How is the local transportation? Is it easy to get around? How do I get to Proyecto Asís?

The local bus system in Costa Rica is much cheaper than taking a taxi. We will provide you with a schedule upon arrival. The bus fare is around 1000 Colones, which is roughly $2 dollars. There are local buses that leave to Ciudad Quesada, La Fortuna, and surrounding cities. We are happy to help you plan for your arrival, departures, weekend trips, and excursions while you are here! Please arrive at San Jose International Airport at least a day or two before your program starts on Monday. It’s about a 2 – 2.5 hour car drive from San Jose to Proyecto Asis. If your flight lands in the afternoon or evening we suggest you spend the night in a hostel or hotel in San Jose, and make the beautiful drive in the morning.

What is it like living with a host family? How do you place me in a home?

Staying in host family homes is one of the best experiences of an internship or volunteer program, especially if you want to learn Spanish! Meals are provided 3 times a day, along with your own room and laundry service. “Ticos” are known for their hospitality and cleanliness, as they shower daily and prepare fresh meals of rice, beans, fruit, and vegetables. We ask you to indicate your living preferences before arrival, as your enrollment form allows. These preferences include dietary needs, as well as if you prefer to be in a home with other children, or if you like animals, etc. We do our best to place you in a home that best fits your needs. All of our placement homes have hosted families or individuals before, and we continually place volunteers with families that receive positive feedback.

What gifts do you recommend I bring for my host family?

We are often asked what you can bring for your host families. If you want to bring something, you could bring something that is typical of the place you live in. Some items that have been popular are games and small toys especially if you are living with kids, t-shirts, hats, and food items from your area. Also, bring pictures of your family, home, your pets, etc. to share. This is such a nice thing. They are very interested in how their guests live.

There are two different transfer options:

• Taxi
We can arrange for a taxi to pick you up and drive you directly to Asis. The driver goes directly to pick you up at the airport, at the exit door. He brings a sign with your name and the name of our organization, Proyecto Asis.

• Interbus
If you prefer a lower cost option you can take an official airport taxi to the InterBus Station in Alajuela. The InterBus leaves promptly at 3pm. The InterBus Station is located about 1 mile from the airport. Once you get on the InterBus it might make several stops along the way to drop off other customers. Your drop off will be directly at Proyecto Asis.

Ask us about pricing for both transfer options.

Is there internet access nearby?

We have WiFi internet access at Proyecto Asis, and a computer for volunteers to use. There are also internet cafes in surrounding cities for a small fee. Wi-Fi or wireless connection is not available in the house village. Please note, if there are multiple volunteers internet time must be shared with all.

Can I use my phone in Costa Rica?

There is a store nearby where calling cards can be purchased. We also sell phone cards here at Proyecto Asis. You are welcome to use your host family’s phone, and the phone at Proyecto Asis; however a phone card must always be used to avoid expensive phone bills. Some volunteers have chosen to bring cellular phones, however the reception has varied. If you are going to be here for an extended period of time it may be wise to purchase a “chip & pre pay” phone once you arrive. Other phones like a Blackberry are set up to receive services in other countries and allow you to have e-mail, internet, and phone access. We recommend you check with your phone service provider for specific pricing.

What is the easiest way to communicate with friends/family back home? Should I bring a phone?

The easiest way to communicate with family or friends is via e-mail, Skype, and phone cards. We have Internet available at Proyecto Asis for you to use or set up a Skype account.

A note on connectivity

Please bear in mind that phone and internet usage should be kept to a minimum, in order to respect the immersion process.

What are some excursion options available to me? What are some weekend activities that are nearby?

Costa Rica is an adventure paradise! There are many adventure activities in the area including: hiking through the rainforest or to the volcano, White-water rafting, kayaking on Lake Arenal, bungee jumping, canopy/cave/zip-lining, rapelling through canyons, hanging bridges, trips to the beach, and much more! We will be more than glad to arrange your adventure excursions.

How can I donate to Proyecto Asis?

Thank you so much for your support! The best way to give donations to Proyecto Asis is through wire transfers. Below, we add our bank account details:
Bank: Banco de Costa Rica
Address bank: La Fortuna de San Carlos, frente al colegio
Account name: Proyecto Asis para el Desarrollo Humano S.A.
Account number: 166-0012614-9

Important note about donations

Please do not forget to send a copy of the deposit. This way, we can confirm that we got it.