We are so excited for your once-in-a-lifetime journey. This is your program hub and where you can find all the important documents. This page will be updated frequently as we get closer to departure.
Follow these steps to get ready to launch into immersion. Bookmark this page & check back frequently!
| ACTION STEPS | DUE DATES |
| 1. Complete Your Program Registration | Due: 1 week after your program deposit |
| 2. Download, sign & submit your Pre-departure Paperwork which includes: -Travel Contract -Travel Liability -Behavior Contract -Smart Phone Contract -Medial Release -Notarized Consent to Travel with a Minor -Payment Schedule | DUE: 1 month after you register Send these in 1 of 3 ways: – Sign, scan and email to [email protected] – Snail mail to: Common Ground International. PO box 174, Lafayette, CO. 80026 -Digitally sign and email to [email protected] (you can use the free app Adobe Fill & Sign or any online tool of your choice). |
| 3. Passports: – Apply for a passport if you don’t have one. – Check your current passport, make sure it’s not expired or does not expire 90 days after your return date to the US. – Submit a copy of your passport | Give yourself at least 3 months if you need a new passport or need to renew it. |
| 4. Travelers Health & Safety is súper importante! -Check out what the Center for Disease Control says about traveling to Costa Rica. Pay special attention to mosquitos! -Make an appointment with your primary care physician | IMPORTANT! Your program includes basic travel medical insurance with trip interruption, delays, lost bags, etc. If you have any uncertainties about your upcoming adventure, it’s a good idea to consider additional travel insurance coverage . If you’re looking for a Cancel for Any Reason policy, we suggest you shop for it here and act quickly as it is often has to be purchased within two weeks of your initial deposit. |
| 6. Flights: We will make group flight reservations in the coming months. Stay tuned. | |
| 7. Pre-Departure Preparation Course: This is a required, online course for all participants. This will set you up for success on your immersion program. Start this course today and go at your own pace. –Costa Rica Pre-Departure Course (opens in Feb.) | DUE: Must be completed 1 month before departure |
| 8. Attend 3 required meetings with your trip leader | |
| 9. Payment schedule: You must be paid in full 30 days before program departure TBD | Due: Must be paid in full 30 days before departure You will pay the school directly. |
| 10. Get your travel paperwork in order and get packed. Make sure you have a copy of your passport, travel insurance, flight itinerary. Review the “Before you depart” list ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ | Start 2 weeks before your departure date |
Before You Depart:
| Bank: Inform your bank about the card you will be using out of the country to avoid a “card freeze” |
| Passport: Make 2 copies of your passport. Keep 1 in your backpack and 1 in your main baggage |
| Flight Itinerary: Print out a paper copy of your flight itinerary, some immigration officials ask to see the paper proof of your return back to the USA |
| Travel Insurance: Carry a copy of your travel insurance policy with you. |
| Cell phone: inquire about an international data and calling plan from your wireless provider |
| COVID-19 Test: CGI may require you to provide a negative covid test 72 hrs. before departure (it can be an at home test with a witness, a PCR, etc.) |
| Pack your bags: -Download Costa Rica Packing List |
Super Importante Links
| Program Handbooks: – Parent Manual – Participant Handbook |
| Program Registration |
| Pre-departure paperwork |
| Make Payments Online |
| Pre-Departure Course: OPENS soon –Costa Rica Pre-Departure Course |
| Volunteer Sign-up – Coming soon |
| Program Itinerary: Coming soon. |
| Packing Lists: -Costa Rica Packing List |