What to bring...

What you need to bring depends on where you will be studying or traveling and on your specific interests.  The following are some general suggestions that we have compiled from eight years of  students' feedback.  WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR CLASSES YOU WILL RECEIVE A MORE EXTENSIVE LIST.

Heredia has a comfortable climate of 80 F year round; night time temperatures are around 70 F.  During the rainy season (May- December) the mornings are typically sunny and the afternoons rainy.  Bring a light jacket or sweater for the evening, comfortable walking shoes, cotton pants, shorts, collared shirts or tee-shirts.  Casual wear is typical and men will not need a tie.  You may want to bring one nice outfit for a night out, as in some discos you cannot enter with sneakers and tee-shirts.  Don't forget an umbrella if you come in the rainy season.
 

The road in front of the CPI Heredia

The road that runs through Monteverde

 Monteverdehas an average temperature of 65 to 70 F.  The climate is typically cool and at times wet.  The exception is from February to the end of April when it is warm and very dry.  For Monteverde you will need rain gear (boots, rain coat or poncho) and a flash light.   The climate varies daily, so dressing in layers is best.  Bring tee-shirts that can be worn under long sleeved button downs, cotton pants, one or two pairs of shorts, plus a jacket and warm socks.  In addition, bring any items you will need to pursue your personal interests (camera, camping gear, hiking boots, mountain bike).

Flamingohas an average daily temperature of 85 - 90 F.  The daytime and evening climate is typically warm and humid.  Flamingo does experience a rainy season from June to October with rainy afternoons.  It is important to dress for warm weather - shorts and short sleeved shirts are commonly used at this beach environment.  Don't forget your swim suit!

ALL CAMPUSES

Other useful items include: small flashlight, pocket alarm clock, walking shoes, bathing suit, binoculars, camera (and film), insect repellent, sunscreen, sun glasses, towel and pocket knife.  While most toiletries can be purchased in the pharmacies here in Costa Rica, imported items are heavily taxed and will therefore be much more expensive.   Any prescription drugs you may need should be brought with you.

For classes you should bring a notebook and a Spanish/English dictionary.  C.P.I. will give you both a homework book, a vocabulary book, and various handouts on different grammar points.  You might want to bring along your favorite grammar book (501 Spanish Verbs is a popular reference book.)

Travelers checks in the form of US dollars are widely accepted and safe to travel with.

Visa credit cards are accepted in many places but Master Card, Discover, and American Express are rarely accepted.  Large banks will give cash advances on Visa cards.  There are cash machines in Heredia and around big cities but they are not very reliable and are nonexistent in places like Monteverde.

CPI provides bank service once a week to change dollars and travelers checks into colones.  We would, however, recommend that you purchase colones at the U.S. airport you depart from or bring cash so you can change dollars into colones at the San José airport with a money changer.
 

 





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