Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I bring my laptop for e-mail?   (back to top)

This is your choice. If you don't need your computer, we recommend you travel without it - one less thing to worry about. There are Internet Cafés in Santa Ana offering good service to our students. The rates are very reasonable. There are a couple of computers on campus for students to use as well. However, if you decide to bring your laptop, there is wireless internet throughout most of the campus - open to all students.

2. How much spending money should I bring?  (back to top)

We have found that students spend between $50 and $150 per weekend while touring in Costa Rica. One-day excursions generally cost about $50. For overnight trips you will need between $100 and $150, including transportation, hotel and meals.

3. Do I need to get any shots before leaving home?  (back to top)

We do not recommend any shots or prior medication, such as Malaria pills. You may want to consult with your primary care physician prior to your trip. Most of our student do not get shots or medication prior to traveling to Costa Rica.

4. Is the water safe to drink?  (back to top)

Tap water is safe in the greater metropolitan area. However, students should not drink the water or ice in rural areas. Fried and/or prepared foods, sold by street vendors, should be avoided.

5. Can I sign up for Latin Dance classes while I'm there?  (back to top)

No need! Conversa offers free dance classes on Tuesdays - after class... If you'd like more than this, we'd be happy to help set it up for you.

6. I'm a vegetarian, is that a problem?  (back to top)

No, our host families are accustomed to having vegetarians. In Santa Ana, our kitchen staff will provide you with a vegetarian option on days when meat dishes are served. Rice and beans are served every day and in general a wide variety of fruit and vegetables is available.

7. What kind of gifts might be appropriate for my host family?  (back to top)

As a rule, small gifts are more easily packed. Conversa suggests bringing key chains, coffee mugs, T-shirts or candy.  Another thing might be to take your host family out to dinner to their favorite restaurant one night. Or even cook dinner Gringo style!

8. Do I need a valid passport?  (back to top)

Yes.  As of January 1st 2003, all tourists entering the country need to have a valid passport.  Prior to this date, a tourist card was enough.  However, recent tightening of security procedures requires a valid passport for all entering the country.

9. Which ATM debit, credit and phone cards work in Costa Rica?  (back to top)

Most ATM debit cards do work here. VISA, AMEX and MASTERCARD are widely accepted throughout the country. No other credit cards are widely accepted. CONVERSA takes VISA, America Express, Master Card and Diners Club.

Only A.T.&T., M.C.I., SPRINT and BELL have local 800 numbers that work in Costa Rica. You can also buy local phone cards that work for international calls.

10. Do I need to get a visa to stay over 30 days in the country?  (back to top)

NO. American, Canadian and most European citizens are good for 90 days. It is possible to extend an additional 30 days as well. For longer stays students should request a student visa at a Costa Rican consulate or depart the country for 72 hours after every 90 days. Airport exit tax for tourists is around $26 U.S.

11. Should I change money before I arrive?  (back to top)

No, there is no need to change money until you are in our program. We will explain to you during orientation where and how to change traveler's checks and cash.

12. Are there opportunities for volunteer work?  (back to top)

Yes, there are several organizations offering these services. One well-known organization is Habitat for Humanity who are in Santa Ana, there are also Retirement Homes and Rehabilitation Centers in the area. Click here to go to our volunteers section.

13. How much will I spend on food?  (back to top)

Don't forget your lunches are included if studying on the Santa Ana Campus.  Having a meal at a local "soda" (Tico lingo for Café) will cost you under $3 (rice, beans, salad and some kind of meat, probably chicken or beef) if you take the daily special. If you have culture shock and have a Big Mac attack, etc. then junk food combos run for about $4 to $5. Eating out at a nice restaurant might cost between $10 and $20 depending more on drinks and dessert, etc.  ALL Tico establishments include tax (13%) and tip (10%) in the bill.

14. What happens if I get sick?  (back to top)

Conversa has an English-speaking doctor who sees our students for general concerns. In more serious cases, Conversa takes students to one of the more prestigious hospitals for medical care (English spoken). Medical care is excellent and comparable to the United States, Canada and Europe. We recommend that all students make sure they have international medical coverage. F.Y.I. Costa Rican medical bills are considerably less expensive than in the United States.

15. How old do I have to be to participate?  (back to top)

Conversa teaches Spanish to students of all ages. Our child-care option helps very small children pick up some of the language while their parents are in class. Our Children's Program works with kids between the ages of 6 and 10. We find that kids 11 and up do just fine in our Intensive programs. Students who are younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult - whether the adult participates or not.

16. Will my cell phone work in Costa Rica?  (back to top)

Costa Rica's cell phone service provider (there is only one - ICE) works with Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Cingular, Sprint/Nextel, SunCom Wireless, and T-Mobile. However, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you confirm this with your existing provider as this list is changing constantly.