These Terms & Conditions apply for all reservations made from June 1st, 2023 onwards.
The site www.interculturacostarica.com is the official site of Centro de Idiomas Intercultura y Sámara Language School (Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish Schools as its official marketing name), hereinafter called the School, used for corresponding payments for the sale of the services which the school offers. These services include among others: Spanish and culture programs which may include Spanish classes, homestay lodging, activities, excursions and transfers etc.
The use of the site www.interculturacostarica.com is governed by the by the Terms and Conditions set forth below and its use indicated their full and unconditional acceptance.
Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish schools reserve the right to make changes, corrections or improvements in the programs and services and Terms and Conditions at any time without notice.
Payment Terms:
Terms of payment shall be determined by the School. In order that the site will accept your payment, www.interculturacostarica.com should have received the corresponding approval of the of the credit or debit card of the authorizing party. www.interculturacostarica.com does not take any responsibility if such financial institution rejects the credit or debit card for any reason.
Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before submitting your application or requesting program changes. By submitting your registration, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions. Throughout this document, the terms “student,” “participant,” and “client” refer to the registered participant, while “Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School” or “the school” refers to Intercultura Costa Rica.
- TRAVEL
Students are solely responsible for arranging and paying for all travel related to their participation in Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School programs, including international airfare, transportation to and from Costa Rica, and any local transportation expenses. Students are also responsible for researching and obtaining any visas, vaccinations, permits, or other documentation required for international travel and entry into Costa Rica. While Intercultura may provide general guidance when possible, the school is not responsible for obtaining or issuing travel documentation or supporting materials required for visa applications or other travel purposes. Students must ensure that all travel documents remain valid for the duration of their trip. Passports should generally have a minimum of six (6) months of validity remaining at the time of travel.
Travel Delays:
In the event of a travel delay, students may begin group classes on Tuesday instead of Monday. However, missed classes are non-refundable. This policy also applies if a student chooses to depart early and misses scheduled classes at the end of the program. In most cases, students cannot join a group class after Tuesday. If a delay extends beyond this time, students may need to wait until the following Monday to begin classes. Missed group classes due to travel delays cannot be replaced with private lessons, and refunds or credits are not available, except in the case of a documented medical emergency approved by school administration.
- INSURANCE
Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School does not provide insurance coverage of any kind, including but not limited to health, travel, accident, or emergency medical insurance. Participation in the program is at the student’s own risk, and students are solely responsible for any medical, health-related, travel, or emergency expenses incurred during their stay.
Students are not required but are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to arrival. Regardless of insurance status, all students must travel with a valid credit card and sufficient available funds to cover emergency expenses, as medical providers and insurance companies frequently require upfront payment, with reimbursement processed afterward according to the insurance provider’s policy.
Emergency Expenses
In the unlikely event of an emergency, students are solely responsible for any expenses incurred, including but not limited to medical care, transportation, accommodation changes, or other unforeseen costs related to illness, accidents, travel disruptions, or extraordinary circumstances.
Please note that many travel insurance providers require expenses to be paid upfront and reimburse eligible costs afterward according to the terms of the policy. Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School is unable to advance funds or cover students’ medical, travel, or other emergency-related expenses.
For this reason, all students are required to travel with a valid credit card and sufficient available funds to cover emergency expenses. We strongly recommend maintaining a minimum available balance of USD $5,000 for unexpected situations.
Spanish & Volunteer Program Insurance Requirements
All volunteers participating in Intercultura’s volunteer programs are required to maintain comprehensive medical and travel insurance for the full duration of their stay and participation in volunteer placements.
Insurance coverage must be purchased prior to the program start date and must remain valid throughout the volunteer’s entire travel period in Costa Rica. Volunteers are solely responsible for selecting and obtaining insurance coverage appropriate to their personal circumstances and travel plans, including the type, scope, and level of coverage.
In addition, volunteers are required to travel with a valid credit card and sufficient available funds to cover emergency expenses, as many insurance providers require upfront payment before reimbursement. A minimum available balance of USD $5,000 is strongly recommended.
Medical Conditions & Continuity of Treatment
Students are required to inform Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School at the time of enrollment of any medical, physical, emotional, psychological, or other conditions, challenges, or limitations that may reasonably affect their participation in the program, their well-being, or the well-being of others.
Students are responsible for bringing an adequate supply of any required medications and for following prescribed treatment plans throughout the duration of the program.
If a student discontinues prescribed treatment or experiences circumstances that result in significant behavioral concerns, safety risks, or serious disruptions to classes, activities, lodging, or the learning environment, Intercultura reserves the right, at the discretion of the School Director, to require modifications to the student’s participation or to withdraw the student from the program.
In such cases, all transportation, supervision, medical, accommodation, personal, and other expenses associated with withdrawal from the program or early departure shall be the responsibility of the student (or parent/guardian, where applicable). Refunds will not be provided in these circumstances.
- PAYMENT
- Deposit Payment (Standard Program)
To confirm and reserve your place in the program, a non-refundable deposit is required per participant:
- USD $150 for Spanish classes only
- USD $250 for Spanish classes plus accommodation booked through Intercultura
Deposits may be paid by credit card or PayPal at the time of registration, or no later than the applicable payment deadline, using our secure online payment page: Program Payment Page
- Deposit Payment Deadlines
- High Season (program start dates from January–March and June–July): Deposit payment is due 8 weeks prior to the program start date.
- Regular Season (program start dates between April–May and August–December):
Deposit payment is due 4 weeks prior to the program start date.
Students who are uncertain about their travel plans may wish to wait until the applicable payment deadline before submitting the deposit, as deposits are non-refundable, non-transferable to another person, and cannot be applied to a future study date in the event of cancellation.
Please note that a program space is not confirmed or guaranteed until the required deposit has been received. Registrations for which payment has not been received by the applicable deadline will remain unconfirmed and will be subject to availability at the time payment is received.
- Final payment (Standard Program)
The remaining balance of the program invoice is due at the start of the program and may be paid at the school reception using one of the following payment methods:
- Cash (USD or Costa Rican Colones)
- Credit card
- PayPal
If payment is made by international bank transfer, the student is responsible for covering all applicable bank transfer fees. Please note that international bank transfers may take several business days to be received and processed. For this reason, bank transfer payments must be completed at least one (1) week prior to the program start date, and proof of payment sent to: [email protected]
Students who choose to pay for only a portion of their classes, accommodation, or other program components at the start of the program understand that any unpaid services will remain unconfirmed and may be released for reservation by other students, subject to availability.
- Payment & Cancellation – Groups, Teen Summer Camp & Academic Teen Immersion
- Programs in this category require a 20% non-refundable deposit, payable at least two (2) months prior to the program start date in order to confirm participation.
- The remaining balance must be paid no later than two (2) weeks prior to the program start date.
- Cancellations made at least two (2) months prior to the program start date:
Full or partial cancellations may be made without penalty, except for the 20% non-refundable deposit. - Cancellations made less than two (2) months prior to the program start date:
The 20% deposit will be retained and is non-refundable. No additional cancellation fees will apply. - Cancellations made less than two (2) weeks prior to the program start date:
Programs are subject to full payment, and no refunds will be issued.
- REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY (Standard Program)
If a refund is approved by the school administration under this section, any fees incurred through the original payment method will be deducted from the refund amount. This includes, but is not limited to, bank transfer fees, credit card processing fees, PayPal fees, or other transaction costs associated with both the initial payment and the refund process. Approved refunds are issued via PayPal, or in cash for small amounts when the student is
onsite in Costa Rica.
If an approved refund cannot reasonably be processed, students may choose to place their program on hold (“freeze” their program) and retain the unused portion of their paid program fees as a credit toward a future visit. Program credit must be used within one (1) year of the date the program is placed on hold.
Program credit is non-transferable and may only be used by the original registered student.
- Full Program Cancellation (= Before Arrival)
If a student cancels participation before the program start date and has paid the required deposit, the deposit remains non-refundable.
Please note that programs are not confirmed until the required deposit has been received by the applicable payment deadline. Registrations without a deposit may be subject to cancellation or unavailable space.
If the full program balance has already been paid and the student cancels prior to the program start date, 70% of the total program cost may be refunded, less:
- the non-refundable deposit, and
- any payment processing, transfer, or refund-related fees incurred.
As an alternative to a refund, students may choose to convert the eligible unused portion of their payment into a non-transferable program credit, valid for up to one (1) year from the original program start date. The non-refundable deposit portion is excluded from this credit. To reduce the risk of cancellation-related losses, we generally recommend paying only the required deposit until travel plans are confirmed.
- Partial Cancellation (= During Program)
No refunds or credits will be issued for any portion of a program that is cancelled, shortened, or unused after the program has begun. Please note that any classes, accommodation, or other program components that have not been paid for during the student’s first week of the program remain unconfirmed and cannot be guaranteed at a later date, as availability may change. Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School reserves the right to withdraw a student from the program in cases of rule violations, illegal activity, unsafe conduct, or other serious or unacceptable behavior. In such cases, no refund or program credit will be granted.
- Program Changes
Program changes may be requested subject to availability and approval by the school. Examples of possible changes include:
- extending a program stay,
- pausing classes temporarily and resuming them at a later date, or
- splitting a stay between Intercultura’s two campuses.
For example, a student may choose to pause classes for one week and extend the program by one additional week, provided space is available. Please note that this flexibility applies to classes only. Accommodation reservations are charged separately, and additional lodging weeks will incur additional fees.
Class Changes & Private Lessons:
Please note the following policies regarding classes and lesson scheduling:
- Confirmed group classes cannot be converted to private lessons.
- Confirmed private lessons cannot be rescheduled once scheduled and confirmed.
- If a student chooses to take fewer private lessons than originally booked and paid for, no refund or program credit will be issued for unused lessons.
If a student switches from a program with a higher tuition rate to one with a lower tuition rate, no refund will be issued for the price difference. If a student changes to a program with a higher tuition rate, any additional fees must be paid before the change can be confirmed.
Homestay Changes:
Students who voluntarily request a change from one host family to another may be charged a USD $75 homestay change fee. This fee helps compensate the original host family for reserved space and expenses already incurred.
No change fee will apply in emergency circumstances or situations approved by school administration (for example, if the host family is unable to provide agreed accommodations).
Whenever possible, homestay changes must take place during the weekend (Saturday or Sunday, depending on the reservation schedule), as homestay accommodations are arranged and compensated on a weekly basis.
Students who choose to move between host families during the week may be responsible for additional accommodation charges for overlapping nights.
Homestay Conduct & Termination:
Host families reserve the right to discontinue a homestay arrangement, in consultation with Intercultura administration, if a student repeatedly violates house rules or engages in inappropriate, disruptive, or unsafe behavior.
In such cases:
- No refund or program credit will be granted for unused lodging, and
- Any replacement accommodation arranged through Intercultura must be paid in full by the student.
Depending on the severity of the situation, Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School reserves the right to restrict future lodging placements or withdraw a student from the program entirely.
Intercultura maintains a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity, violence, theft, drug use, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, or violations of Costa Rican law. Serious incidents may result in immediate removal from lodging and/or dismissal from the program without refund.
- Airport Pick-Up Cancellation
To ensure reliable communication during travel, we strongly recommend purchasing an eSIM or international data plan prior to arrival in Costa Rica.
San José Airport (SJO) Pick-Ups:
Students who have arranged an airport pick-up service through Intercultura must wait at the designated airport exit point for their host family or driver. If you are unable to locate your family or driver, please use the emergency contact information provided to contact the host family and/or the school immediately. Please do not leave the airport or take alternative transportation before speaking with a school representative or your host family.
Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School cannot reimburse transportation expenses for students who leave the airport independently without first contacting the school or waiting for their arranged pickup.
To ensure reliable communication during travel, we strongly recommend purchasing an eSIM or international data plan prior to arrival in Costa Rica. In case of emergency, students may:
- make a collect (reverse-charge) call by dialing 1110,
- connect to the airport Wi-Fi to call or message via WhatsApp, or
- ask airport staff or another traveler to temporarily share internet access.
Liberia Airport (LIR) Pick-Ups:
Students who request airport transportation through Intercultura will be picked up by a transportation provider based in Sámara at the date and time provided during booking.
If a student does not arrive as scheduled and has not informed the school or transportation provider of delays or itinerary changes in advance, the full airport transfer fee will still apply, as the driver will already have completed the journey to the airport.
- ON THE SPOT EXTENSIONS
Students may request a program extension during their stay, subject to availability for the specific program component being extended (for example: classes, accommodation, or volunteer placements).
Extension Rates
For group classes, the weekly rate from the original booking will generally apply to the extension.
Example:
If a student initially books 5 weeks of classes and later decides to extend for 2 additional weeks, the 5–9 week rate from the original booking will continue to apply to the extension.
However, if the extension itself qualifies for a different pricing tier based on its length, the applicable rate for the extension only will be applied.
Example:
If a student originally books 4 weeks (1–4 week rate) and later extends for 5 additional weeks, the 5–9 week rate will apply only to the additional 5-week extension. The original 4 weeks already completed or paid for will not be recalculated retroactively.
Please note that rates from the original booking cannot be changed retroactively.
Programs Spanning Two Calendar Years
If a program is booked in advance and spans two calendar years, the pricing from the year in which the program begins will apply to the entire reservation, provided the full program was booked at the same time.
However, any on-the-spot extension arranged in a new calendar year will be treated as a new booking and charged according to the rates in effect at that time.
Payment for Extensions
To confirm an on-the-spot extension, students may either:
- pay a required deposit, or
- pay the full extension amount at the time the extension is confirmed.
Please note that extension deposits are non-refundable if the student later cancels the extension.
- DISCOUNT POLICY
Holiday discount
For standard group classes (adult and kids/teen programs) charged at the standard published rate, a USD $30 holiday discount will be applied when a Costa Rican national holiday falls on a weekday, as no group classes will be held on that day. Please note that the school may observe a national holiday either on the official holiday date or on the Friday of the corresponding week, depending on the national holiday schedule and school operations.
Because classes missed due to national holidays cannot be rescheduled or made up on another day, the holiday discount is applied in place of replacement classes. Private lessons are not scheduled on national holidays and are therefore not affected by this policy.
If a national holiday falls on a weekend, the regular class schedule remains unchanged and no holiday discount will apply.
Other Seasonal Discounts
Only one discount or promotional offer may be applied per booking.
If multiple eligible discounts or promotions are available at the time of booking, Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School will automatically apply the option that provides the most favorable final price for the student.
Throughout the year, Intercultura may offer a variety of seasonal promotions, discounts, or special offers, which may be announced through our website, social media channels, partner organizations, or other communication platforms. To qualify for a promotional offer, students must meet all eligibility requirements, validity dates, and conditions specified in the promotion. Discounts and promotions cannot be applied retroactively to existing or previously confirmed bookings.
Example:
A last-minute promotional rate cannot be applied to a program that was booked or already in progress before the promotion was announced.
Third-Party Promotions
Some students may book through third-party organizations, directories, or travel/study-abroad partners that offer independent discounts or promotional pricing. In these cases, only one discount may be applied to a program booking. If multiple discount options exist (for example, a third-party promotion and an active Intercultura promotion), the school will apply whichever eligible option results in the best final rate for the student.
- SPANISH CLASSES
Weekly amount of class hours
Adult Group Classes
Adult group classes consist of 20 hours of instruction per week, scheduled as 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday, in small groups of 2–6 students. In cases where only one student is enrolled at a given language level, the student will receive private instruction instead of group classes, with the number of lesson hours adjusted proportionally based on the group course tuition paid. This system allows Intercultura to offer all Spanish levels every week, regardless of enrollment.
Kids & Teen Group Classes
Students enrolled in Kids & Teen group programs will always receive 20 hours of instruction per week, even if they are the only student at their language level. This policy ensures that minors maintain a full class schedule and do not finish classes earlier than accompanying parents or guardians.
Teen Immersion Program (Heredia Campus)
For teen solo travelers enrolled in the year-round Teen Immersion Spanish Program at the Heredia campus, students who are the only participant at their language level will receive 15 hours of instruction per week (3 hours per day, Monday through Friday).
Class Scheduling
Class schedules are determined weekly by Intercultura’s Spanish Department based on student levels, enrollment, and scheduling logistics.
Class schedule Sámara campus
On the first day of the program, all new students will complete a brief Spanish level placement interview to determine their language level and corresponding class schedule for the week.
For subsequent weeks, class schedules will be posted at the school every Friday around noon.
Group Class Schedule
At the Sámara campus, group classes alternate daily between morning and afternoon sessions.
Students will be assigned to one of the following rotating schedules:
Option 1
- Monday / Wednesday / Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Tuesday / Thursday:
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Option 2
- Monday / Wednesday / Friday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday / Thursday:
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Whenever possible, Intercultura will try to schedule travel partners or friends on the same alternating schedule. However, this cannot be guaranteed, particularly during high season. Scheduling priority is given to families traveling with minor children, as parents and children should not be placed on opposite schedules.
Break Times for Group Classes
Morning Schedule
- 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
- 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Afternoon Schedule
- 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
- 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are generally scheduled on an alternating morning/afternoon basis, depending on availability and the student’s class schedule.
Class schedule Heredia campus
During the week prior to the program start date, new students will complete a brief Spanish level placement interview via phone, WhatsApp, or Zoom. This interview helps determine the student’s starting language level and corresponding class schedule for the week. If it is not possible to complete the placement interview in advance, it may be conducted on the student’s first day at the school.
For subsequent weeks, class schedules will be posted at the school every Friday around noon.
Group Class Schedule
At the Heredia campus, group class schedules do not alternate between morning and afternoon sessions. Students will attend either a morning schedule or an afternoon schedule for the entire week.
Morning Schedule
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon Schedule
1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Morning groups are filled first. Once morning capacity has been reached, additional students may be assigned to the afternoon schedule. Whenever possible, Intercultura will prioritize placing families traveling with minor children on the same schedule.
Break Times for Group Classes
Morning Schedule
- 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
- 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Schedule
- 3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
- 4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are generally scheduled in the afternoon, depending on availability. During weeks with lower student enrollment, morning private lessons may occasionally be available; however, morning scheduling for private lessons cannot be confirmed or guaranteed in advance.
- OTHER
- Check-in / out of HEREDIA Homestay:
Arrival / Check-In (SJO Airport & Heredia Homestay)
For students staying with a Heredia homestay family, flights arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) may be scheduled any time after 6:00 a.m. on the arrival day. Earlier arrivals are possible; however, students whose flights arrive before 6:00 a.m. will be charged for the previous night’s accommodation, as the host family must keep the room reserved and available in advance, arrange an early airport pickup, and prepare for the student’s arrival.
Departure / Check-Out
Students may remain at their homestay until 5:00 p.m. on the departure day at no additional charge, which is helpful for those with evening or late-night flights.
If a student departs after 5:00 p.m., an additional night of accommodation will be charged. This policy reflects the fact that the host family must continue reserving the room, provide meals, and remain available to support the student’s departure.
- VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT CANCELLATIONS
Administrative fees for short-term volunteer placements are non-refundable in the event of cancellation
Because volunteer placements rely on advance planning and long-term collaboration with community organizations, Intercultura strongly discourages cancellations or changes once a placement has been confirmed.
Partner organizations make plans based on the volunteer’s confirmed participation and often dedicate time and resources to preparation, supervision, and training. In many cases, organizations may have declined other interested applicants after confirming a placement, making short-notice replacements difficult or impossible.
When a volunteer does not fulfill their agreed commitment, the organization may experience disruptions in planning, staffing, and project continuity. Repeated cancellations can also negatively affect the willingness of partner organizations to host future volunteers. For these reasons, students are encouraged to carefully consider their availability and commitment before confirming a volunteer placement.
- EXCURSION CANCELLATION FEES
Students registering for a weekend excursion must complete payment no later than Wednesday of the preceding week in order to confirm their reservation.
Cancellations made after Wednesday of the week prior to the excursion will incur a 30% cancellation fee to cover costs associated with reservations, transportation, and other advance arrangements.
- PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITS
By registering for an Intercultura program and accepting these Terms & Conditions, students acknowledge and agree that photographs, videos, or other media recordings may be taken during classes, activities, excursions, or other program-related events. Such materials may be used by Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School and/or its trusted partners for standard promotional, educational, or marketing purposes, including use in print materials, websites, social media, and other communications related to Intercultura programs.
Intercultura respects the privacy and preferences of its students. Students may request at any time that a specific photograph or media item featuring them be removed from Intercultura’s promotional materials, and the school will honor such requests promptly.
- TEEN & CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
- Program Eligibility
Children and teens may participate in Intercultura programs according to the following age groups:
- Ages 8–12: Eligible for the Kids & Teen Spanish Classes
- Ages 13–17: Eligible for the Kids & Teen Spanish Classes or the chaperoned Teen Summer Camp
- Ages 16-17: Eligibile for the Teen Academic Immersion Program and the Teen High School Abroad Program
Program eligibility may vary depending on the specific dates, campus, and availability.
- Student Conduct & Behavioral Expectations
Parents or legal guardians are responsible for reviewing Intercultura’s behavioral expectations with their child prior to arrival. These include, but are not limited to:
- showing respect for local customs, cultures, staff, host families, and fellow students;
- following curfews and program rules;
- refraining from the use of alcohol, tobacco/vaping products, and illegal drugs.
All minors participating in Intercultura programs are strictly prohibited from using alcohol, tobacco or nicotine products (including vaping), and illegal drugs of any kind.
- Removal from the Program
Intercultura reserves the right to withdraw a minor from the program if their behavior, actions, or influence is considered unsafe, strongly disruptive, or incompatible with legal school policies and community standards. In such cases, no refund or fee reduction will be provided, and parents or legal guardians will be responsible for all costs associated with early departure, including transportation, supervision/chaperone costs, accommodation changes, or related travel expenses.
- Personal Belongings
Minor students are responsible for their own personal belongings during the program. We strongly discourage bringing valuable or irreplaceable items, including expensive jewelry, designer clothing, or high-value electronics. Intercultura is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings, including electronic devices.
- Insurance Requirements
All minors attending Intercultura programs must be covered by a valid health and travel insurance policy that provides coverage in Costa Rica for the full duration of the program. Intercultura does not assume responsibility for participants’ medical expenses, health-related costs, or medical care during the program.
- Medical Conditions & Ongoing Treatment
Any physical or mental health condition, medical concern, allergy, learning difference, or other circumstances that may affect the student’s participation or well-being must be disclosed to the school at the time of enrollment.
Students must travel with any required medications and commit to following prescribed treatment for the duration of the program. If a student discontinues treatment or if a medical, emotional, or behavioral situation results in significant disruptions to classes, activities, or homestay arrangements, Intercultura reserves the right to withdraw the student from the program at the discretion of the Director.
In such cases, all transportation, chaperone, medical, personal, and other associated expenses related to withdrawal or early departure remain the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian, and no refunds will be granted.
- Participation Permission
By accepting these Terms & Conditions, the parent or legal guardian confirms that their child has permission to participate in all supervised program activities, including sports, recreational activities, local outings, and other age-appropriate camp experiences led by Intercultura staff, Spanish professors, and guides.
- Photography & Media Consent for Minors
By registering for an Intercultura children’s or teen program and accepting these Terms & Conditions, parents or legal guardians acknowledge and agree that photographs, videos, or other media recordings may be taken during classes, activities, excursions, and camp experiences. Such materials may be used by Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School and/or trusted partners for standard promotional, educational, or marketing purposes related to youth programs.
Parents or legal guardians may request at any time that a specific image or media item featuring their child be removed from promotional use, and Intercultura will make reasonable efforts to honor such requests promptly.
BY SUBMITTING MY REGISTRATION:
I hereby acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the Terms & Conditions outlined above. I understand and accept that participation in Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School’s programs, including but not limited to Spanish classes, cultural activities, excursions, volunteer placements, accommodation services, transportation, and other related services (“Intercultura Programs”), involves certain inherent risks.
These risks may include, but are not limited to, travel-related risks, physical activities, outdoor activities, transportation, unfamiliar environments, exposure to different cultural, social, and environmental conditions, illness, accidents, theft, property loss, or personal injury.
I acknowledge that participation in Intercultura Programs may expose me to circumstances that differ from those in my home country and that, despite reasonable care and supervision, certain risks cannot be entirely eliminated. I voluntarily accept responsibility for the risks associated with my participation and understand that I am responsible for exercising reasonable judgment and following all safety guidelines and instructions provided by Intercultura staff.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation in Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School’s programs, activities, excursions, volunteer placements, transportation services, and other related experiences. I understand that these risks may include, but are not limited to:
- illness, injury, or accidents, including situations where immediate or specialized medical care may not be readily available;
- travel-related risks, including transportation by land, air, or sea;
- natural and environmental conditions, including weather, natural events, or other unforeseen circumstances;
- loss, theft, or damage to personal property; and
- personal safety risks, including theft, assault, or other incidents that may occur while traveling or participating in program activities.
I acknowledge that participation in cultural immersion, travel, and educational programs may involve circumstances that differ from those in my home country and that not all risks can be eliminated. I understand and agree that it is my responsibility to follow all safety guidelines, policies, instructions, and reasonable requests provided by Intercultura staff, host families, guides, or program partners, and to conduct myself in a manner that supports both my own safety and the safety and well-being of others throughout my participation.
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY:
In consideration for being permitted to participate in Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School’s programs, classes, accommodations, volunteer placements, excursions, cultural activities, transportation services, and other related experiences (“Intercultura Programs”), I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, I hereby waive, release, and discharge Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School, including its directors, owners, officers, employees, teachers, host families, partners, contractors, agents, representatives, affiliates, and program providers (collectively, “Intercultura”), from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, expenses, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to my participation in Intercultura Programs, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, emotional distress, property damage, theft, delay, loss, or other damages, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, except where prohibited by applicable law. I understand and agree that participation in Intercultura Programs is voluntary and that I assume responsibility for my own conduct, decisions, and personal well-being throughout my participation.
I further understand that this waiver and release is binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, and I agree to hold harmless and indemnify Intercultura against claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from my participation in the program or from my failure to comply with program rules, safety guidelines, or applicable laws.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION:
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, I am in adequate mental and physical health to participate safely in Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School’s programs and activities. I understand that it is my responsibility to inform Intercultura in advance of any medical condition, allergy, dietary restriction, mental health concern, physical limitation, medication requirement, or other circumstances that may affect my participation, safety, or well-being, or that of others. I acknowledge that failure to disclose relevant medical or health-related information may affect Intercultura’s ability to provide appropriate support during the program.
In the event of an illness, accident, or medical emergency, I authorize Intercultura staff or representatives to seek appropriate medical care or emergency assistance on my behalf if I am unable to do so myself.
I understand and agree that all medical, transportation, pharmaceutical, hospitalization, and related emergency expenses incurred during my participation remain my sole responsibility, and I agree to cover any associated costs.
.
PHOTO AND VIDEO CONSENT:
I grant Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School (“Intercultura”) permission to use photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, and other media containing my likeness, image, voice, or appearance that may be captured during my participation in Intercultura programs, classes, activities, excursions, volunteer placements, or related events. I understand that such materials may be used by Intercultura and/or its trusted partners for standard marketing, promotional, educational, or informational purposes, including but not limited to use on websites, social media platforms, brochures, advertisements, newsletters, and other printed or digital communications, without compensation or further approval. I understand that Intercultura will only use such materials in an appropriate and respectful manner. I also understand that I may request the removal of a specific image or media item featuring me from future promotional use, and Intercultura will honor such requests.
GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION:
These Terms & Conditions and any related waiver or agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica, without regard to conflict of law principles.
Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to participation in Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School’s programs, services, or these Terms & Conditions shall first be addressed through good-faith mediation in Costa Rica whenever reasonably possible. If a resolution cannot be reached through mediation, the dispute shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Costa Rica, in accordance with applicable Costa Rican laws and procedures.
SEVERABILITY:
If any provision of this waiver, agreement, or Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, under applicable law, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law. The invalid or unenforceable provision shall be interpreted or modified, where possible, in a manner that most closely reflects its original intent while remaining legally enforceable.
Final Acknowledgment & Agreement
I understand that these Terms & Conditions form part of my agreement with Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish School and apply to all aspects of my participation, including but not limited to classes, accommodations, volunteer placements, transportation, excursions, activities, and related services.
I confirm that the information I have provided to Intercultura is accurate to the best of my knowledge and that I understand my responsibility to communicate any relevant medical, behavioral, or logistical information that may affect my participation.
For participants under 18 years of age:
As a parent or legal guardian of a minor student, I confirm acceptance of these Terms & Conditions on behalf of the minor participant and accept responsibility for compliance with all program policies and requirements.
By clicking “Submit” on the registration form or registering by any other means, I acknowledge my acceptance of these Terms & Conditions and confirm my voluntary participation in the program.
QUESTIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
If you would like to: access, correct, amend or delete any personal information we have about you, register a complaint, or simply want more information contact our Privacy Compliance Officer at [email protected] or by mail at Intercultura Costa Rica Spanish Schools
[Re: Privacy Compliance Officer]
[Avenida 4, calle 10, Heredia, H, 1952-3000, Costa Rica]