Everyone should bring:
1 bottle of sunscreen
1 bottle of mosquito repellent
2 bottles anti-bacterial soap (one for each homestay)  
10 small packets of Kleenex
underwear (at least a weeks worth)
socks
2 sets of sleeping clothes    
1 swimsuit
1 light jacket or sweater (it can get pretty cold/windy in Monteverde)   
1 umbrella
rain pancho
1 beach towel     
bag/briefcase/large purse (having an extra bag is nice for the weekend excursions & to carry souvenirs home in)
toiletries: razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, comb etc.
sunglasses     
hat
any needed prescription drugs    
watch
common over-the-counter drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, lotrimin, neosporin, immodium, benedryl, wound kit with antibiotic creme and bandaids, etc.)
contact lens solutions/ extra contact lenses
good walking shoes/tennis shoes/boots
photocopy of opening page of passport
photocopies of all credit cards  
address book
photocopies of prescriptions for medicine/glasses you can't do without
pocket flashlight    
pillow
2 towels
clothes to wear out to the discos/dancing
small bottles of shampoo for weekend excursions

Optional:
handiwipes     
books to read
cd/mp3 player for bus rides
your favorite candy/ snacks
camera    
film, if needed (it is a lot more expensive in CR so bring extra)
pictures of your family and your home (sometimes your host families like to see these)
small gifts for host families (hand creme, scented soap, candy, something from A&M)

Women should bring:
extra packets of Kleenex   
tampons/sanitary pads
makeup with sunscreen   
4 bras/ sports bras
dresses/ skirts or other nice clothes     
four blouses/shirts    
two pairs of cotton pants
2 pairs of jeans    
2 pairs of shoes
2 pairs of shorts    
costume jewelry
headbands and elastic bands

Students should bring:
Lined paper and writing instruments.
Required readings for classes

Remember:
Do not pack more than you can physically carry on your own.
Always pack LESS than you think you need.
Natural fibers will keep you cooler and drier.
When in doubt, choose clothes that are more formal.

home - expectations - breakdown of cost - what to pack - student comments - cool links - money

tips for your stay - requirements -student papers - things to do while not in class - pictures from