Costa Rica - Montana 4H - Montana State University Extension

STATES’ 4-H INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM DETAILS

Dates: June 18—July 17, 2020

Capacity: 20 delegates maximum, 5 delegates minimum

Cost: $1,775 + airfare estimate ($800 - $1,300) + $50 travel agent fee (Airfare varies based on applicant’s location)

Delegates arrive in San José for a two-night arrival orientation, which includes sightseeing and cultural activities. Afterwards, delegates meet their Costa Rican 4-S host families and begin their homestay experience. After approximately 3 weeks with their host families, delegates will gather for a two-day sightseeing excursion to Arenal Volcano National Park. The program concludes with a departure debriefing in San José.

Program Fees Include:

Overnight National Departure Orientation in a U.S. gateway city
Two-night arrival orientation in San José, including sight-seeing and cultural excursions
Two-day visit to Arenal Volcano National Park
In-Costa Rica expenses: lodging, meals, and most transportation costs (delegates may be responsible for local bus transportation during homestay)
Orientation materials and States’ 4-H t-shirts
Accident & Sickness Insurance
A portion of adult chaperone expenses

Program Timeline*:

November 15: Application & $1,000 first deposit due to Montana 4-H

January: States’ 4-H notifies applicant of acceptance

January 15: $1,000 second deposit due to Montana 4-H

Late-February: States’ 4‐H issues air tickets

February 15: Medical form & passport copy due to Montana 4-H

Spring: State-level orientations

April 1: Third & final deposit due to Montana 4-H
Late Spring: States’ 4-H group conference call for Costa Rica delegates

June 18: Students fly to a U.S. gateway city for National Departure Orientation the day before the international flight.

**First payment will not be deposited until applicant is accepted in January

Who can apply:

4-H youth who want to learn first-hand about another culture and gain a global perspective. Must be between ages 15-18 from the first day to the last day of the exchange (you must not be in college). 4-H enrollment guidelines and ages vary by state.

How to apply:

Contact your local 4-H coordinator to apply and learn about your local deadlines.

States’ 4-H Program Policies:

Program Cancellations:
- Before January 31, 2020: $300 cancellation fee. The remaining amount of first program deposit will be refunded
- January 31 - February 15, 2020: Cancellation will equal 100% of first program deposit
- After February 15, 2020: No refund of paid deposits
Airfare is non-refundable once issued
In-State Fees may apply
Unaccompanied Minor fees may apply (up to $150 each way)
No donor checks are accepted by the States’ 4-H Office; donors must send checks directly to the delegate
Program details subject to change

FAQs:

Q: Will a chaperone accompany the group?

A: Yes! Adult chaperones accompany the group during international travel and remain in-country to provide support during the exchange.

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?

A: No prior language study is required, but it is certainly helpful! Our international partners have English-speaking staff on hand to assist you in communication.

Q: How will States’ 4-H prepare me for my homestay?

A: States’ 4-H provides travel handbooks that cover everything from packing lists to financial matters to cultural information. In addition, each state conducts an spring orientation covering these topics. Delegates also receive details during the States’ 4-H group conference call in late spring and a National Departure Orientation the day before the international flight.