Is airfare included in the price?
No - You are responsible for your own airfare. We recommend www.travelocity.com or www.studentuniverse.com.

Is lodging included?
Yes - Lodging with a Costa Rican family. Independent living option also available (ask about terms and price reduction).

Are meals included?
Yes - Breakfast and Dinner. Lunch is available at the University Cafeteria for about $3.00 (the food is EXCELLENT) or at nearby restaurants. During school breaks, 2 meals will still be provided.

Is my room fully furnished?
Yes - Sheets, pillows, towels & blankets & laundry is done once a week. There is NO TELEPHONE ACCESS at the family's house. Using the phone in Costa Rica is very expensive, as are installation of phone lines. Plan on bringing an international calling card or using public phones.

Am I centrally located?
Yes - 90% of our families live within walking distance to the University. 10% may need to take a short bus ride. The University is centrally located, just a 10-minute walk from Downtown San Jose. Public transportation is also very close.

Are excursions organized?
Yes - Day and weekend trips to beaches, mountains, volcanoes and rain forests. Any costs are additional.

Can I access my Email account?
Yes - At the well-equipped, modern University Computer Lab

Is there a gym close by?
Yes - A gym, with weight lifting and aerobics, is located 2 blocks from the University.

How much spending money should I bring?
Anticipate spending approximately $200 per month on various expenses, such as extra food, traveling, etc. This is a general average. Some students spend much more, others do it for less.

Are all of the students at the University American?
No - The majority of students are Costa Ricans. In the International program, which constitutes about 35% of enrollees, the majority are American. Teachers, as well as students, may be from all over the world.

Are only Americans admitted to this program?
No - Our only requirement is that you speak English, to be able to communicate with both Adelante Headquarters and our in-country staff who are required to speak both their native language and English. We have placed candidates from all over the world, including Britain, Japan, Australia,  India, Canada and more. Please check any visa requirements for your nationality. 

What days am I expected to be in school?
You will be carrying a full load of units. This means you will be expected to attend class Monday through Friday.

Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
Prior to arrival, you will be given a Final Itinerary document that will include the English speaking Adelante representative's day and evening phone numbers. Upon arrival, you will be given local emergency contact numbers and information as well.

Will I receive transcripts at the end of my Adelante Semester or Summer Study Abroad Program?
Yes – Transcripts from our internationally accredited participating university abroad are included in the program price.  Upon successful completion of your Adelante Semester or Summer Study Abroad program, official, fully transferable and sealed transcripts will be issued, in your name, to the Adelante HQ offices in California.  We will then contact you and request where you would like these to be mailed.

Can I receive academic credit for participating in this study program?
Yes – Using the included, fully transferable Transcripts (see question above),  candidates can choose to receive credit for participating in an Adelante Semester or Study Abroad program. It is advisable to make sure that the international coursework offered by and applied for with Adelante will be accepted by your home University, if you wish the credit to be applied to your current studies.  Adelante can provide course lists and course descriptions and syllabi, as needed to assist with this process.

Do I have to be enrolled in college to attend this program?
Absolutely NOT. This program is open to all educational backgrounds and all ages.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to participate in this program?
No.

Do I need a visa?
No for Program A. Your stay will be less than three months and therefore does not require a visa, only a valid passport.
Program B is longer at 4 months and therefore requires a $5 exit fee, in country. Assistance will be provided.

Can I contact a past or existing Adelante candidate as a reference?
Yes - Please take a look at our Online Community site to see entries from our candidates past and present. This site is a live resource Adelante created based on requests from our candidates.  It is a useful tool for anyone looking to participate in our program or any other trip abroad.

My friend and I would like to do the program together. Can we live in the same housing?
Yes - Usually we can accommodate a request for candidates to live together. It will be dependent on availability, so the sooner your completed application packets are received, the better chance you have of being able to live together.

Do I have to have insurance?
Yes - It is strongly recommended that you have insurance. More and more participating companies and institutions abroad are asking for proof of medical and accident insurance and our various Directors in-country also may ask you for proof of insurance (usually a copy of your insurance card showing dates and coverage is valid). You can use coverage you already have or coverage that someone else carries for you, or you can purchase coverage just for our program. You can also buy insurance online once you arrive in Spain. In the past, we have referred people to Arizona-based ASA, Inc. - they can customize a plan for you based on details you provide. (see our 'Links' page for more information). Tell them that Adelante sent you for a small discount 888-272-8288. Another carrier is Insurance Services of America also based in Arizona. They can be reached at 800-647-4589.