Student Orientation Handbook: Short Courses

Pre-departure Checklist 5

I. ABOUT THE MONTEVERDE INSTITUTE 6

What is the Monteverde Institute? 6

MVI Student Code of Conduct 7

Misconduct 8

Making the most of the Institute facilities 9

Classrooms 9

Auditorium 9

Audiovisual and other equipment 9

Receiving and sending mail 9

Kitchen, bathroom and other facilities 10

Campbell Library 10

Computers, internet and telecommunications 10

Bulletin boards 11

MVI land and trails 11

Other opportunities at the Institute 11

Monteverde Institute community initiatives 12

II. ABOUT THE MONTEVERDE ZONE 12

General Background 12

Life in Monteverde: What to Expect 13

Clinics, Banks, Shopping and Other Facilities 14

Activities in Monteverde 15

Getting around Monteverde 16

III. MAKING YOUR EXPERIENCE THE BEST IT CAN BE 16

Keep an open mind 16

Be culturally sensitive and respectful 17

Expect the unexpected 18

Norms and Practices in Costa Rica 18

Language 18

Greetings 19

Food 19

Clothing 19

Personal electronic devices 20

For women 20

Personal Hygiene and Bathroom Etiquette 20

Gift-giving 21

Culture Shock 21

IV. HOW TO STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE 22

Personal safety and crime 22

Alcohol 23

Smoking 23

Illicit Drugs 23

Personal hygiene and appearance 24

The intense, tropical sun 24

Food and beverages 24

Road safety and motorized vehicles 24

Snakes and scorpions and spiders (Oh my!) 24

Medical needs, health insurance coverage, medications and pre-existing conditions 25

Common illnesses and what to do if you get sick 26

Water and sanitation 26

V. General information on Costa Rica 27

Country background 27

Visa and passport requirements 28

U.S. and other embassies in Costa Rica 28

Telecommunications and cell phones 28

Money and banking 29

Time zone 29

Voltage and outlet types 29

Weights and measurements 29

Metric Conversion Chart 30

Holidays 31

Shopping 31

Map of Monteverde Zone 32

Suggested packing list 33

33

We recommend only bringing what you are comfortable carrying on your own. An internal framed backpack or duffle, and a small carry on or day pack, should be fine. Do not over pack as you will want room for items you purchase while in Costa Rica. 33

Although Monteverde is said to have a wet and dry season, it can be rainy, misty and cool any time of the year. If your course includes traveling to other parts of the country, you will also experience hot, humid weather. We suggest you bring lightweight, easy-drying clothing that can be layered for a wide range of weather conditions. Below is a suggested packing list for a two or more week trip. 34

Clothes 34

Long and short sleeved shirts 34

2-3 pairs pants (light cotton, nylon or quick-dry – denim can be uncomfortable at high humidity) 34

1 or 2 pairs of shorts or knee-length skirts 34

Socks, including some heavier ones for hiking 34

Underwear (a week’s worth) 34

1 or 2 sweatshirts or a light jacket – it can be cool and damp. A fleece jacket combined with a wind-breaker is fine 34

Sneakers, running shoes or comfortable walking shoes 34

Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes with ankle support (rubber boots, necessary at times of heavy rain, can be purchased in Costa Rica for about $12.00). Break them in before you come! 34

Bathing suit, beach towel and water shoes (such as Tevas or Reefs) 34

Flip flops for using indoors 34

Rain gear: sturdy poncho or raincoat (optional: compact umbrella) 34

Baseball cap or sun hat 34

A set of nice but casual clothes to wear in the evenings, to community events and in San José 34

Other* 34

Any prescription or other medications you may need, along with a copy of the prescription 34

Personal toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, tampons, etc.) 34

Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses (and a copy of the prescription), contact lens solution 34

Insect repellent 34

Towel/sarong 34

Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher 34

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer 34

Flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries 34

Water bottle 34

Travel clock or watch with alarm 34

Day pack with rain-cover large enough for lunch, water bottle, rain gear, extra layer of clothing, camera, notebooks. 34

Basic first aid kit (band aids, antiseptic ointment, Benadryl cream, moleskin, etc) 35

Copy of passport (in plastic bag) 35

Plastic bags (at least 2 garbage sized bags to line your pack or carry wet clothes; several gallon sized zip lock bags for electronics or other items that should not get wet). 35

$29 for airport exit tax 35

Optional (but recommended) items 35

Optional (but recommended) items 35

Camera 35

Binoculars 35

Earplugs (for noisy hotels) 35

Padlock 35

Money belt or neck wallet 35

Swiss army knife (only in checked baggage, not in your carry-on) 35

Birds of Costa Rica field guide 35

Tissue packets 35

Additional packing suggestions: 35

Put your name on everything: clothing, notebooks, backpack, etc. 35

Do not bring expensive jewelry that you are afraid to lose. 35

Insure your personal belongings, especially a laptop if you bring one. 35

Bring clothing that is versatile and interchangeable: a pair of lightweight khakis can be used for hiking or dressed up if you are going out. 35

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