For Parents
Parents, we understand this can be an anxious, yet exciting time for you and your son or daughter. GREEN recognizes the complexity of pursuing an adventure overseas such as this educational program. We want to be there for you every step of the way, just like you want to be there for your son or daughter. So take a look at some of our helpful links, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to leave us a message at 888-558-0579 or reach us at info@greenworknow.com
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Get involved! Be part of the excitement! |
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Here's some ways to get prepared with your son or daughter:
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When possible, we like to stay connected with the people who made our student's travels possible - The Parents. Here's one account of a parent welcoming his son back from the GREEN - Costa Rica program. We look forward to hearing your stories of your student's rewarding adventures!
Our hopes that the GREEN program would be a safe and worthwhile experience for our son were fulfilled as only caring parents could want and feel. Within moments of receiving a Skype phone call a few days into the trip, it was clear from our son's enthusiasm that he was not only having the time of his life, but that he was talking advantage of the educational, community service, and cultural opportunities. Upon his return we found out why we only got one call: he was so engrossed in the program's rich activities and becoming a family with his fellow adventurers, the GREEN staff, and the Hotel community. Our son is still praising the program and expressing how worthwhile it was for him. "The best experience of my life."
Before endorsing my son's desire to participate, I did sufficient due diligence by studying the entire public access website, critically reading the contract, contacting GREEN with my concerns about contract language, and verifying that some of the former participants really went to the universities their testimonials said they did. The understanding, thoughtful, and quick responses reassured me that the program was well-managed, the claims and testimonials were sincere, and thus we had good odds for a good return on investment.
Note: Zach paid for GREEN out of his college budget (and our fixed limit contribution to it), which means he will have to work or borrow more to make it through collage. So when he says it was so worthwhile, he's talking about his own money.
While this testament was solicited by GREEN staff, it was the my idea to do so. I have no connection to the GREEN program or any of its staff. My son found out about GREEN from a notice in an Engineers Without Borders Newsletter. He knew no one who had gone, but is happy with the decision he made.
In closing I vouch for the GREEN staff, validate the program is as advertised, and strongly endorse the program for self-motivated adventurous students.
In closing I vouch for the GREEN staff, validate the program is as advertised, and strongly endorse the program for self-motivated adventurous students.
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Bob Hamber
Parent of Mechanical Engineering Student
San Diego State University
General Health
The country of Costa Rica houses the best infrastructure in Latin America, which means their irrigation, sewage, and disease control government agencies work equivalently to, if not better than, the United States.
Furthermore, the most developed state in Costa Rica is the state of Guanacaste. This state has historically been developed from the boom era of American and European tourism and retirement. The entire GREEN program takes place in Guanacaste.
This means that the general health of each student is not typically at risk from studying abroad. All the water provided is potable and all meals are prepared with nutrition and local antibodies in mind to maintain stamina and energy throughout the program as to limit the risk of becoming infected
Insurance
Your in-country medical coverage will be covered by Instituto Nacional de Seguros and HSBC – Seguros Costa Rica. Your coverage ranges up to $200,000.00, the highest possible coverage that one can obtain in Costa Rica for a 2-week period. It covers accidental death, medical expenses for accidents, and/or immediate emergency hospitalization at any time in the country during the program.
For more information, please call internationally at: 011-506-2287-1600 or call GREEN at: 888-558-0579.
Water
All water at GREEN hotels is potable, naturally filtered, and often better quality than American bottled water. We do recommend and provide the opportunity to purchase bottled water at a local shop and refill at the student’s discretion.
Infection
Malaria has almost become obsolete in Costa Rica, with very few cases each year, none of which are in the state of Guanacaste where the GREEN program takes place. Therefore, it is not recommended to get malaria pills, but rather to invest in bug spray. Other rumored diseases like Cholera and Leptospirosis are no longer found in Costa Rica.
The one infection that is found in Costa Rica, but not in the United States, is dengue fever. Dengue is transmitted by mosquito bites and while you may find a few cases of it in Guanacaste, it is usually only found in densely populated, poorer cities. GREEN never settles in, nor even travels through these potential danger areas. Costa Rica does an extraordinary job of fumigating and keeping dengue at bay. Therefore, if there ever is a breakout, it is usually squelched within a couple weeks.
Safety
Crime in Costa Rica is very low per capita especially when compared to the United States. The Latin America country has been rated the “Happiest Country in the World” by a variety of sources. Many believe the “Pura Vida!” care-free attitude is due to the excessive magnesium found in many of the staple foods of the traditional tico diet.
This creates a comfortable and safe atmosphere for students to interact with locals. Regardless, GREEN staff maintains prudent supervision at all times to ensure full attendance at every checkpoint along the 12-day adventure.
Unfortunately, petty crime such as unarmed robbery is abundant in Costa Rica, therefore GREEN takes secure precautions to protect the possessions of it students. We stress the importance of vigilance when bringing valuable assets into and around the country.
Emergencies
All GREEN students receive an Emergency Card with local emergency and counselor contact information. Communication with friends and family back in the United States is easily facilitated through Skype, email, or an international calling card. An international cellphone can be purchased at the student's or parent's discretion.
The Alumni Network
GREEN is a lifetime service. While the bulk of our work takes place during the 12-day educational adventure program, we strive to empower our Alumni with necessary tools and information to succeed in the world long after joining us in Costa Rica.
The Alumni Network brings together hundreds of GREEN Alumni from around the world. Students share experiences, collaborate on new projects and even help each other find jobs and internship opportunities. The strength of the GREEN Network is in the dedication of its ever growing alumni base. By joining the network upon returning home, your son or daughter will become connected to hundreds of other GREEN Alumni and a whirlwind of new and exciting opportunities.
Check out the GREEN Alumni Network here.
Contact us with questions
Our staff works hard to ensure all questions are answered. Please fill out the form below and one of our personal representatives will reach out to schedule a conversation.
