Will I need to have a passport and/or visa to enter this country?
Yes, all participants are required to have a passport. Participants must send a photocopy of their passport to the ISV office at least 65 days prior to departure. Check with the post office for details or the following website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html ( USA), http://www.pptc.gc.ca/forms/index.aspx ( Canada), http://www.passports.gov.au/Web/index.aspx (AUS) or www.passports.govt.nz (NZ). It is the responsibility of each participant (not ISV) to research and secure appropriate visas for travel to their assigned host country and any stopover countries.

ISV also requires all participants to mail a photocopy of their passport photo and ID# page to the ISV office with their final payment on or before 65 days prior to departure.

Do I need a visa?
Travel Visas are not required to enter Costa Rica for USA, Canadian, Australian or NZ citizens who are only staying in Costa Rica for the duration of the ISV program (up to 30 days).

Participants who are not a citizen of USA, Canada, Australia or NZ:

Do I need medical insurance?
ISV requires that all participants have medical insurance. Each participant must send a photocopy of proof of insurance into the ISV office at least 30 days prior to departure.

Do we get to ask for a preference of which project we will be assigned to, or will ISV choose the project?
Participants are always welcome to let ISV know a project preference if they have one. ISV will make every attempt to accommodate participants, however project placements are subject to availability and ISV can therefore not guarantee placement. Participants who do not make a specific project selection will be placed on an ISV project according to their general preferences and placement availability.

Will I be able to receive Academic Credit for my participation on the ISV program?
“Details regarding Academic Credit for the 2008”

Are the meals/lodging included in the price?
All lodging is included in the ISV program cost. All the meals for the first 2 weeks (volunteer work project) and about half the meals for the second 2 weeks (adventure tour) are included in the ISV program cost.

I was just wondering if a participant has to fly out with the group or not?
Every participant has the option to take an ISV flight or they are free to arrange their own flights. Participants should plan to arrive at the appointed place in their host country prior to the ISV group flight in order to meet their group.

I was wondering how I would go about obtaining travelers insurance and how important it is for me to have it when I go on the trip?
Participants are required to have travelers insurance which includes insurance for two purposes – coverage for medical treatment and care while in your host country and travel/trip cancellation coverage. Many insurance carriers package these plans together with other travel related issues such as lost or stolen items like plane tickets, passports, and personal items. Cancellation insurance is important in the event that a problem arises that prevents you from going on the program. Policies do vary depending on the insurance provider, what country you travel to and what is covered, so make sure that you get a policy appropriate for your host country and your needs. Any travel agency should be able to assist you in procuring travel/trip cancellation insurance. Most travel insurance companies require you to purchase travel/trip cancellation insurance within 14 days after submitting your Agreement and paying your non-refundable deposit. Please go to the Terms and Conditions link for more information on travel/trip cancellation insurance

Are friends who do not attend a university able to apply to your program?
Although the ISV program is directed toward university students, a person does not have to be a university student to be welcomed on an ISV program. All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

When exactly is orientation?
“An orientation will be held at Hotel America in Heredia, Costa Rica prior to the two week project and prior to the two week adventure tour”

My friend would like to go, but he does not know if it is available through his school, can he still apply?
All ISV participants are welcome to have a friend join them on the ISV summer program- the application is available online.

What is an "Included" activity?
There are five “included” Adventure Tour activities included in the Program Cost. The final Adventure Tour itinerary with these included activities will be in your Student Travel Manual which will be sent to you 30 days prior to your departure date. ISV reserves the right to change these activities without notice.

What is an "Optional Activity Package" (OAP)?
In addition to the five “included” activities in the Adventure Tour, ISV offers participants an exciting Optional Activities Package (OAP). These activities are more of the best in outdoor adventure and cultural appreciation opportunities. Each year about 98% of ISV participants choose purchase the ISV Optional Activities Package as it adds great value to the overall experience. All activities in the OAP are organized by ISV staff prior to arrival. All participants have to do is show up and be ready to have a great time. Offered exclusively to ISV participants at a discounted price, you may reserve the OAP package by checking the indicated box on your ISV Flight Reservation form. (If you have already submitted your Flight Reservation form, please send an email to the ISV office indicating your desire to purchase the OAP package.)