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Welcome to your program
Get excited to spend two weeks exploring and working in Costa Rica. You'll spend one week working at the Land of the Strays learning about shelter medicine and one week on the boat researching dolphins!
This page will take you through everything you need to know about your program. You should READ every section. We've linked additional information under each topic as needed.
Housing
You'll stay at two different housing locations with very opposite styles. During your shelter med week you will be at Cypresal Hostel, with multiple bunk beds per room with no central AC and shared bathrooms. Housing during your Dolphin week is at El Chontal. Think Rustic bungalows with two bunk beds per room with fans and mosquito nets. Each bungalow has 1 ensuite bathroom.
Food
Breakfast at both locations is a mix of Costa Rica and American food. You'll have gallo pinto (rice and beans) with scrambled eggs and plantains, french toast, lots of fruits, and more. Lunch will be a mix of burritos, empanadas, salad, pasta, sandwiches, and more. Dinner will also be pasta, rice, and beans and meat, fish, lasagna, veggies, and meat with mashed potatoes, chicken wings, burgers, and seafood rice.
Flights
You should book a flight that arrives at SJO by 3pm on Sunday. Our group shuttle from the airport on arrival Sunday will leave the airport around 4pm. Depending on your arrival time, you may need to wait a few hours at a restaurant near the airport for everyone in the group to arrive. There are no planned activities on arrival day and the first meal covered is the welcome dinner.
At the end of your program, our group shuttle to the airport on departure Saturday will arrive at the airport at 11am. Therefore, you should plan to depart on a flight that departs SJO after 1pm on Saturday.
Packing
The only items you are required to bring are those on the “required” lists. General required items (like your passport) are found on the ALL PROGRAMS packing list above. Program specific required items are found below under the REQUIRED section. For the rest of the items, you are welcome to use your discretion. There may be items missing from this list that you’d like to bring, and there may be items on this list that you don’t want to bring. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Required for this program
2 bottles of mosquito repellant
Adequate supply of sunscreen (high SPF recommended)
3-5 scrub tops or pairs of scrubs for working at the shelter. (3 if you plan to hand wash your scrubs half way through the week)
Pants (scrub pants or hiking pants are great)
Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or hiking boots)
Hiking boots (required for walks with the dogs)
Water shoes or strap sandals (similar to Teva, Chaco or Keen)
A rainproof, lightweight jacket (and anything else you need to work in the rain, such as rain pants and/or travel umbrella). You will definitely want a sturdy rain jacket suitable for heavy rain in tropical weather.
At least 10 pairs of exam gloves
Long sleeve rash guard or other sun-protecting shirt for marine work
Hat or cap (for sun) - you will be happy to have something that covers your face and neck when on the boat!
Water resistant wrist watch with second hand
Money belt to keep your valuables safe while traveling
Motion sickness medication (If you experience motion sickness on windy roads in vans or on boats, you'll definitely want to have enough for your trip)
Electrolytes (necessary after long days in the sun)
Suggested for this program
Pop up bug net like this one to help protect you from mosquitoes and other flying insects at night.
Shorts (for free time but please note we suggest pants due to bugs)
Bathing suit (any style is fine)
Tee shirts that can get dirty, for work days
Tank tops or other tops for outside the project
Stethoscope (Not required and there will be several on site for you to share, but you may prefer to have your own and it will come in handy in your future with vet med)
Baby wipes (large pack or several packs) – there can be water outages and dirty chores, so this is a helpful way to stay clean and fresh
Aloe Vera, in case you don't apply enough sunscreen
Warm clothes for night time/sleeping- the temp will drop drastically at night.
FAQ
*Students are allowed ONE large suitcase with a 40 lbs weight limit. You are able to wash clothes on this program.
WIFI: You will have intermittent access to WiFi, but it can be unreliable. If you are interested in a travel phone plan, please talk to your phone provider before your program starts.
Bedding: We will provide you with sheets, pillows, and blankets. It can get cold at night, we recommend bringing your own blanket but will provide an extra if needed.
Towels: Towels are provided but a washcloth is not. We recommend bringing a luffa for multiple use.
Laundry: Laundry facilities are available but limited as we always want to conserve water. Students are responsible for the cost and bringing their own detergent.
Outlets: Outlets will be the same as in the US.
Dress Code: There is no uniform dress code for Costa Rica. Please check the weather and pack accordingly. A few extra socks and tee shirts can make you much more comfortable. You should plan to wear pants, closed-toe shoes, and a tee shirt as well as a scrub top when working in the shelter. We STRONGLY suggest boots and socks that are comfortable with your boots. At other times, you can wear what you like, including shorts and tank tops. You are traveling to Costa Rica during the rainy season- BRING ADEQUATE RAIN GEAR. Expect to get wet. Plan to get dirty on this program! The weather is typically hot and humid during the day. At night, it can be a bit chilly in the mountains where the dog portion of your program is located. We highly suggest brining a lightweight jacket for the evenings. You need at least two sets of sturdy shoes so that you always have a dry pair. This can be closed-toe shoes (like sneakers) or hiking boots.
Money: Most students spend around $200 USD on a two-week program. You’ll likely want to buy things like souvenirs, laundry, snacks or drinks. Do not expect to be able to use a credit card in small shops. So you don’t NEED any money, but you’ll want to bring enough that you can buy some things to bring home. We HIGHLY recommend contacting your bank and ordering Colones before leaving for the program. There will be an ATM where students can withdraw money, and there is an ATM transaction fee each time.
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