About Our Student Exchange Program & Frequently Asked Questions
Our Costa Rica foreign student exchange program opens up a whole new world of wonder for every participant. From immersion into a foreign culture to new friendships to seeing the amazing sights of each other’s countries, it is an unforgettable life experience that will be remembered for years to come.
Each matched student pair will live with their host family, meet many new friends and explore new and fascinating places. Not to mention practicing the language that they have studied but likely have not had a chance to practice with a native speaker.
With over 15 years of experience, CREE is experienced and fully equipped to provide an unforgettable safe and rewarding experience.
Safety, Security and Health
What Does a Student Do Here?
Each matched student pair will live with their host family, meet many new friends and explore new and fascinating places. Not to mention practicing the language that they have studied but likely have not had a chance to practice with a native speaker.
With over 15 years of experience, CREE is experienced and fully equipped to provide an unforgettable safe and rewarding experience.
Safety, Security and Health
- These three items are the utmost priority for CREE, chaperones, the families and the students. Although no one can insure complete safety every moment, nothing occurs without insuring that students and chaperons are as safe as possible in every activity that they are involved in.
- Our area of Costa Rica is extremely safe, with petty theft being the biggest concern. We thoroughly brief every student, teacher and chaperone on how to be as secure as possible. The areas that we visit and the location of host families are carefully chosen so as to mitigate petty crime.
- Health - CREE expects that we will be informed of any health issues that we should know about during the application process so that we can be prepared for any foreseen emergency. The health care in our area is excellent and foreign visitors are treated for emergencies in local hospitals free of charge. That being said, it is mandatory that each student and chaperon have their own travel insurance.
What Does a Student Do Here?
- Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría airport each student traveler will be met by their host family (and often extended family!) and taken to their “home away from home” in the San Ramón de Alajuela area.
- The student’s group, and perhaps other groups who are traveling on the same schedule, will attend a welcoming party the second day.
- Students will visit such places as La Isla Tortuga, Poas and Arenal volcanos, hot springs, beaches, Monteverde Cloud Forest, a coffee plantation, La Paz Waterfals and, of course, the host school(s). Ample time is also given for host family “family days”. Students may also attend classes in the host student’s school. There is also a last day gathering before returning home.
Who Should Consider a Costa Rica Exchange Education Student Tour?
About Our Host Schools and Families...
- High school students between the ages of 13 and 17 and college age students with a basic understanding of the host family’s language.
- Students who will make a good ambassador from their family, school, community and country.
- Students wo have the support of their parents/guardians, teachers and school administration.
About Our Host Schools and Families...
- Costa Rica Exchange Education has developed and maintains close working relationships with both our public and private host schools and families in Costa Rica.
- Each host family has been carefully chosen and vetted by their student’s high school and us. In addition, our special relationship with the Ministry of Education has allowed us to know and trust all of the host families.
- During the student-family matching process you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with your prospective host family (usually by Skype) before a final decision is made.
- If the student has any special needs (medicine, allergies, etc.), please tell us during the matching process so that we can determine if we can work together to determine the suitability of the program.
What Is Needed For Travel To Costa Rica?
What to pack:
How do I apply for the program?
Can you accommodate special needs?
When should I apply for the program?
When are the tours?
Since we do not have "set dates", tours are normally as follows (chosen so both countries are on student vacation):
Do I get any school credit for my tour?
How much does this two week program cost?
Cost for the entire program is approximately $950 USD for our standard exchange. Complete cost details will be provided during our initial video conference. Included in this cost are:
Our coordinators provide 24 hour support, and are available by phone, Skype and email. We are experienced in dealing with the Costa Rican system and the student exchange experience.
Sample Tour Schedule
(Tour schedules can be modified to accommodate visiting and host family requirements.)
- All travelers will need a current passport, valid for at least 6 months. Travelers with Costa Rican, U. S. or Canadian passports do not require visas.
What to pack:
- only normal summer clothing is required. We can supply a list of recommended clothing and sundries.
How do I apply for the program?
- After initial contact and discussions we will provide detailed instructions.
Can you accommodate special needs?
- Yes. If you have allergies, special dietary requirements, specific medical needs or any other concerns just tell us at the beginning of the matching process.
When should I apply for the program?
- The sooner the better to insure adequate time for host family – student matching. We do not have "set dates"!
When are the tours?
Since we do not have "set dates", tours are normally as follows (chosen so both countries are on student vacation):
- In Costa Rica – 1st 2 weeks in July, Normally in July but can be adjusted to accommodate student’s preference.
- In Canada & the United States – Christmas Holiday Season, Normally in January but can be adjusted to fit student’s preference
Do I get any school credit for my tour?
- You do not receive credit, but you will receive a certificate of participation.
How much does this two week program cost?
Cost for the entire program is approximately $950 USD for our standard exchange. Complete cost details will be provided during our initial video conference. Included in this cost are:
- Host family placement services.
- All tour costs, including private van (we do not use public transportation for tours), admission fees; food (the host family will provide 3 meals per day and Student Exchange Tours will provide food on tour days) and day trips by the host family.
- Airfare & Costa Rica airport exit fee of approximately $30.00 USD and is usually included in the airfare.
- Passports
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Spending money for such things as souvenirs while in the host country.
Our coordinators provide 24 hour support, and are available by phone, Skype and email. We are experienced in dealing with the Costa Rican system and the student exchange experience.
Sample Tour Schedule
(Tour schedules can be modified to accommodate visiting and host family requirements.)
How do I pay for my program?
Does the traveling student’s family need to host an exchange student?
How will I communicate with my parents/child?
What happens in the case of a medical emergency?*
- A group leader (Travel Manager, teacher, parent, etc.) will be established for each tour group. That person will collect money from each traveling student, teacher or parent. A separate bank account will be created here in Costa Rica for each tour group. When all host family-student matching is complete, the group leader will transfer the required fees into their designated Costa Rican bank account.
Does the traveling student’s family need to host an exchange student?
- No. However the schools participating in an exchange program must provide mutually acceptable host families.
How will I communicate with my parents/child?
- In most cases, access to internet is available at the host family’s home or nearby internet cafés or at the school. It is best to set up a personal email account prior to leaving. There are also cell phone rentals available if that is a better mode of communication. If this is not an option your in-country coordinator will find you an acceptable means of communication.
What happens in the case of a medical emergency?*
- Your host family or coordinator/chaperon will get you to a hospital and your insurance covers the cost. In most cases emergency medical treatment at the local hospital is performed at no cost! Your family will be notified and proper care will be taken to ensure you are being treated in the same manner as you would in your home country. (San Ramón has an excellent hospital and doctors near the center of town).
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