Are the courses safe?
Outward Bound has set the industry standard when it comes to safety and risk management in outdoor and adventure based education. While risk is an inherent part of any wilderness adventure, Outward Bound's (especially CRROBS') safety record is unparalleled in the outdoor industry. All of our instructors are well trained professionals, holding minimum certifications in CPR, First-Aid, & Wilderness First Responder and some hold Emergency Medical Technician, ocean life guard, and Swift Water Rescue (ACA) certifications as well. All groups travel with a full medical kit, and evacuation routes have been well established. CRROBS has an excellent safety record, and fortunately we have never had a fatality or a maiming injury. Safety is the first priority when approaching any of a broad spectrum of activities. Click here for more information.

Do you arrange the flights?
No we do not arrange the flights, please click here to access our travel page. Although there are a limited number of flights every day to San Jose International Airport (SJO) there are direct flights from many major cities throughout the US and Canada. We recommend early fly in and late fly out times for flights, though we know from some locations this is impossible due to connections. The earlier the student arrives the more rested he/she will be to start an early morning. No matter what, please be reassured that we will adjust our schedules to your flights and be there to pick you up and drop you off.

Do I need to have any prior outdoor experience?
No previous outdoor experience is necessary to attend a CRROBS course. We ask only that you bring your sense of adventure, a love of the exotic outdoors, a desire to engage in both teamwork and personal development, and a willingness to face physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

Do I need any special shots or immunizations to go to Costa Rica?
The only shot that you need to come on a CRROBS course is an up to date Tetanus. Any other immunization or medication should be decided between the student and parents in consultation with your doctor.

Is a map of Costa Rica available for viewing?
Yes! A detailed map is available for download here. The map is in Adobe Acrobat format(.pdf). To view or print .pdf files, Adobe Acrobat Reader must be installed on your computer. You may download Adobe Acrobat Reader free of charge from the Adobe web site if it is not already installed on your computer. We suggest printing the map for greatest viewability.

What is the average age of participants on CRROBS courses?
The average age is around 17. Overall, there is usually a pretty even representation of ages from 14 to 25. During our summer season we do get a few older adults and parents, though we offer a whole range of adult adventures throughout the year. The semester courses usually have high school seniors through students in their mid-twenties who are getting high school, college, or university credit for their course. Generally, if you are able and willing to come on course, then it's time to sign up!

How can I make sure I'm in shape for my course?
You do not have to be an athlete to participate in an Outward Bound course. However, CRROBS courses are physically challenging. Both you and your patrol will benefit from your physical preparation and conditioning. Once you register for a course with us, we will send you information regarding getting in shape for it. It takes strength and endurance to paddle a boat six to eight hours a day, hike five miles wearing a 40 pound pack, or climb an 80 foot tree. Be prepared.

¿Do I need to know Spanish?
No. A bilingual instructor will always be with you, but being able to communicate directly is always more effective. For more in-depth courses, the more that you know, the more you will be able to build relationships with locals. Brush up on Spanish before the course. You can also expect to learn a significant amount of Spanish while on course.

Do I need to bring special, expensive clothing and equipment for my course?
We provide certain items of personal equipment (for example: sleeping bags, pads, backpacks) and field equipment (for example: tarps, cooking gear, beginner surf boards, whitewater related equipment). A detailed packing list(including in each course's information sheet) lists all the recommended items for each course that we do not provide. Most likely, you'll already have some of the items on this list and what you don't have can be purchased at outdoor retail stores and army/navy surplus outlets. Your hiking boots will be the most expensive thing you will need -- additional boot information is included in the enrollment packet..

What exactly is the "solo?"
The solo is a designated time during a course, away from the intense physical, mental, and emotional demands encountered during the other activities. The solo lasts anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the course. The solo is not designed to be a survival exercise, rather, it is a time for introspection and reflection, without any distractions. For many students, the solo is the most rewarding part of their course. Students are not necessarily 'left alone' during this exercise. Instructors are within earshot of the students and fellow course mates are just out of sight of one another.

How do I choose a course?
We offer a wide variety of courses. The one that is right for you will depend on the season and amount of time you have available and your activities of interest. Most courses do not have a upper age limit; ages listed are minimums. Adult participants should be aware that on youth and young adult courses, they may be placed with students considerably younger than themselves. We make every attempt to place students with their own peer group.

Is Financial Aid Offered?
Yes, financial assistance is available for participants who demonstrate financial need. There are, however, a limited number of scholarships available, so it is necessary to apply early. Scholarships are available for specific courses and they cover a portion of tuition and fees. Fax, e-mail, or call us for a financial aid application.

How do I organize and plan a group trip?
For families, groups or any organization, special arrangements and discounts are available through CRROBS. We can arrange special emphasis courses which might include, Natural History, Central American Studies, Spanish Language, Philosophy, Poetry, etc. Please consult our custom course page for more information and help on this subject.

Is the Miami address a U.S. based office?
The Miami P.O. Box is a courier service which securely delivers mail directly to our San Jose, Costa Rica office. We do not have representatives based in the U.S., but you can directy contact us in Costa Rica.  Click here for our contact information.