Once you are accepted to participate in the Study Abroad Program, you will need to prepare for your trip! Please see the helpful information below!

Study Abroad Handbook

Before you go:

• Obtain a Passport
• (Leave a copy of passport at home. Write down your passport number and take it along with 2 passport pictures; see Important Document Checklist.)
• Review insurance and purchase additional coverage, if necessary.
• Order travel supplies: adapter plug kit, money belt, etc.
• Review money matters and obtain necessary currency and cards.
• Let banks know you are abroad. 
• Order phone card (AT&T can be used everywhere overseas).
• Complete Emergency Information Forms.
• Make household arrangements; see list below (long-term programs).
• Arrange airport pick-up for day of return.
• Pack; see luggage restrictions and "What to Take."
• Call airlines for special meals 48 hours before departure.
• Make sure that your name and address are marked on your suitcase, flight bag, and camera case.

Vaccinations not required for travel in Costa Rica; check with the Center for Disease and Control (CDC) for guidelines.

Day of Flight:

• Make sure that you have your passport and copies of all important documents (see Important Document Checklist).
• Make sure you have your eyeglasses and/or contacts.
• Leave early for airport (2 hours now required for international flights).
• Wear comfortable loose clothes.
• Rest as much as possible.
• Eat lightly.
• Drink lots of water and eat fresh fruit.
• Avoid drinking alcohol on flight.
• Sleep on the plane.

Long Term Programs:

• Stop newspaper subscription.
• Arrange for pet and plant care.
• Arrange for lawn and garden care.
• Shut off gas and electricity.
• Empty refrigerator.
• Leave a copy of house, car and other keys with relative or friend.

Important Document Checklist:

In case of an emergency, it is vital that you can easily access the following information. The steps described below will help alleviate the frustrations of losing documents while overseas.

Take a copy of the documents listed below and keep them in a secure place. Leave another copy at home with someone reliable:

• Copies of the first two pages of your passport.
• Copies of any visas required for this trip.
• Copies of the prescriptions of any medication you are currently taking. Do the same for your contacts or eyeglass prescription.
• Copy of your birth certificate.
• Emergency contact information including telephone numbers.
• Receipts listing the numbers of your traveler's checks (required for replacement).
• Host family/site contact information (obtain from program co-directors).

 Also take with you:

• Record of baggage contents in case of loss.
• Two passport size photographs and write down your passport number.
• Prescriptions and eyeglasses/contacts.