Costa Rica
Program

Yes, all Global Studies participants need a passport book (not a card). Please visit https://www.usa.gov/passport for step-by-step instructions.

It’s up to you if you purchase travel insurance or not. The Global Studies office does not recommend one provider over another and the cost of these policies is not included in the program fee.

All Global Studies participants will be automatically enrolled in an international health insurance plan. All participants will be emailed a card and copy of the policy which includes both healthcare and emergency evacuation coverage. The cost of the international health insurance policy is covered by the program fee. The international health plan does not cover any services within the United States, so travelers must maintain their stateside insurance. Proof of stateside insurance must be submitted to the director of Global Studies prior to departure.

The countries we visit tend not to require visas OR include them in the cost of airfare. However, https://www.travisa.com/ is a great website for making a determination. In the event that visas (not included with airfare) are required, the Global Studies office will assist participants in securing them. The cost of visas may or may not be covered by the program fee.

All Bethel University students, faculty, staff, friends, and family are welcome to participate. All our programs are open to rising high school juniors and seniors for college credit. College students from other universities, also known as transient students, can also travel with BU Global Studies.

The process of enrolling begins by contacting Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu

Lightly. Generally speaking, participants are not allowed to check luggage. Plan to pack two bags; one that will fit under the airplane seat in front of you (e.g. a small backpack) and one that will fit in the overhead compartment above you (max of 45 linear inches, that’s length + width = depth). All liquids must be stored in a quart-sized, clear bag. See https://www.tsa.gov/travel for more information.

U.S. State Department Resources

• The U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Program – https://step.state.gov/step/
• Overseas Security Advisory Council – https://www.osac.gov/
• U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

Other Government Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/
• World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/en/

General Resources

• Global ER Telephone Numbers – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emergency_telephone_numbers
• Road travel – https://www.asirt.org/

Yes. In an effort to create a deep and rich global service-learning experience, the pre-departure course is required. You may enroll for credit or as an auditor, please reach out to Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu for help determining which path is right for you.

The cost is broken down into two components: travel and tuition. The average cost of a program is $2000. Tuition is often covered by the student’s financial aid package and therefore can range from $0 – $1500. Contact Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu to learn more.

Students fund programs in a variety of ways through traditional fundraising, online fundraising, grants, sponsorships, and scholarships. Contact Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu to learn more.

If you are interested in a short-term Global Studies experience, fill out an application.