Parents
This page has been designed specifically with parents of Global Citizenship Students in mind in order to answer any questions and alleviate any concerns you may have about your student’s trip this winter. We have compiled a variety of links and information and we hope you will take advantage of what this site has to offer. Feel free to explore the site using the sidebar links and navigation at the top of the page. If there is something you feel we have left out, please do not hesitate to contact the staff of the Global Citizenship office at any time.
Destination
General Travel Information
Traveling Tips
Important Dates
Highlights of Itinerary (coming soon)
Trip Agreement (All GC students sign this agreement prior to departure for the Global Citizenship Intersession Trip).
Disease Information
We recommend that your student both purchase a guidebook for Costa Rica, as well as does some basic research to familiarize themselves with the area and local culture. As a parent, you may want to know a little more about the city yourself, and so we have compiled a short list of useful websites to find out more about our trip destination.
Travel Guides
General information, including sections on history, geography and climate, the people, infrastructure, government, etc. can be found here.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs, a division of the U.S. Department of State, is a great resource for traveling tips, safety, and general information about going abroad. Specifically, the Consular Information Sheet for Costa Rica is very helpful on issues varying from medical facilities quality to general safety precautions. Additionally, information on passports, such as in the case of a lost or stolen one, can be found here.
With regards to health insurance , Global Citizenship requires all students to obtain an ISIC, or International Student Identity Card. This ID provides limited accident insurance, hospital sickness insurance, emergency evacuation/repatriation insurance and a 24-hour traveler's assistance service. Your student can contact Lehigh’s Study Abroad Office for information about the ISIC Card as well as obtain a checklist of health precautions to take. IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, in particular contains valuable information on getting medical treatment while abroad.
For some beautiful images of Costa Rica, check out this website!
Here is a list of suggestions that you and your student might want to keep in mind.
- Please note the Transport Security Administration's guidelines on carrying liquids
on flights. - In case of emergency, another member of the traveling person’s family should have
a valid passport. - Before packing, know the luggage and weight limit allowed on the airline to be used.
- Photocopy all important documents, such as passports and IDs, so that your student can keep a copy in their luggage and you can keep a copy at home.
- Find out the exchange rate.
- Learn about different money options available.
- Buy a calling card to keep in touch for less money. Zaptel.com and CallingCards.com are both good options.
Tentative Deadlines
- Due Friday, Nov. 21, 2009: Second Payment of $250.
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Please make checks payable to: Lehigh University Global Citizenship
- Mail to:
Global Citizenship
Coxe Hall
32 Sayre Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015
- January 2010