Whenever someone studies abroad, everyone (even adults) will experience some cultural adjustment. This cultural adjustment can be a little more difficult for younger participants as they are less experienced travelers and their expectations may be a bit more unrealistic (i.e. standard of living and lifestyle differences). Usually, cultural shock/homesickness occurs within the first week and disappears as your child gets used to the differences. If homesickness occurs, we ask parents to encourage the child to stay for at least a week. If you decide to pull your child from the program, we will work with you to make the process as quick and simple as possible but no refunds are available.

We ask for a $300 deposit for the camp that will secure your position for 4 weeks. Once the deposit is received, we ask for a motivation letter, a reference letter, and a signed waiver. Once those are received, your child’s position is fully secure in the camp. If documents aren’t received within 4 weeks, you will receive a full refund of your deposit and will loose your spot in the camp.

Make sure your child has a copy of their flight itinerary, a copy of their program confirmation with emergency contact numbers highlighted, and an up-to-date passport. Also, be sure that this information goes with your child in their carry-on luggage… NOT in checked luggage!

Students are encouraged to bring their cell phones as they will have wifi internet access at their homestay and at Tico Lingo. Free internet apps like Facebook messenger and Whatsapp will allow students and parents to stay in touch during the program. For Parents who want to make phone calls over a cellular network, we recommend you contact your cellular provider to consider an international cell phone plan.

Usually, no additional arrangements should be necessary. However, if your child needs to change flights, some airlines may not allow an unaccompanied minor to board an airplane. You can arrange for “Unaccompanied Minor Assistance” with most airlines, they will require full details of the person who will pick your child up at the airport (we will provide this upon a successful camp registration).

After picking up luggage and going through customs, your child will be met by a representative of the camp or school just outside the airport (SJO). This person will be holding a sign with your child’s name on it. In the unusual event that there is a problem with the airport pick-up, be sure that your child has a copy of their Confirmation with the Emergency Contact Numbers highlighted so that they will know whom to call. Also be sure they know how to dial the numbers, knowing which is the country code, which is the city code and how to use them. We’ll be happy to explain this… just ask!

We recommend a combination of debit/credit card and cash. Your child should have at least $100-$200 US cash just in case of an emergency. Throughout Heredia, there are ATM machines where your child can withdraw cash with a debit/credit card. Tip: Visa offers prepaid Visa cards for teenagers.

Your child will have to go and report it to the airline upon arrival, but be sure they know thay must meet their airport pick-up person first. It’s best to pack two our three days changes of clothing in carry-on luggage…just in case!

Holders of a U.S., Canadian, or EU Passport will be granted entry without additional Visa. Beyond a valid passport, students will need to provide their destination location. Customs will ask, “Where to do you plan to travel?, and students should be prepared to say “Barrio Fatima de Heredia”.