1 - How long is the flight to this country?
1A – Direct flight from Newark to San Jose takes approximately 5.5 hours.
Direct flight from Houston to San Jose takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
2 - Will there be a flight leader to this country?
2A – Yes. All flights between Costa Rica and the USA will have a flight leader starting in both Newark and Houston. Return flights to the USA will also have a flight leader as far as Newark and Houston. Flights between Costa Rica and Peru will not be escorted.
3 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
3A – Students from the United States and Canada will be automatically issued a 90 day tourist visa upon entry into Costa Rica. Students from other countries should check with their consulate.
4 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
4A – See CDC or WHO websites.
5 – What Costa Rican province(s) does this program pass through?
5A- During the Bribri Caribbean Service Project students will briefly pass through provinces of Heredia and Alajuela during their travel to the Bribri village. The majority of their time will be spent in the province of Limon, where the village is located.
6 - How does this program connect to other programs?
6A – On Tuesday afternoon students will depart from the Bribri Village for San Jose. They will have a final dinner with their group en route then sleep in a hostel rented out for Rustic Pathways students in San Jose. Wednesday morning students will meet with their new group and go off on their new program.
7 – How long is the drive from San Jose to this program?
7A—The drive from San Jose to the Bribri village is approximately 6 to 6 ½ hours depending on weather and other driving conditions.
8 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Spanish?
8A—The Bribri Caribbean Program does not include formal Spanish language instruction; however students will have multiple opportunities to practice Spanish with people from the village. Children at the local schools are especially eager to help Rustic Pathways students with their conversational Spanish. Students may also have the opportunity to learn vocabulary from the Bribri indigenous language.
9 - What costs are not included on this trip?
9A—The majority of costs associated with the program are included on this trip. Students should have extra allowance money if they wish to buy souvenirs of their stay in the Bribri village as they will have opportunities to buy artwork and handicrafts from local artisans. During their day-trip to the Caribbean beach town of Cahuita, students may also choose to rent snorkeling equipment, a surf board or a bicycle to ride along the beach. These optional activities will not be included with the trip costs. Students should also bring extra money if they wish to purchase additional snacks or soda from the grocery store.
10 - What kind of food will we be eating? Where?
10A—Students will be eating traditional Costa Rican food prepared by local women’s groups that provide catering services. Breakfast may include gallo pinto (a mix of rice and beans) with eggs and bread. Lunch and dinner will be the traditional “casados” which consists of rice, beans, salad and a meat/seafood dish. Students will also experience specialty dishes from the Caribbean which are known for their distinctive coconut and curry flavors.
11 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
11A—Water in Costa Rica is generally potable, so students should feel comfortable drinking tap water unless otherwise advised. Bottled water is available for purchase at local supermarkets and grocery stores.
12 - What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
12A—During their time at the Bribri village, students will stay at a lodge that is located within walking distance of the town center. Between four to six students will sleep on bunk beds in each of the large rooms. The bathroom facilities are located in a separate building directly next to the students’ rooms. They have running water and American style toilets and showers; however hot water is unreliable.
13 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
13A – There are typically more girls than boys however the exact numbers vary from week to week.
14 - How often (if at all) will students be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
14A—Students should pack enough clothes and personal items to last through the end of the Bribri Caribbean program. Laundry is not easily available in the Bribri village. If students are connecting to another Rustic Pathways program, they will have the opportunity to do laundry in San Jose the day before transferring to their new program.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE 
An Evolving Culture
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