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

These are the documents required to apply for a work permit:

• University Degree (s) and transcript (s)
• Teacher's Certification
• Birth certificate (for each family member traveling)
• Police record of good conduct (not more than one month issued)
• Marriage certificate (in case of non-teaching spouse)

The following are considered public documents:

• Birth certificate
• Police record of good conduct

Procedure:

• The birth certificate (signed by the official of the office issuing it) must be certified by the office of the secretary of state of the state where it was issued (certification stamp not an apostil).


• The police record of good conduct (signed by the official of the office issuing it) must be certified by the office of the secretary of state where it was issued (certification stamp not an apostil). The police record of good conduct must be from the state where the teacher has lived during the last three years before moving to another country.


• Once the birth certificate and the police record of good conduct are certified by the office of the secretary of state of the corresponding areas, they must be certified by the Costa Rican consulate of the jurisdiction where the document was issued or these can also be certified by the Costa Rican consulate in Washington DC, since that office has jurisdiction over the entire USA.

The following are considered private documents:

• Transcripts
• Diplomas
• Teaching certificate

These documents should first be authenticated by a notary public (or college registrar for transcripts and diplomas), then certified by the office of the secretary of state of the state where the document was issued and the last step is to get them certified by the Costa Rican consulate of the corresponding jurisdiction or by the consulate in Washington DC with jurisdiction over the entire USA.

Please note that the documents to be certified (private and public) should be duplicates or copies not originals.

Feel free to contact the Costa Rican Consulate of the corresponding jurisdiction should you need to inquire further about this process or write the CDS HR office for more information.

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 per person (50 pounds each) plus a carry-on bag (30 pounds maximum). 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 your own expense. Most items shipped "unaccompanied" pay heavy duties.

Suggested

Clothing Rain Coat / Umbrella Cosmetics Small computer Prescription needs Camera / video Toiletries	Shoes Lotions Contact lenses Computer disks Sports equipment Sweaters, coats

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.