PLANNING TO APPLY
PLANNING TO APPLY
We intentionally plan our programs’ learning process to become a journey; in which experiential learning, quality academic experience and cultural immersion are integrated as a key part of the experience.
All this happens in the context of experiencing a in the context of experiencing a “pura vida” perspective, which embodies appreciation for the present moment, embracing optimism, resilience beyond life challenges and finding joy in life’s simple things, but mostly in the connections built by people.
As part of this, ICDS experienced Faculty Staff, Office Staff and collaborators such as ICDS host families and our partners (universities and community work allies), all become a significantly supportive team who enjoy being part of fostering lifelong transformative experiences.
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America. Like in any other country or destination, it’s important to be aware of taking precautions and proactively prioritize safety and informed decision-making.
ICDS is committed for students to feel supported throughout the program experience.
For our organization safety and well-being are priorities. We foster a supportive network by offering detailed information and tools to navigate the cultural context differences and potential safety concerns, keeping regular check-ins, offering 24/7 emergency assistance, sharing communication protocols during on-site preparation orientation meetings, local emergency procedures, as well as ensuring students have a comprehensive understanding of how to access healthcare services. As part of this, we also encourage our students to be aware and well-informed about how their international health and travel insurance works.
The courses are scheduled to meet twice a week. Community work is carried out twice a week also, and Spanish classes are taught in the afternoons. Classes take place from Monday through Thursday, providing students with some 3-day weekends for independent travel throughout the country.
Not necessarily. ICDS suggests at least a year of Spanish at college level as this could be helpful in Costa Rica but we also welcome students with basic or no knowledge of Spanish. All students are required to take a Spanish class along with the topical courses offered. Students take a placement test during the first week of the program in order to be assigned to the appropriate level.
Students with a USA passport staying in Costa Rica for less than 180 days, a visa is not required. However, a valid passport and a return ticket are necessary. Visitors with different nationalities can contact ICDS to verify if they need a visa. ICDS staff can provide guidance in case a visa (or a visa extension) is needed.
No immunizations are required to enter Costa Rica. However, we strongly recommend that you have a full COVID-19 vaccination scheme (2 doses).
Seasonal flu shots are also recommended before leaving the US, as both spring and fall semesters run during the country’s rainy season (May through November).
Yes! Wireless internet access is guaranteed in your homestay, ICDS office and in our partners’ buildings and campuses.
Regarding your phone, most U.S. providers offer reasonable service and rates for you to use your own cell phone and number in Costa Rica. An unlocked cell phone will work in Costa Rica. Also, a SIM prepaid card may be an option. You can get this in different places close to your homestay.
Most of the time ICDS programs’ classes are scheduled for Fridays to be time off for personal activities (when there are no special ICDS activities specified in program calendar).
Costa Rica is a small country, which allows you to travel from coast to coast in the same day. Nevertheless, as you want to enjoy each amazing local destination, you can do some smart planning to travel and explore the best Costa Rica has to offer, during the three-day weekends you have scheduled in your program.
Also, one-day trips or one overnight stay trips become a good option for our students, who frequently organize themselves along with their program peers to get the most out of the places they visit, but also to look for nice, safe and budget- friendly lodging and transportation options.
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
If you are a student in one of our partner universities, you can directly go to your Study Abroad office and start the application process. You may also request more information from us in terms of program dates and course descriptions from our International Liaison.
If you are not studying in one of our partner institutions, you can follow this link to apply as an independent student.
Parallel to the enrollment process at your home university, our International Liaison will be in touch to share additional program information and send out a pack of required forms. These forms are meant to collect key information for different aspects of the program, ranging from airport pick up coordination to homestay placement and course enrollment, thus ensuring the best possible experience for students.
There will also be a pre-departure session to share specific program information and answer students’ questions in real time.
ICDS staff will also be available to support you throughout the application process in case of additional questions, specific accommodations or other concerns.
Participation in observational clinical rotations is subject to partner hospitals capacity and is also dependent on the student’s level of Spanish.
Students who are interested in this component, indicate so in the Experiential Learning Form they receive during the enrollment process and have to pass a virtual interview/placement test to be eligible for observational clinical rotations.
You will submit information regarding your interests and preferences in a specific form and our Community Work Coordinator will find a site that matches your needs, you will receive general information about your placement before the beginning of the program.
Full payment is due prior to the start of the program on the date indicated by ICDS. Students attending as part of an agreement with their home universities will handle it directly with their universities.
ICDS and its partner, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, will issue an official grade certification one month after completion of the program, which will be sent to the student´s home university. Credit transfer depends on each school’s requirements. Schools holding institutional agreements with ICDS grant credit directly when they receive the official transcript. Other schools require their students to submit the course syllabus for approval before the beginning of the program.
During the application process, you will receive course descriptions and a course enrollment form in which you will indicate your preferences.
As part of the enrollment process, you will have to fill out several forms, among which you will find a Housing form where you will add information about yourself and your preferences in terms of a host family.
Our Housing Coordinator along with our Program Advisor do the placement process based on the student`s housing form information and needs, along with host families’ characteristics to facilitate for both parties to enjoy and get the most out of their experience.
ICDS host families are warm, caring, very experienced and carefully chosen.
Also, ICDS values the homestay families as a great opportunity for students to feel culturally immersed. Living with a host family is the best way to integrate into the community, and at the same time is supported during the adaptation process.
ICDS will e-mail each student the host family information before the beginning of the program.
WHILE ABROAD
WHILE ABROAD
All questions related to life abroad will be addressed during our Pre-Departure Orientation. In this session, we cover essential topics to help you feel prepared, confident, and supported before your journey.
Some of the key questions we work through include:
- – Health services and insurance requirements while abroad
- – Weather and climate in San José and across Costa Rica
- – What to pack and essential items for daily life
- – Weekly class schedules and program structure
- – Adapting to language and cultural differences
- – Tips for daily life as an international student in Costa Rica
- – What support will I have while abroad?
- – Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
- – How do housing, meals, and daily logistics work?
These and other important topics are all part of our Pre-Departure Orientation, designed to give you clarity and confidence before you arrive in Costa Rica.
More info
If you have any specific question you would like to be addressed by our team members before this meeting just let us know and we will provide you with the information you need to have.
If you have any specific question you would like to be addressed by our team members before this meeting just let us know and we will provide you with the information you need to have.
