Health & Safety Services

Living in Costa Rica

Health & Safety Services

Living in Costa Rica

Health & Safety Services

Living in Costa Rica

Health & Safety Services

Living in Costa Rica

Health and Safety Services

Costa Rica is a safe country with a long-standing democratic tradition, no army, and great pride in its reputation as a global tourism hotspot. Nevertheless, being safe should be a top priority anywhere in the world you travel. From pre-departure assistance, to the on-site orientation on day 1 of each program, and throughout your stay, ICDS helps to identify potential risks and ways to minimize or avoid exposure. Our trained staff provides all the support you need to safeguard your physical and emotional integrity and overall well-being during your experience abroad.

Life happens. Over the years, ICDS has developed a reliable support system of people, places, and services to provide students and faculty the personalized assistance needed when the unpredictable occurs. These include:

Arrival and Departure Assistance

ICDS provides you with airport pick-up, drop-off and any transfers to and from the host family’s residence upon arrival and departure to Costa Rica.

Homestays

Living in homestays with carefully selected host families provides a safe environment to make the most out of your academic and cultural experience abroad. All families are thoroughly vetted and matched to provide students the best level of care during their stay.

ICDS Staff

With many years of experience in higher education and education abroad, ICDS’ professional and dedicated team is an in-house support system. Staff members facilitate student participation in ICDS programs and can offer advice or assistance with all aspects of adjusting to life abroad.

Health Services

In case of illness or for specific medical needs, ICDS offers you the necessary assistance to contact and consult with a physician. ICDS can assist in making doctors appointments at our ICDS affiliate, Hospital Clínica Bíblica, and will accompany you on your visit to help with any language barrier and to offer moral support.

Counseling & Follow-up

All participants benefit from the assistance of ICDS’ Program Counselor, a professional psychologist who collaborates with ICDS in the process of your integration to life in Costa Rica. Beginning at the orientation session and continuing throughout the program with periodic follow-up sessions, the Program Counselor provides support during your immersion process to the new culture, your host family, academics, and the community at large.

Emergency Support

ICDS provides 24/7 emergency support during your participation in your study abroad program. We have an established protocol to handle emergencies. Phone numbers of ICDS’ emergency mobile phone, staff contact information, and other important emergency contact information are given to you at the on-site orientation at the start of the program.

Additionally, complete information about health, safety, in-country travelling, emergency protocols, and ICDS institutional policies are included in the ICDS Student Handbook which is made available digitally before the start of the program. This information is also reviewed at orientation and available to parents, guardians, and school faculty.