FAQ: Why Costa Rica?
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 | What about medical services? | |
 | Routine and Emergency Medical Services: |
- NSA has a bilingual licensed MD on staff who attends to students routine medical needs.
Costa Rica is world-renowned for its first-rate medical care, and a high proportion of
American-trained physicians. Our medical response plans and support services include
access to qualified physicians, dentists, nurses, and pharmacists at clinics in nearby San
Jose.
| Is Costa Rica a safe country? | |
| Neutrality: |
- Like Switzerland, Costa Rica has a policy of neutrality, by which it has avoided civil strife
and international conflict for over half a century. The country enjoys a positive international
reputation for its gracious and peace-loving people and politics.
| Progressive Democracy: |
- Costa Rica is one of the oldest and most stable democracies in the world. The country
enjoys one of the highest standards of living and education in Latin America. Costa Rica's
educational, cultural, ecological, and health care programs compare favorably with far
richer, larger nations such as the United States and Canada. In 1949, the armed forces
were abolished by democratic process, and in 1983 Perpetual Neutrality was proclaimed.
As a result, Costa Rica is able to funnel a large percentage of her tax-base to education.
One outcome of these military, tax, and education policies is an astounding 95% literacy
rate.
| Robust Economy: |
- The World Bank has given Costa Rica an excellent bill of overall political and economic
health. The bank lauded the country as possessing "one of the most stable and robust"
democracies in Latin America. It went on to praise the Costa Rica's "healthy economic
growth rate" and "some of the best social indicators" on the continent.
| Technology and Infrastructure: |
- Costa Rica has been dubbed "the Silicon Valley of Latin America." Commercial leaders
such as Acer, Microsoft, GE, Abbot Laboratories, Continental Airways and Intel Corporation
have made sizable investments-both financially and physically-by building major production
and distribution facilities. Western Union has chosen Costa Rica to host its Latin American
regional operations center.
| Food and Water: |
- Costa Rican water systems and food production are as safe as anywhere in the United
States. Staff & locals drink local water without problems.
| Student Visas: |
- Students may travel to Costa Rica with a passport, and need not obtain a visa stamp prior
to landing. Their tourist visa is good for ninety days. During that time the Academy will apply
for the student's student visa.
| NSA Assistance: |
- New Summit Academy's admissions staff are seasoned Costa Rican travelers and are
happy to assist with packing lists, airline suggestions, and general travel advice. In
addition, NSA retains some of the best international legal counsel available in Costa Rica
to help with visa and immigration issues.
| Other Resources and Reading: |
- For highly practical guidebooks and useful web pages, please refer to the following list:
 | The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica; Christopher Howard | |
| (available on www.amazon.com) | ||
| Living Overseas Costa Rica: Follow Your Dreams to Affordable Living; Robert | |
| Johnson (available on www.amazon.com) | ||
| AAA Same Day Passport Services: http://www.aaasamedaypassport.com | |
| Health and immunization information related to travel in Central America: |
| Recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule: www.cdc. | |
| gov/nip | ||
| What documents do I need when traveling to Costa Rica: |
| Student Visa Information: www.CostaRica-Embassy.org/Student%20Visa.htm | |
| General hints and tips for study abroad students: |
| What travel preparations are necessary? | |
| More Questions? Email Here | |
| Major Medical Services: |
- CIMA Hospital in San Jose is affiliated with Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, and
is one of several excellent hospitals that provide world-class care for more serious
conditions. An airstrip is located near campus, allowing for emergency medical flights to
San Jose.
| Psychiatrist and Psychologist: |
- Licensed, bilingual, board-certified psychiatrists are available on a regular basis for
management of medications. A licensed clinical psychologist is also available to provide
additional clinical services.
| Why Costa Rica? It seems so far away! | |
New Summit Academy Costa Rica
Safety
Distance
Cultural Benefits
If you still have doubts, come visit us or speak with our long list of parent references who have
experienced Costa Rica and NSA first-hand!
| Costa Rica is one of the safest, most stable countries in North & South America. There is | |
| no army & it is an American-friendly country that hosts a booming tourism economy for Americans looking for a healthier lifestyle. |
| Several airlines fly directly to San Jose airport (SJO), including... | |
| American (Miami, 3 hours) | |
| Delta (Atlanta, 3.5 hours) | |
| Continental (Houston, 3 hours) | |
| United (Los Angeles, 5 hours) | |
| America West (Phoenix, AZ) | |
| US Air (Charlotte, NC) |
| The opportunity for your son to travel & study in Costa Rica is a once in a lifetime | |
| experience. It gives them a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence, resourcefulness, & independence. Furthermore, the insight gained from living in a different culture helps clarify their own values, relationships, & life goals... not to mention how great it looks on a college application! |
experienced Costa Rica and NSA first-hand!