interamerican center for global health - Costa Rica

INTERAMERICAN CENTERFOR GLOBAL HEALTH

TRANSFORMING GLOBAL HEALTH

Welcome to Costa Rica!Welcome to

¡BIENVENIDOS!

For the Inter-American Center for Global Health, Global Health, as a field of study and work, is a trans-discipline that emphasizes the international dimension of current health issues, highlighting a holistic contextualized understanding of the social, political, economic, legal, cultural, and environmental realities.

To fully engage with global health, a firsthand, interactive, immersive, and enriching academic experience is required through the obtainment of theoretical knowledge, practical experiences, and skill acquisition exercises. At the Inter-American Center for Global Health (CISG), and with the help of our institutional partners, we develop academic programs in global health and related areas with a focus on current issues and challenges of vulnerable populations.

Our unique educational model expands on the informative, formative, and transformative methods by utilizing community and rural scenarios to provide a multi-layered and comprehensive understanding of global health and related theoretical concepts.

Our Global Health programs allow participants to develop in a trans-disciplinary environment including public health, anthropology, pedagogy, economics, development, sociology, epidemiology, and public policy, among others. The academic programs also provide a platform for networking including the opportunity to interact with national and international stakeholders.

CISG takes an asset-based approach to learning. You are here to live and experience first-hand global health with its different nuances, challenges, and opportunities. You will have the chance to interact with the communities, their culture, their context, beliefs, and language through their leaders. In the end, we hope that this immersive experience will allow you to jointly develop new skills, attitudes, tools and possible strategies to improve health in this and other regions of the world.

WHY YOU ARE HERE

+ INTRODUCTIONThis Student Guidebook includes important information you need to know before you decide to embark on an international education experience with the Inter-American Center for Global Health. It also provides important tools and tips to get ready for your trip once you are accepted to a program.

¡BIENVENIDOS! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The CISG team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Academic and Student Life during the Program. . . .About Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Weather and Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Biodiversity and Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Our Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Field Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Services in Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Preparing for Departure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Travel Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .What to Bring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clothing and Personal Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Optional Equipment and Personal Items . . . . . . . . .

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Please read it carefully, follow its recommendations, and have a copy available at all times. If questions arise, do not hesitate to contact us

(see contact information below). We look forward to

meeting you soon!

Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Managing Risk of Crime and Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Managing Risk in the Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Embassy Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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+ THE CISG TEAMMISSIONWe develop innovative training strategies for future global health leaders by incorporating skills

that give ethical, sustainable, and just solutions to current and future global and local health issues; associated with the coordination, support, and implementation of transdisciplinary applied research on contextualized needs.

VISIONOur vision is one of a better world, where equity, sustainability, and universality are the basis of the

actions of health professionals for a more just and prosperous society.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Faerron Guzmán has a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Costa Rica.

He also received the degree of European Master in International Health and Development from

Queen Margaret University and the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Additional studies include

Social Justice at the International Institute for Health and Development in Scotland, Global

Health Delivery at Harvard University, as well as Sustainable Development and Health at

EARTH University and the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. He is a Fellow of the Social

Innovation for Health program of the Central American Healthcare Initiative, and INCAE

Business School. He sits in the curricular committee for the Global Master’s in Health and

Sustainable Development at EARTH University and the American University of Beirut. He

recently was chosen as a member of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health

Competency Sub-Committee. He is the co-founder and director of the Inter-American Center

for Global Health - CISG, as well as a collaborator, consultant and adjunct professor of multiple

national and international academic institutions. Dr. Faerron’s areas of research include

adolescent pregnancy, gender, intercultural approaches to care, and migration and health.

Carlos A. Faerron GuzmánM.D., M.Sc.

[email protected]

Alancay is a social entrepreneur. He has worked and specialized on issues related to

indigenous peoples’ human rights and development. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical

Engineering from the University of Costa Rica, and a Master of Legal Studies from the

University of Arizona College of Law. Before undertaking his Master’s Degree, he was a Project

Officer for the Forest Peoples Programme, a leading organization in the work with indigenous

peoples around the world; where he provided legal and technical support to indigenous

peoples and organizations in various countries. Also, he worked as the course coordinator for

the Greenland-based International Training Center of Indigenous Peoples.

He has extensive advocacy experience before international institutions including the United

Nations, the Organization of American States and the World Bank; and working on the ground

with indigenous peoples in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Greenland. He was a member of

the Technical Team responsible for the negotiations of the American Declaration on the Rights

of Indigenous Peoples; rapporteur for the Americas for the UN World Conference on

Indigenous Peoples; and, the Focal Point for Indigenous Peoples in the Americas and the

Caribbean on the CSO-Network of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). He was a curator and

remains a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.

Alancay Morales GarroM.L.S., B.Sc

[email protected]

Andres is currently the Chief Strategy Advisor for the Inter-American Center for Global

Health. Previously, Andres was the Executive Director of CAHI, a non-profit working with

Stanford, NYU and INCAE Business School to improve access and quality of healthcare in

Central America. Before assuming his role on CAHI, Andres was the Executive Director of

Fundación Acción Joven, working in education, prevention of violence, and human

development with the Ministry of Education of Costa Rica. Andres has worked in

microfinance, social housing, and community development projects in Nicaragua, Colombia,

Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Paraguay, South Africa and Nepal in partnership with the

Pan American Health Organization, UN-Habitat, the European Union, the Department US

State, and the Poverty and MDG Unit at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

office in Bhutan.

Andres holds an Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Costa Rica, a Masters in

International Business from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and is a Complexity

Scholar from the Santa Fe Institute. He is also the Training Officer of Gender and Masculinity

at Vital Voices, Co-director of La Esquina, a social business that provides educational

opportunities for at-risk youth, and a member of the Advisory Council of the State of the

Nation in Costa Rica.

Andrés Valenciano [email protected]

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Carolina Bolaños PalmieriLic, M.Sc

[email protected]

Carolina Bolaños Palmieri has a bachelor and licentiate degree in Nutrition from the

University of Costa Rica and is a member of the Professional Association of Nutritionists of

Costa Rica. She has worked as a clinical nutritionist in her private practice and at the

operations department of the Food Bank-San José. She holds a Master's degree in Global

Health from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health - ISGlobal and the University of

Barcelona where she worked with the NGO Action Against Hunger-Madrid. She collaborated

in Rukara Health Center in Rwanda on both nutrition-specific and nutrition- sensitive

interventions. Carolina has also been a guest speaker at ISGlobal- University of Barcelona.

Currently, she is the program coordinator of the Inter-American Center for Global Health -

CISG and the Community Outreach Coordinator for Plato Lleno, an initiative part of the Costa

Rican Network for the Reduction of Food Losses and Waste. Her areas of research include

food security, sustainable food systems, WASH practices and food and nutrition policies.

Gustavo Bermúdez MoraD.D.S

[email protected]

Dr. Bermúdez Mora has a degree in Dentistry from the University of Costa Rica. He is working

in his thesis for the Public Health Master degree from the Public Health School of the

University of Costa Rica about the access for dental services of the indigenous people in Coto

Brus, Costa Rica. He is an active member of the Commission for the National Plan for Oral

Health of the Costa Rican Dental Association and is a professor of the Faculty of Dentistry of

the University of Costa Rica in the Dental Work Camps Project and the Palmares community

program. He leads the “Oral Health Protection Program for Vulnerable Indigenous Population

of Coto Brus” of the Hands for Health Association and is the Community Outreach Coordinator

of the Inter-American Center for Global Health - CISG. Dr. Bermúdez’s principal work focus

includes intercultural community approach, oral health promotion, dental clinical access and

indigenous populations.

Elena is a public and global health enthusiast. She has a degree in Medicine and Surgery from

the University of Costa Rica. She also has done internships at the Epidemiological

Surveillance Office of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund and the Inter-American Center for

Global Health. She is currently our research assistant and has collaborated developing

research protocols and data recollection in our study of Equity and Access to health services

of the migrant indigenous people Ngäbe- Buglé.

Paula has a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Promotion from the University of Costa Rica. Her

studies in health promotion allow her to have a comprehensive vision of the social

determinants of health, and to go beyond the scope of the biological sphere. She is currently

doing an internship at the Inter-American Center for Global Health, and developing her thesis

with an emphasis on health information management on the organizations working with the

migrant indigenous people Ngäbe-Buglé.

José Pablo Valverde is currently coursing a Bachelor’s degree of Foreign Affairs at the

National University of Costa Rica and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the

University of Costa Rica. e is an active member of the non-profit “La Esquina” collaborating as

one of the main coordinators. He participated in the Latin-American Social Young Leaders

program of Mashav in Israel in 2016. Some of his additional studies include Project

Management for Development and Latin-America Macroeconomic Analysis provided by IDB.

Elena Rodríguez SánchezM.D.

[email protected]

Paula Fairen GamboaB.Sc

[email protected]

José Pablo Valverde [email protected]

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CISG programs differ from your home campus experience in many ways, so be prepared to step out of your comfort

zone and have an incredible learning journey.

CISG programs are labor intensive: You will be immersed in group discussions, field visits, workshops or receiving brief lectures during most of the day throughout the length of the course.

Activities start early in the morning (around 7:30 am) and finish near 6:00 or 7:00 pm. You will be traveling to field

sites almost every day. Travel time can take from 20 minutes to up to 7 hours (only in transfer days), depending on

the places you are visiting. Each visit is designed to provide you with new professional and personal experiences

where you will be encouraged to broaden your cultural consciousness by interacting fist-hand with the communities.

Every program is different but here is a general idea of how a day could be:

For programs longer than a week, you will have one or two days off per week to enjoy personal activities. Costa Rica

has a lot to offer from cultural activities to one-day adventure tours. Please check if recreational activities are

included in your program or feel free to make arrangements on your own.

+ ACADEMIC & STUDENT LIFE ON THE PROGRAM

6:40 am - 7:15 am

7:20 am - 8 am

8 am -11:30 am

12 am -1 pm

1 pm - 5 pm

6 pm - 7 pm

7 pm - 9 pm

Breakfast

Orientation or lecture/discussion about readings

Field visit

Lunch

Group discussion, workshops or other activities related to the program

Dinner

Individual study time

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Language and culture: Costa Ricans are known

for being "pura vida." Pura vida meaning "pure life" in

Spanish, symbolizes the idea of simply enjoying life and being

happy. The “ticos”, as Costa Ricans call themselves, are

easygoing, warm, and friendly, especially with tourists and

foreigners. Tico´s enjoy sharing their culture with foreign

people, their traditional dishes like gallo pinto or chifrijo,

major traditions and celebrations. They also are really proud

of the diverse landscapes and sceneries that the country

offers: beaches, forests, hot springs, mountains, volcanoes,

incredible waterfalls, and many more. You will be able to

practice your Spanish with confidence and probably pick up a

few words in "tico" slang.

A great part of our population is Catholic or evangelical

therefore, a strong conservative vision is shared on diverse

topics. Please feel free to ask CISG staff about any questions

you have regarding cultural differences and social norms at

any time.

Sharing and team culture:As part of the program you will be sharing a lot of

your time with the group, so be sure to maintain a

respectful and polite communication environment

with your colleagues and the rest of the team. We

also urge you to respect the privacy of others so that

coexistence is as smooth and calm as possible.

We encourage you to be an active member of the

team by sharing your ideas and perspectives, this

will enrich your experience and the other

participants as well.

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Participation: Immersive and experiential learning requires active participation from the students during the course. This also means that attendance is obligatory throughout the program. In addition to attendance, students

are expected to engage throughout the course actively and complete the required readings ahead of each workday.

Peer to peer learning is a key element of the program.

Student-faculty relationships: CISG staff will be closer than your normal faculty at your campus.

“CISG model is a thorough and comprehensive accompaniment model that includes everything from

facilitation in and outside the classroom (and even outside program hours), didactic teaching, interpretation

and translation, integration and evaluation exercises, among other informal spaces shared with our students

(from soccer to board games). You can expect to build good and lasting relationships with all of our staff!”

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Costa Rica is located in Central America, has a northern border with Nicaragua, and a southern border with

Panama, Costa Rica borders west with the Pacific Ocean and to the east with the Caribbean Sea. Its total territory is

of 51 100 km², comparable in size to West Virginia. There are approximately 4.9 million inhabitants, according to the

last population census of 2011 and 52% live in the Central Valley, constituted by the provinces of San Jose (the

capital city), Cartago, Alajuela, and Heredia.

Costa Rica is a well-known democracy; it is recognized as one of the most developed, progressive and stable

countries in America. It is known for the abolishment of the army in 1948, its social security system and its

education, health, environmental, and safety indices.

+ ABOUT COSTA RICA

WEATHER AND CLIMATEThe main geographical area of work for CISG programs is the Brunca region in southern Costa Rica. In San Vito, the typical weather is mildly hot and humid during the day and cooler and breezy at night, with moderate temperatures ranging from 62 to 90°F. The altitude is 1,000 meters above sea level, with an annual precipitation of approximately 1390 inches.

However, you could be traveling during the field trips to different parts within the Brunca region. Most of the sites are at lower altitudes, with much hotter weather (around 90°F), and heavier sun and humidity such as the Osa Peninsula or Corredores which is where the main border point with Panama is located. There will be briefings before every departure to provide these details.

The rainy season is May through November and the dry season is December through April. However, because of the geographical diversity of Costa Rica, students can encounter rain, sun, cold or humid weather throughout all seasons depending on the region.

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BIODIVERSITY AND ECONOMY

Costa Rica is proudly the host of 5% of global biodiversity and approximately 25% of the territory is protected areas. Costa Rica has three parks declared as World Heritage sites by UNESCO: the Isla del Coco National Park, the reserves of the Talamanca Range/Amistad International Park, and the Guanacaste conservation area. Its richness in species of flora and fauna and its geographic characteristics provide a variety of ecosystems which make the country a very special hub for investigation in environment and ecology.

In 1994, Costa Rica adopted Sustainable Development as an official policy. Since then, the country has made impressive advances in the fields of biodiversity prospecting, protected area management, and environmental regulation.According to the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum, in 2014 Costa Rica ranked third among the best economies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Although there is an important part of the economy that depends on agriculture, mainly growing and harvesting pineapple, bananas, sugar, palm oil, and coffee for exportation, the service economy is taking a strong foothold. This is represented in the rise of the tourism industry, especially eco-tourism which since the early 2000s has generated more foreign exchange than any of the main agricultural export products.

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FIELD COURSESField courses are taught modules that combine immersive field experiences with lectures and guided workshops (a combination of experiential learning and didactic learning). These courses vary in duration from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the topic of the module and the specific objectives.Course Offerings: There are different modules available throughout the year, including Planetary Health, Social Approaches to Infectious Diseases, Intercultural Approaches to Health, Health Systems & Planning, and Health & Migration.

LANGUAGEMost of our partners are bilingual so not every course has language requirements. Nevertheless, a basic level of Spanish will help you make the most of the experience. Some programs offer the option of requesting on-site individual or Spanish group lessons. Please check your chosen program for more information.

+ OUR COURSES

TELEPHONE: Once in Costa Rica, it is fairly straightforward to buy a local SIM card. However, other options exist: you can purchase an international calling card or sign up for an international plan through your telephone carrier. You can also buy a prepaid international phone card. Remember to ask for the Costa Rica number access.

+ SERVICES IN COSTA RICA

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FLIGHT: Students must arrange for travel to and from Costa Rica to coincide with program dates. Many times, your study abroad office will coordinate this for you. From the airport CISG staff will help you coordinate ground transport to the course site.

PASSPORT: All program participants are required to have a valid passport. If you have not already obtained your passport, please do so immediately.

VISA: No visa is required for North American or European Union citizens. If you are NOT a citizen of these areas you will probably need a visa to enter Costa Rica. Please check your visa requirements with enough time in advance. If you are a U.S citizen a tourist visa will be granted at your arrival for 90 days.

+ TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Make sure your passport is valid at least six months beyond the program end date.

If you are not a US citizen or are coming from another country different from the US, check for visa requirements (http://www.migracion.go.cr/extranjeros/visas.html)

Make sure your bank/credit card companies know you will be using your cards abroad.

Check with your travel office for medical recommendations at least 60 days before departing for the program. Review:

• Vaccination history and requirements for different regions. • Any prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you may need to bring.

Be sure to have all the necessary documentation for re-entry into your country of origin after the program is completed.

Take care of any other arrangements you might have in your home institution.

Make sure to bring all necessary clothes and personal items (check What to bring section)

+ PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE

Here is a brief checklist to help you with your preparation before departure:

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Most airlines allow one piece of checked luggage plus one carry-on bag. Please contact your specific airline for more detailed requirements on size, weight, and additional fees.

CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS

This is a list of suggested items that probably will be required during different programs; please pack according to your own needs.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL ITEMS

Adapters to go from three-prong to two-prong cords. Camera Sunglasses

ELECTRONICS

We recommend bringing your laptop. Make sure you have Microsoft and Excel programs. Internet is generally available at the different places where you will stay.

+ WHAT TO BRING

Long, lightweight pantsShort-sleeved shirts for field visitsLong-sleeved, lightweight shirtsWool or fleece sweater or sweatshirtSweatpantsAthletic shortsNice casual clothing for the evenings

A waterproof jacketSneakers or running shoesCasual shoesFlip flopsBathing suitRain/sun hatPersonal towelSoap and shampooToiletries

Sunscreen, Minimum SPF 15 (we recommend SPF 30 or greater)Insect repellentBottle for waterPersonal first aid kitA small to medium backpack for your clothing and gear on field trips.

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The best way to deal with money during your trip is to carry undamaged cash, a debit card to use at ATMs, and a credit card for traveling and/or emergencies. Some important notes to keep in mind are:

Remember to make an appointment with a travel doctor or your personal physician to check your vaccination history and ensure any prescription medicine you require. Also, check CDC's website for more information on recommendations and vaccines for Costa Rica.In case of emergency or any need for medical attention, Costa Rica has a system of public and private outpatient clinics and hospitals, as well as Red Cross emergency services. Advanced medical care is present in San Jose. It is imperative that you bring a high limit credit card ($1000 minimum) to cover a deposit for services.

INSURANCE: Students are required to have international health insurance that is valid in the field placement site before initiating the program. Please consult your university’s health and safety officer for further requirements.

+ FINANCES

+ HEALTH AND SAFETY

You will need your original passport to change money in any bank.

Bills (and coins) are not accepted by the banks if they are damaged in any way.

Remember to inform your bank and credit card company that you will be traveling to Costa Rica and using your cards.

Check with your bank to make sure your ATM card will work internationally.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely-accepted credit cards in Costa Rica.

American Express is not widely accepted throughout Costa Rica.

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VACCINES: PLEASE CHECK THE CDC WEBSITE FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON VACCINESCDC recommends Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines because there is a risk of getting them through contaminated food or water regardless of where you are eating or staying.

The CDC also recommends to get the Rabies vaccine, although it is not a major risk to most travelers. The field trips involve outdoor activities in remote areas that could put you at risk for animal bites.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE: Although we do not expect you to engage in these activities, the “CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.”Also, you may need a Yellow Fever vaccine if you are traveling from a country other than the US or if you have spent more than 12 hours in an airport in a yellow fever risk area. Please check the CDC website to see the yellow fever risk areas. If you fail to meet this requirement, Immigration services or the airline will be deny entry into Costa Rica.Link:https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever#5291

ALLERGIES: Please let a CISG member know if you have any allergies. If you require an Epi-Pen or similar, please bring it with you.

MEDICATIONS: Please check if the medications you use are available in Costa Rica. Check with your travel doctor or family physician before travelling.

DENGUE AND CHIKUNGUNYA: There is a risk of these diseases in Costa Rica. Both are transmitted through mosquito bites and cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. Both present flu-like symptoms, mainly high fever, headaches, there could be a rash, joint pain, and general discomfort. Chikungunya’s characteristic is joint inflammation. Symptoms begin between five and seven days after the infection, so it is essential to protect yourself from mosquito bites (see below). If you start presenting these symptoms after you completed the program seek for medical care.

ZIKA: There is also a low risk of Zika infection in Costa Rica. It can be transmitted through a bite from an infected mosquito, from a pregnant woman to her developing fetus and through sex with a person who is infected with Zika. Most of the people infected with Zika virus do not get sick or only have mild symptoms. However, infection during pregnancy can cause severe congenital malformations. Please check with your physician if you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant in the near future.

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If you have any questions about the programme or emergencies during your program please contact the following people:

+ CONTACTS

Preventing mosquito bites and mosquito-borne infections: CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself against mosquito bites include:

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Use an appropriate insect repellent (preferably ones that contains 20% or more DEET) Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms. Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

TRAVELERS DIARRHEA: Contaminated water or food can cause travelers’ diarrhea. The CDC advises that you preferably eat food that is cooked and served hot, hard-cooked eggs not raw or soft-cooked, fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself, pasteurized dairy products and avoid street food, tap or well water and ice or drinks made with tap or well water.

For more up to date information on Zika prevention check the CDC's website:https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/risk-of-zika-selected-destination

CARLOS A. FAERRON+506 [email protected]

CAROLINA BOLAÑOS+506 [email protected]

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Even though Costa Rica is considered a safe place, you need to be prepared for some possible risks that you might encounter during your stay in the country. This way you can take precautions and minimize the risk of any mishap.

MANAGING RISK OF CRIME AND THEFTIt is important that you take as many precautions as possible for situations like robberies or scams. Here are some suggestions for reducing risk to yourself and your property:

Avoid carrying a lot of cash, and do not display large amounts of cash in public.

Try not to carry your original passport. Instead try to carry a photocopy of the picture page and the entry stamp to Costa Rica.

In case you need to change money, do it at the bank or at the hotel.

Keep your belongings close to you and under your watch in public areas, and never trust them to a stranger. Carry your backpack in front of you when you walk.

Try to travel always in a group.

Inform the CISG staff of any situation that makes you feel insecure or uncomfortable, and always carry the phone numbers of CISG staff.

MANAGING RISK IN THE FIELDHere are some general guidelines for all field trips, considering those planned by the organization, as well as in places that you may visit during free days.

Always wear closed shoes in the forest and carry a flashlight with you after dark.

Do not catch or handle any animals.

Always keep the staff informed about where you are going and when you plan to return.

If you are going to do some outdoor activity, always carry water, a snack, and a flashlight.

When heading into the forest, always go with a group.

Drink lots of water, especially if you are going to do physical activity.

Always use sunscreen and insect repellent.

Carry a credit card and your health insurance information.

+ RISK MANAGEMENT

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U.S. EMBASSY SUPPORT

Be mindful, that besides the CISG staff, U.S citizens traveling in Costa Rica, can also receive assistance with the U.S. Embassy. Relevant information about U.S. embassy:

LOCATION: In front of Centro Comercial del Oeste Pavas, Costa Rica.

TELEPHONE: [506] 2519-2000

FROM THE U.S.: 011-506-2519-2000

24 HOUR EMERGENCY: +011 (506) 2220-3127

Carry a credit card and your health insurance information.

“Prepare yourself for a unique learning journey.Think global, act local, start at CISG!”