Parents / FAQ
Will my daughter or son receive academic credit while abroad? Can my son or daughter study abroad and still graduate on time?
If we have an alliance with the student’s university, all of our credits are recognized and hence, they will be able to graduate on time.
How much will it cost for my son or daughter to study abroad? Will financial aid still apply overseas?
Please feel free to speak with your daughter’s or son’s university about this issue.
How should I ensure that my son or daughter has money overseas?
In Costa Rica credit cards such as Visa, Master Card are received almost everywhere. If the student is staying for over six months, to open a bank account would be advisable.
What is ICDS's Study Abroad refund policy?
There is a non-refundable deposit of $500 required upon acceptance to the program, and applicable to the tuition payment.
In cases of a student withdrawal from the program during the first month of the program’s duration and for reasons that can be demonstrated and which are beyond ICDS’s and the student’s control, ICDS will refund 50% of the moneys not yet spent. There will be no refund after the first month of the program.
How safe is it for my daughter or son to study in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is not especially unsafe, but neither is it completely secure. General safety precautions are enough for living in Costa Rica. The student will be given personal safety tips and recommendations from the US Department of State. As we mentioned before, their health and security is our priority.
Will my daughter or son have health insurance while in Costa Rica?
International students at ICDS are required to have their own health insurance with international coverage when coming to Costa Rica.
How often should I communicate with my son or daughter while they are in Costa Rica?
Your son or daughter will have access to computers and internet almost everyday, so it shouldn’t be a problem to communicate. If you wish to call, on acceptance to the program, the student will be provided with a phone number and address of their host family. You may also reach them at the ICDS office.
Can I visit my son or daughter while they are abroad?
Living and studying in Costa Rica is a unique and rewarding opportunity, so it is very likely that your son or daughter will want to share this experience with friends and family. However, visitors’ trips should be scheduled around the program calendar and class schedule. Classes, assignments, and other evaluations can NOT be made up because of absences incurred while entertaining visitors. You should try to schedule such visits for before or after the program or during scheduled program vacations (long weekends, Holy Week, etc).
How do I contact someone in ICDS?
Bernardita Rodriguez – Program Administrator
Jorge Nowalski – Academic Director and Chairman
Contact ICDS
International Center for Development Studies
P.O. Box 1411.1000
San José
Costa Rica
Tel: 506-2256-4625
Vonage: 617- 938-3725
Fax: 506-2222-3095
Email: icds@icds.ac.cr
Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
For emergencies after office hours, you will be given an emergency contact you’re your son or daughter´s acceptance to the program.
For more information, please refer to our Student’s Services, our Program Info, our FAQ and visit Costa Rica to learn more about this country.
