An American School Serving the International Community

• Documents
• What to bring
• What not to bring
• Dress

The importance of bringing the proper documentation with you is essential. You must bring the following:

• Official copy of your degree.
• Official copy of your transcript.

Once you have documents together, send photocopies to Country Day School; carry the originals with you when you come to Costa Rica.

Keep all receipts of documentation fees as these will be required for reimbursement from Country Day School.

Again, the importance for you to complete the documentation process cannot be overemphasized. The period from signing the contract to departure date may be several months, but you will realize how short it is when you go about getting all the official documents together.

It is recommended that you bring to Costa Rica ONLY "essential" items and personal effects. Check with the outbound airline for details of your baggage allowance. Usually, when leaving the U.S. and coming to Costa Rica you are allowed two suitcases for each person. It is to your advantage to acquire the largest luggage permissible, to pack it carefully, and to weigh it in advance to take full advantage of your baggage allowance (including carry-on luggage). It is also suggested that you check with your airline to see whether they will authorize any excess luggage and what cost this will entail.

The following is a suggested list of additional items to include in your luggage. DO NOT SHIP separately. Bring only what you can pack. If you do otherwise, it is at your own expense. Most items shipped "unaccompanied" pay heavy duties.

• 2 pairs dress shoes
• sport shoes /jogging shoes
• bathing suit
• jeans
• cosmetics
• perfumes
• dresses
• slacks
• skirts/dresses
• shirts
• lotions
• vitamins
• prescription needs (a year's supply)
• non-prescription needs (a year's supply)
• contact lens solutions
• film/camera
• small radio cassette
• Personal Computer (if you have one, bring it!)
• small electric appliances (blender, toaster, fry pan)
• umbrella
• sweater/jacket

When you arrive in Costa Rica, you will be entering with a temporary visa which allows you to bring only personal baggage. While Costa Rica customs agents are inconsistent, you will not have any problems clearing the two-baggage allowance and two carry-ones. DO NOT BRING firearms or expensive electronic equipment, unless it is small and can fit into your luggage. Customs will allow you to hand carry in a small computer, but rules change and they might charge a 10-20% duty on this item. Chances are they will not.

Women: Simple dresses, blouses, skirts and slacks are worn in the classroom. San Jose gets cool at night, so you will feel a need for long-sleeved blouses or light sweaters.

Men: Dress at school for men consists of business shirts and trousers. Some wear ties and sport jackets. A light jacket or sweater is necessary for cooler days.

Jeans are considered inappropriate for both men and women in the classroom.