Estimation of costs

We envision that the cost of the course, exclusive of living expenses while in Blacksburg, tuition and other miscellaneous costs (like a passport and airport departure tax in San Jose) will be approximately $3,200 per student. This price will vary somewhat because:

• students who sign up after January 26th may have to pay an additional air fare because we had to guarantee the number of discounted seats. The price of the return trip ticket may be as much as $300 higher for people who sign up after January 26th (assuming there are airline seats available).
• students who wish to stay in Costa Rica after we finish the tour may incur additional airline costs because of a change in air flight arrangements. Extra expenses, such as room and board, incurred because of extended travel will be the sole responsibility of the student.
• the number of students who sign up for the course. The more students who sign up, the lower the final cost will be.

DEADLINES

• A nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 is due no later than January 26, 2001
• The balance is due April 2, 2001

Additional costs for the student:

• Reduced Va Tech tuition for 6 credit hours (Summer 2000 rates)
  • Virginia Residents: $410 ($82 per credit hour)
    Non-Virginia Residents: $1610 ($322 per credit hour)
• Living Expenses while in Blacksburg. This will vary. We will provide you with a campus referral for short term rentals in Blacksburg. There may be students in the course who already have an apartment that they would like to share for a few weeks.
• Passport. A passport which will cost about $50 and is good for 10 years. A passport will be necessary to convert travelers checks or cash into colones.
• Vaccinations and medications. These will vary, please see Things you need to know.
• Airport departure tax in San Jose (approximately $17, cash only).
• Books
  • Kricher, Neotropical Companion (about $35)
  • Biesanz, Biesanz and Beisanz, The Ticos (about $20)
  • Eller, Miners, Millhands and Mountaineers (about $20)
  • Rite-in-the-rain notebook (about $15)
• Trail snacks (please bring your own if low blood sugar is a problem)
• Spending Money (between $50 to $100 should be adequate depending on your spending habits)