Participants
Courses usually involve groups of 8-14 people. Groups are generally co-ed and are comprised of individuals from various backgrounds. We try to place students of similar ages, teenagers through adults, together, although this is not always possible. Throughout the course, the group acts as a unit with common objectives for traveling, cooking, camping, and adventuring. Friendships and bonds form quickly as many traditional barriers are overcome in a wilderness setting. Outward Bound is a great opportunity to build new friendships that often last a lifetime.

Passports/Visas
You must bring a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months beyond the date of your return flight home. Every student not coming from the Americas or a European Union country should consult the following Costa Rican information web site to ensure that they meet immigration requirements:
www.costarica.com

Money
Students will not be allowed to bring money on course. All meals and course costs are covered by CRROBS. However, it is recommended that students bring between $150-$200 which will be kept safely at the San Jose base during the course for possible emergency expenses. Semester students should bring $500. At the end of course, time permitting, students may be allowed to use that money to purchase souvenirs. An airport tax of around $30 (the amount fluctuates) is due upon departure, and is not included in course fees.

Medical Exam
Anyone attending a course must have a complete physical examination. The form provided in the enrollment pack is to be completed and signed by a physician, the student, and by his/her parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age. Bring the medical form with you when you have the physical exam.

You cannot begin your course if we do not have an approved medical form on file at CRROBS. Should you arrive without a completed medical form on file, you will not be allowed to participate until the form is completed and approved by a school administrator. You will have to pay required fees to see a doctor in Costa Rica. Please complete your physical exam prior to entry.

Equipment
CRROBS supplies you with all necessary major equipment. You need only bring personal clothing, footwear, rain-gear, toiletries, and other personal items (see detailed packing list). You will not be able to buy supplies while on your course other than a few basics. We strongly urge you to arrive with all necessary items. All school equipment issued to you or your group must be returned in the same condition it was received. You are responsible for any equipment that you lose or damage and you will be charged the replacement cost. Please consult the packing list included in the course information sheet for more information.

Storage
Space will be available for storing excess clothing and valuables (watches, airline tickets, wallets, etc.) upon arrival in San Jose. Please leave jewelry at home. Space is limited, so duffel bags are recommended.

Cameras
Bring your camera if you want to record the events of your course. However, because our courses are rigorous, you run the risk of losing or damaging your camera. A durable case and a zip-lock bag will help protect it from the elements. Please do not bring large amounts of camera equipment.

Radios, CDs, iPods, and Personal Stereos
Radios, CD Players, iPods and any other Personal Music Devices are not permitted on course. If you bring music for your flight you must keep it at the base for the duration of your course.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco
Outward Bound courses strive to empower participants. Participants are asked to refrain from tobacco use during the duration of the course. Alcohol and illegal drug use is prohibited on any of our courses. Failure to abide by our alcohol and drug policy will result in expulsion from course without a refund.

Travel to/from Costa Rica
Airfare to/from Costa Rica is not included in course fees. You are welcome to utilize any method of ticket purchase (i.e. personal travel agent, frequent flyer mileage etc.) but please consult our Travel Page first. REMEMBER: Book your flight to arrive the day before the course start date and to depart the day the course ends.

Arrival in San Jose
Participants should arrive in Costa Rica the day prior to the course start, and generally speaking the earlier the better as the group will usually have a very early rise. A CRROBS staff member will be waiting outside the airport, meeting participants' arriving flights. Look for them at the ONLY public exit, located right outside customs. Staff are easily identifiable: they wear Outward Bound shirts and they carry a CRROBS sign. In order to meet your arriving plane, it is imperative that you email or fax a copy of your flight arrangements at least 2 days prior to the start of the course. Transport from the airport to the base in San Jose is included in course fees. A course orientation takes place the night prior to the course start date. For more information, reference the 'airport protocol' section of the enrollment pack.

Travel in Costa Rica
All land transfers during the course are included in tuition and fees. To increase intercultural contact and communication, we usually use public transportation, including buses and ferries. In extremely remote areas, we charter transportation or use our own.

Mail and Telephone Contacts
You may receive mail sent to the school during your course. Tell your family and friends that letters may take longer than two weeks to arrive, so plan accordingly. For this reason we ask that mail only be sent to students on courses of 30 days or more. Packages should not be sent as the students are not able to sign for them and they can get caught up in customs. Letters should be sent regular post; do not send mail certified or insured. Mail should be addressed:

(Your name)/("Student on": course dates)
c/o Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School
P.O Box 1817-2050
San Pedro, San Jose
Costa Rica 02050
Fax: 1-800-676-0486/ 011-506-2-278-6059

Emergency Contact Information:
The following is a list of emergency numbers and the order which should be taken:

1. Call the school’s main telephone number (open 9-5 Central time(ST) / Mountain time(DST) / -6 GMT): 1-800-676-2018 or 011-506-2-278-6058. Messages left after 5pm will be checked and responded to the following weekday morning.

2. Send a message to our 24 hr. beeper service: first dial (011) 506-2-225-2500 or (011) 506-2-224-2400, ask for an English speaking operator, and leave a verbal message for "Outward Bound 1, 3, and 8".

3. Send an email to enrollment@crrobs.org or a fax to 1-800-676-0486 or 011-506-2-278-6059.

NOTE: Always leave return contact numbers and indicate the action you would like CRROBS to take regarding communication.