage that is used in the US: 110 AC (60 cycles)
volts for residential, schools, etc. and 220 volts for heavy industrial use.
However, three-pronged outlets can be scarce, so it’s helpful to bring along an adapter.
Weather
Costa Rica is blessed with great weather conditions. There is a summer that runs from
December to April with higher temperatures and a rainy or green season from May to
November. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. Average temperature for San José
is around 22°C to 24 °C. At the coast temperatures are higher and are more humid in the
Atlantic than the Pacific coast. Sometimes it can get as low as 16 °C at night in the Central
Valley. For more information visit http://www.imn.ac.cr
Simply relax
Playa Jacó - Pacific Ocean
Playa Jacó - surfers paradise
page 25
Handy items in Costa Rica
All the following items can be purchased here but you will save time if you bring them,
this is not a complete list given that each person is different and so are the needs.
light water proof jacket
light hiking boots as water proof as possible
sun glasses
sun tan lotion and sun block
bathing suit
a hat
backpack
tennis shoes
towel
mosquito repellent can be found here
a small alarm clock will come in handy in some cases
basic school supplies
camera
Spanish / your language dictionary
US travelers checks and US dollars in cash
credit card - (not accepted in school but it is important to bring)
Note that you must have a round trip ticket and a valid passport
to be admitted in the country.
SOME PRICES in 2008…
Transport
Public bus San Rafael de Coronado-Down town San José USD 0.80
Taxi ride Coronado-San José 10 km USD 6.50
Public bus San José-Quepos/Manuel Antonio (Pacific) USD 5.50
Public bus San José-Atlantic coast USD 5.50
Public bus San José-Arenal volcano USD 5.50
Flight San José- Quepos/Manuel Antonio one-way USD 50.00
Flight San José-Costa Atlántica one-way USD 35.00
Flight San José-Tortuguero one-way USD 65.00
Flight San José-Tamarindo one-way USD 80.00
Flight San José-Arenal Volcano one-way USD 50.00
Taxi San José-International Airport USD 25.00
Entrance at a national park USD 8.00
Going out, food and eating out
Lunch in a typical Costa Rican restaurant (soda) USD 3.00
Dinner in a 1st class restaurant USD 20.00
Glass or can of beer in a bar USD 2.00
Cup of coffee in a cafeteria USD 0.80
Cinema Entrance USD 4.00
Entrance to a discotheque USD 2 to 5
1 litre of milk USD 0.60
1 pound of bread USD 0.60
1 kg of bananas USD 0.60
Doctor consultation USD 35.00
page 26
Part VI: Terms of conditions, bank details and
contact information
1. Minimum Age: Minimum Age is 16 for individual students (the average in 2006 is 27).
For students who come to school as part of a group the minimum age is 14.
2. Change in course type will not generate a refund but the school will do as much as possible
to give the student the same or equivalent number of hours as originally booked. A conver-
sion ratio of 20 Group lessons to 12 One to One lessons and of 30 Group lessons to 18 One to
One lessons will be used when necessary.
3. All enquiries and bookings are handled by our central office in Coronado.
4. Cancellations must be made in writing, by fax or e-mail. Cancellations received 30 days or more
before the course is due to start: 100 % of invoiced amount minus bank charges (if applicable)
are reimbursed for both tuition and accommodation. Cancellations received less than 30 days
before the course is due to start up to the day before the course starts: 90 % of invoiced
amount minus bank charges (if applicable) is reimbursed. For group hotel and guesthouse
reservations please check with the school management.
For group bookings, where specific terms are agreed and a deposit is usually requested, please
check the cancellation conditions with the school management.
5. Change in accommodation type (e.g. from Family to Apartment) after the first 8 days will be
possible only after a payment of a processing fee of USD 50.
6. Change from social volunteering or Internship into volunteering or Internship at a National
Park is possible - but the student must pay the National Park accommodation fees on his own.
7. Late arrival and early departure: Students who arrive after the course starts or leave the school
and their accommodation before the official end of the program will not be refunded for any
unused portion.
8. Transfer to Coronado from San José International Airport to the accommodation in Coronado
is included provided flight details are communicated by e-mail or fax to the the school at least
one week prior to the arrival. However, a taxi to the accommodation must be taken at the stu-
dent’s expense if the flight is more than 2 hours late. Academia Tica transfer drivers will not wait
more than 2 hours at the airport. Of course transfer drivers check possible flight delays. If taxi
transfer is arranged by student on his/her own, please consider Costa Rican style addresses:
Because of the way directions are given in Costa Rica, the student must give the taxi driver the
accommodation address as described, verbatum.
9. Certificate of attendance and corporate reports: All students are expected to attend classes
regularly. At the end of the course they are entitled to the „Academia Tica Certificate“ which
shows course type, lessons per week, duration, level attained as well as progress made.
10. Payments: All invoices are due on the course starting date. Bank charges must be paid by
the sender.
Our bank details are:
Diálogo - Academia Tica S.A.
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica
Agencia de Coronado, San José, Costa Rica
Swift Code BN CR CR SJ
Account No.: 20002-053-001721-0
11. Holiday Policy: Lost Group classes because of public holidays will not be refunded or recovered,
a free tour or a cultural visit will be organized instead (except for Good Friday). Academia Tica
will provide transportation and students will be responsible for entrance fees when applicable.
However, lost One to One classes due to official holidays will be made up on other working
days.
Whom to contact:
Key Persons: Ana Mercedes Rodríguez, Director: toyopan@racsa.co.cr
Joachim Pitsch, Marketing Director: pitsch@dialog.de or jopitsch@web.de
Rodolfo Madrigal C., Marketing Assistant & Sales: actica@racsa.co.cr
Alexander López, Director of Studies: alopez@academiatica.com
Elza Quirós Rojas, Bookings and Accommodation: infoat@racsa.co.cr
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Diálogo Academia Tica Coronado (San José)
Managing Director: Ana Mercedes Rodríguez
Quinta Toyopán, Coronado, San José, Costa Rica
P.O. Box 1294 - 2100 San José
Tel. +(506) 229 00 13, Fax +(506) 292 71 36
actica@racsa.co.cr,
www.academiatica.com, www.dialogo-costarica.com
Diálogo Academia Tica Playa Jacó (Pacific):
Calle Naciones Unidas # 15
Playa Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Central Marketing & Sales: Diálogo Academia Tica
Joachim Pitsch, Director Marketing & Partner
Eisenbahnstr. 41, D-79098 Freiburg, Germany
Tel. +(49) 761 28 64 70, Fax +(49) 761 28 63 08
Marketing: pitsch@dialog.de or jopitsch@web.de
Enquiries: info@dialog.de
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