As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that excess luggage costs OUT of Costa Rica to other countries (except the US) are very high and you may only be allowed 44 lbs. per person or per checked bag (depending on the carrier.)  Excess baggage is very expensive; however, it is relatively easy to sell any items you bring with you before you leave Costa Rica.  Almost everything can be purchased here in Costa Rica, but normally at a higher cost especially for electrical appliances.  Choose carefully what to bring with you based upon availability and cost here.  The following are suggestions, but be sure to ask your Big Brother/Sister about any specific items you might want to bring.

Clothing:  Dress at the Institute is casual, although shorts are not permitted for adults.  Dress in Costa Rica is generally more formal and outside the Institute long pants are the norm for men, and most women wear long pants or dresses.  Spring/summer clothes can be worn year round here.  Long sleeve shirts, jackets, and sweatshirts are often necessary in the morning and at night from December to February.  Clothing here is usually of lower quality and higher price than in most home countries.  Large sizes are hard to find, and imported clothes can be quite expensive.  Tico men usually wear casual clothes (slacks and a shirt) to church unless they are preaching.  Dresses, nice pants or skirts and blouses are appropriate attire for women on Sundays.  Good quality, comfortable shoes are a must.  (You will probably be walking everywhere!)  Large, narrow or wide sizes are difficult to find here.  Name brand shoes for children are very expensive. 

Rainwear:  Each adult will need a good, large umbrella.  They can be purchased in Costa Rica for $10 - $15.  A lightweight raincoat or poncho is nice to have, and is a necessity if you plan to push a stroller to and from school.  Shoes that can be worn in the rain are advantageous.

Electrical Items:  The electricity is 110-120 V AC.  Have your Big Brother/Sister check the student sale which is held each term (it will almost certainly occur before you arrive) to get some bargains. Some things that may be helpful: small desk lamps, small TV, and computer.  Ask them to check prices on new items as well if these are unavailable at the sale. You can buy most small appliances for comparable price as in U.S.A.

 Baby Needs:  A sturdy portable stroller is a must for many.  Disposable diapers cost relatively the same as in the States.  Sleepwear for warm and cold nights is necessary.  (It can get into the 50’s at night and homes do not have heat).  Gerber baby food is available and reasonably priced.  You may want to bring a baby backpack.  Sunscreen is important, but can be purchased here.

 Medicine And Toiletries:  If you need particular medicines frequently, bring them.  If the medicine is not available here it cannot be mailed to you (including vitamins), without a great deal of hassle.  Good medicine is available and is sometimes cheaper, but it may be an unfamiliar brand.  It will be easier to replace your medicines here if you know the chemical names, as well as the brand names.  Be sure to bring your own contact solution because your brand may not be available here.  Only bring unique toiletry items.  There is a wide variety of soaps and shampoos, etc. available here.  Again, the availability of a particular item is a good question to ask your Big Brother. 

 Linens:  Everyone should bring sheets, blankets, pillowcases, towels and washcloths (these items are more expensive here, and they make great packing material anyway.)  An electric blanket or comforter is not a necessity, but is nice to have because it does get cold here, and the homes do not have heat.  Bedspreads, mattress pads, and your favorite pillow can help you feel at home, but take up a lot of space packing so bring them if you want.

 For The Kids:  Backpack (waterproof), jackets, sweatshirts, raincoats or ponchos, as well as lots of shorts and T-shirts.  Toys for Christmas and birthdays can be purchased here but are more expensive.  You will find a list of needed school supplies via the links below.  All of these things can be found and purchased here, usually at comparable prices or slightly higher, but many students have requested this information, so it is to your discretion as to what you want to bring.  For a list of requirements for school supplies click the appropriate link below.  

K-6th Grades        7th-12th Grades

 Kitchen:  Bring your favorite cookbook any utensils, but keep in mind that dishes, glasses, etc are very inexpensive here.  Cookware, blender, crock-pot, cookbooks, pressure cooker, mixer, Tupperware, coffee maker, potholders can be bought here for a reasonable price.  Once again make sure your Big Brother/Sister checks the student sale for you. Also check the house as some are equipped with these items.

 Foodstuff:  It is not necessary to bring any food stuffs, as there is a wide variety of things available here, however, if you desire to bring some specific things that may not be available here or are expensive: Salad dressing mixes, chili and taco mixes,  peanut butter, vitamins, etc.

 Miscellaneous:  Study lamps, battery-operated tape recorder (one per adult student) with tape counter and built-in microphone.  Regular size tapes can be purchased here.  The recorder is used often in phonetics class.  Dust buster type vacuum, basic tools (hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.), film (expensive here), flashlight, and waterproof backpack. 

 Books and Language Translators:  501 Spanish Verbs by Christopher Kendris and a GOOD Spanish/English Dictionary would be a great benefit.  A Spanish grammar textbook written in English may be helpful to some.  A bilingual Bible is and “English grammar for students of Spanish” by Emily Spinelli would be great to bring. There are many translators available.  Many students recommend the Franklin Spanish Master.  They can be purchased here, but are much more expensive.

U. S. Postage Stamps:  There will be opportunity to send letters home with friends and relatives of other students returning from a visit to Costa Rica.  To take advantage of this, bring a supply of postage stamps with you (for letters and post cards).