Acknowledgement of Conditions and Responsibilities
International Study Tour to Costa Rica, 2009
Arkansas State University
Please read the following statements carefully. These statements outline the ASU position on
important topics related to the international travel experience. The following is not intended as
an exhaustive list of do’s and don’ts’ but these offer guiding principles for personal decision
making.
The climate of Costa Rica is a combination of tropical and high desert. The area of the Costa
Rica Field Experience will be throughout the country including costal plains and mountain rain
forests. These varied conditions may tax your physical reserves. Keep the following in mind:
1. The primary goal of this travel experience is academic or educational in nature.
2. Since dehydration is a serious concern, be attentive to your fluid intake. The water in
Costa Rica is said to be of high quality and acceptable for consumption. However, bottled
water is highly recommended at least for the first several days of the trip. Also it should
be noted that water quality various somewhat from place to place and some people are
more sensitive than others.
3. While traveling in remote areas of Costa Rica, healthcare will be limited, so be careful
and report any injury, no matter how minor. Your medical release form should disclose to
the group leader any condition(s) that would require special medical attention.
4. Do not engage in behaviors or discussions that might be construed as improper or
offensive to those of the host culture. Also be aware that some forms of humor can be
missed understood, so exercise caution. Rudeness is not well received in most cultures.
Demonstrate respect for the people, the culture and customs even though you may not
agree.
5. While on this trip you will be under the jurisdiction of the laws of Costa Rica and your
U.S. citizenship will not exempt you from Costa Rican justice.
6. Drugs are illegal, and the Costa Rican legal system can be harsh. Do not use drugs or
affiliate with anyone who does. See item #5.
7. You may have access to antiques of great social and archeological value. It is illegal
deface, export or attempt to export any of these items. See item #5.
8. Visitors to a foreign country are sometimes the target of scams, ploys, or deceptions that
would lead to theft or physical injury. Be wary of people who approach you needing
help, or offering help.
9. You are not to engage in solicitation leading to sexual encounters of any type.
Communicable diseases are common and frequent problem in developing countries, and
often lead to long term devastating effects to one’s physical health or psychological well
being.
10. Common courteousness is important. Look at people who speak to you; listen before you
speak, shake hands when being introduced, and thank people who help you/us or speak to
the group. Don’t assume that you have permission to enter, speak or participate.
11. When in doubt about personal conduct you are to error on the side of caution.
12. Change and delays or cancellations may occur in travel plans from time to time.
13. Due to travel conditions and schedules the group leader /instructor may establish a
curfew and/or wake-up schedule. Proper rest is important to maintaining one’s health
and alertness. Both mental acuities and physical abilities are impeded by a lack of rest.
14. While the host country has many interesting and beautiful plants and animals, be advised
that many are dangerous. Do not risk encouragers that could result in injury.
15. Providing false information, oral or written, to any customs agents or on any customs
document can lead to delays, fines, or imprisonment.
16. You are participating in a program offered by and under the direction of Arkansas State
University and as such you are a student in a learning experience. As such, you are
subject to all of the policies and governances covering student behaviors at Arkansas
State University or both.
17. The group leader/instructor is responsible for all communications with host country
parties and others should not interfere with that communications.
18. The group leader / instructor is the final authority in all disputed matters.
I _______________________ have read the above statements and understand that these are
intended as general, not exhaustive, guidelines. I understand that I am solely responsible for my
behaviors and conduct and undertake that responsibility willingly and without reservation or
conceit. I am aware of the inherent difficulties of international travel experiences as explained in
the orientation, through literature, and available from websites provided to me. Should I conduct
myself in a manner contrary to the conditions noted above, I will not hold Arkansas State
University, the field experience personnel from any affiliate institution accountable for the
consequences of my conduct and behavior.
Signed: ______________________
Date: _______________________
Printed: ______________________
Institution: ___________________