Climate

The capital, San José, is located 3,500 feet above sea level. Temperatures range from the 60’s at night to high 80’s in the early afternoon year round. There are two seasons: rainy (May-November) and dry (December-April). The heaviest rains are in September and October. Even during rainy season most mornings are bright and sunny with rain in the afternoon.

Water

San José has one of the most modern water filtration systems in all of Latin America and water is potable and normally quite good.  However, there are those, including many Ticos, who do order bottled water. The companies listed below will deliver to your door on a weekly basis.  Initially, you will have to buy a dispenser (about $6) and leave a deposit for the plastic bottles (about $10 each). If you don't speak some Spanish the vendor may not show up for the appointment so call again.  The 5 gallon bottles cost a little under $2.00. 

Tours

Student Council regulary organizes differnt tours around the country and all students can join them. They receive great deals for big groups to enjoy Costa Rica´s main attractions.

There are many options for traveling on the weekends or after classes. Our staff will be pleased to help students with hotel, tour or car rental reservations and transportation arrangements. It is easy to go by bus to most national parks. We have the public bus schedule and we buy the tickets in advance at no extra cost.

Our School

The Spanish Language Institute is located in San Francisco de Dos Ríos, a middle class residential area on the southeast edge of the capital city of San José.

It is situated on an attractive, sloping property with private homes around it and a view of velvet green mountains to the south. Buildings are spaced among pleasent lawns and gardens on the nearly two-acre campus.

Churches, restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, gyms and a post office are within walking distance, and downtown San José is easily reached in 20 minutes by bus or 10 minutes by taxi.

Students will enjoy a Christian environmet in a warm, friendly and professional atmosphere.

Neighborhood

The Spanish Langage Institute is located in San Francisco de Dos Ríos, a middle class residential area on the southeast edge of the capital city of San José. It is situated on an attractive, sloping property with privates homes spaced among pleasant lawns and gardens on the nearly tow acre campus.

Churches, restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, and a post office are within distance and downtown San José is easily reached in 20 minutes by bus or 10 minutes by taxi. Costa Ricans are friendly people always willing to help you to improve your Spanish. 

Volunteer Services

Students are welcome to participated in volunteer work with different orphanages and Christian organizations that are always open for different ministry opportunities. 

Clothing

Cultural Standards:  There is a dress code at the Institute.  Dress is casual, but shorts are not acceptable in school.  Dress in Costa Rica is generally more formal and jean and pants are the norm for men, while pants, dresses, and Capri’s are the norm for women.  Costa Ricans do not wear shorts unless exercising or at the beach. 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.   

Although this is a tropical environment, it does get cool here.  Spring/summer clothes can be worn year round; however, the mornings and evenings are cool so layers of clothing are advisable, including a long sleeve shirt, a light jacket, and/or a sweatshirt.   At the beach and tourist areas, dress is more casual.  If you travel to the mountains, you will appreciate a heavier coat.  Temperatures in the mountains can reach the freezing point. 

Clothing is usually of lower quality and priced higher than in most home countries.  Large sizes are hard to find, and imported clothes can be quite expensive.  Good quality, comfortable shoes are essential when walking everyday to school. Be sure to bring shoes with good treads so that they won’t slide on the slippery sidewalks during rainy season. Crocs, Keens are good. There are several malls and large department stores that have reasonably priced shoes here. However, large, narrow or wide sizes are difficult to find, and name brand shoes for children are very expensive.    

Rainwear 

Each adult will need a good umbrella which can be purchased in Costa Rica for $5 - $15. 

A lightweight poncho is advisable for rainy season, especially if you plan to push a stroller to and from school.  A rain cover for strollers is useful.  Shoes that can be worn in the rain are advantageous or you can waterproof your shoes prior to coming. 

Electronics

The electricity is 110-120 VAC.  It is advisable to bring a computer and buy other small appliances here.  However, if you have a favorite small appliance and can fit it in your suitcase; you might want to bring it with you.  The cost of small appliances is slightly higher than in the US and there are some name brands. 

You might want to bring rechargeable batteries or smoke detectors. Lithium batteries are difficult to find.

Baby Needs 

• A sturdy, portable stroller with large wheels is advisable (i.e. jogging stroller or JEEP brand or similar).  Umbrella strollers will not survive the rough sidewalks.  Strollers are expensive here. Your Big Brother may be able to purchase one for you from a graduating student.      

• You may want to bring a portable crib as luggage, but you can buy them here at a little higher cost. 

• Disposable diapers cost relatively the same as in the States. 
• Sleepwear for both warm and cold nights is necessary.  (December through February, 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. 

Medicine and Toiletries

If you need particular medicines frequently, bring them with you (including Epi Pens).  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 generic names, as well as the brand names; however, we recommend you see the school doctor for special prescriptions of controlled substances.  If you use special toiletry items (over-the-counter drugs, cosmetics, sunscreen, or hair-care products), you might consider bringing a supply; however, remember that space is limited and most items can be purchased here.  They may be more expensive (contact solution is expensive), but we recommend saving your space for other important items.   

Linens

• Usually the homes are furnished with bedding, but it might be old and worn.
• Ask your Big Brother to find out what size of sheets you will need.
• Blankets, pillowcases, towels and washcloths make great packing material.
• A comforter is not an absolute necessity, but it does occasionally get cold, and the homes do not have heat. 
• Bedspreads, mattress pads, and your favorite pillow will help you feel at home, so bring them if you want.