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1. How Does it Work?
Apply online. We use an online application to save paper. We're environmentally friendly like that, you'll get used to it. After you apply you will have the opportunity to sign up for an interview spot. Everyone is guaranteed an interview. Since there are so many applicants, however, the interviews are done in groups.
2. How Do You Decide Who Goes?
The only real criteria for the trip is that we don't take people who want a Costa Rican vacation. It may be spring break, but the only passing out will be from exhaustion. After this, our only goal is to build a diverse group. We get all kinds of applicants and we like to mix everything up.
3. How Will I Know if I'm Chosen?
We like to do things by e-mail. We try to respond with an invitation to join one of our trips within few days.
4. Is There Anything Special I Have to do if I'm Chosen?
Yes! There will be several meetings, pre-trip events and volunteer opportunities which you're required to attend. At these meetings we'll spend time lecturing about a topic of relevance to our projects and after we will field questions about preparations. In addition, all participants are required to participate in one community service event from our calendar.
1. What supplies will I need?
We'll provide an extensive packing list as the trips approach. The key thing to remember is that you don't need as much as you think you do!
2. What if I don't speak Spanish?
Costa Rica is a Spanish speaking country. The Costa Rica trip does not require any level of Spanish. While the representatives of the NGOs speak English, nearly all of our guides speak only Spanish. This is mostly due to the fact that we use experienced local guides provided by the NGOs with which we work. It provides needed employment as well as enriches the cultural component of the trip. Generally enough participants speak fluent Spanish to interpret for the rest of the group. Regardless, you're going to pick up a lot of the language during the trip.
3. What about insurance?
All participants are required to have health insurance. Before the trip you will automatically receive a charge on your fee bill for $23 from the USC Health Center. However, if you currently have USC insurance, this fee is waived by the university.
4. What is health care like in Costa Rica?
Health care in Costa Rica is excellent; the United Nations ranks Costa Rica among the top 20 best countries in the world for health care. In the event of an emergency, there is an excellent hospital in the nearby town of Quepos.
5. Do I need vaccinations?
While malaria is not as big a health threat in Costa Rica as in other Central American countries, some visitors still find it a concern. Talk to your doctor about which vaccinations he or she recommends in preparation for your trip, as well as other health risks you may encounter. Typically, nothing more than required USC vaccinations are necessary (Hepatitis A&B specifically). No participant has ever come down with a disease and few get special vaccinations, but we cannot offer advice on what you should do as an individual.
1. What are the accommodations like?
It depends on the trip. Accommodations range from bunk beds with possibly no running water to rustic lodges with running water.
2. What food will I be eating?
Once again, it depends on which trip you choose. If you are staying in a hostel, hotel, or community lodge, your meals will be prepared for you. Either way, we hope you like rice and beans.
3. How will we get to to the project site?
There will be a charter bus or hired vans waiting at the airport. The project sites are in rural parts of the country, so it will take about 3 hours to get to your site. The country-side is beautiful, so the time goes quickly.
1. How stable is the government?
The Costa Rican government is stable. It is a democracy that is quite similar to that of the United States, including an elected president.
2. Is the water safe?
Absolutely. The water in Costa Rica is filtered and treated, just as it is in the United States. However, some people feel ill when introduced to a new environment with new food. This condition is referred to as "traveler's sickness" and is only temporary.
3. How do local people feel about citizens of the United States?
In most instances, Costa Ricans are very welcoming of visitors from around the world. Volunteers often find themselves especially welcome, because we show a deeper interest in the land and the community than the average tourist.
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