Extended Programs Information

Extension Costs • Important Details • Extended Program FAQs

ISL offers two types of extension possibilities for team members. All extensions include general field trip, home stay, two meals per day, program assignment, weekly staff visit, full time staff availability, group transportation or instructions for taxi and public bus. Not included in the extension is round trip airfare, local transportation for personal use, and the participant will need to have a fundamental knowledge of Spanish for Latin American countries, as translators are not supplied. If you would like to extend your stay for a personal vacation you will need to fill out a private extension waiver and have it approved by our executive director.

ISL Extension: This is extension time with ISL programming and staff assistance. These extensions begin with a regularly scheduled ISL trip of ten days to two weeks depending upon the start dates chosen. This gives the participant the opportunity to go through orientation and basic training seminars with a group. It also allows for the participant to get acquainted with ISL staff and procedures before beginning their individual programming. They learn how ISL works and have time to get acclimated to their new surroundings and the new culture. Remember to include your extension dates on your application and request an ISL Extension Waiver from your ISL Team Manager.

ISL Extension Costs: Below is a list of the extension costs to help you decide how long you would like to stay.

1. Number of weeks below do not include the original program (usually 10 days to 2 weeks). The total cost of the extension is the cost of the
original ten day to two weeks plus the cost per number of weeks for extension. Example: Costa Rica/Nicaragua for two weeks is $1,685 plus one week extension for $585 is a total cost of $2,270 (airfare not included).
2. Number of weeks is rounded up for partial weeks. Example, if the total number of days requested and approved to stay is 12, you will need to pay the two-week rate.
3. Simplified method: count number of days, divide by 7, round up for fractions= number of weeks to use in table below:

Number of Weeks	Total Cost
One	$585
Two	$1,170

Private Extension: You may want to have "vacation" time after your ISL program and choose to stay on for personal travel. You will need to list the extension dates on your application and request a Private Extension Waiver from your ISL Team Manager.

Important Details

1. Once a student enters a programmed extension it is an ISL Extension and a signed ISL Extension agreement for the length of stay is required. (This is usually taken care of by the Team Manager prior to the trip).

2. If a student wishes to extend their stay with ISL while on a team program and the student has received permission to extend from ISL, the student will need to fill out and sign an ISL extension with the team leader.

3. If a student wishes to extend their stay as a “private vacation” while on a team program and the student has received permission to extend from ISL, the student will need to fill out and sign a Private Extension Waiver with the team leader.

4. If a student cuts their ISL Extension short and returns home not planning to return, they have cancelled the remainder of their extension time.

5. If a student cuts their ISL Extension short and stays in country on their own they will need to sign a Private Extension Waiver.

6. There are no refunds for "early outs". See our ISL Withdrawal and Refund Policy.

Extended Program FAQs

Q: Will I need a VISA?

A: You will need to contact the Consulate of the country you are visiting (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Belize) to see if you need a VISA, and how to go about getting one. US and certain Non-US students have an option concerning visas 1: go without a visa (as a tourist) and leave the country as a border trip as necessary (sometimes tourists can stay 30 days sometimes 60 or 90 days without a visa) or 2: US and Non-US students can get a student visa from the consulate of their destination country - this takes awhile.

Q: And will I need to register with the consulate of my own country?

A: If you will be staying longer than 30 days you may be required to register with your consulate. You can check this out on the Internet.

Q: I am taking prescription drugs, should I arrange to bring enough with me for 6 months, or will some be available?

A: It's best to bring what you will need since we won't know what every student needs and they may not be available.

Q: I have read the luggage limitations for the shorter trips, does this apply to the 2 week trip extension and what are my limitations?

A: Yes, you will need to stay with the luggage limitations. You will have the opportunity to do laundry periodically.

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?

A: If you are planning to go to Costa Rica and/or Nicaragua and you do not speak Spanish you will need to prepare before you begin your trip or you can sign up for short Spanish course in-country. This is an extra cost and is available for one of two week courses.

Q: Should I bring mostly scrubs?

A: Four to five sets are all you need as you as you will be able to do laundry periodically or have it done cheaply. You do not need to pack clean clothes for each day you are there.

Q: What kind of toiletries will I be able to buy down there?

A: Most everything you will need is available so you do not need to stock up.

Q: Will I have Internet access there or should I keep contact with relatives via mail or phone?

A: Internet access is available at Internet cafes.

Q: How much money would you suggest I bring with me?

A: For each week: $35 for food, $25 for transportation, some for spending (snacks, entertainment, etc.)

Q: Would I be allowed to bring textbooks with me?

A: Yes, up to what you can include in your luggage allowance.

Q: I would like to choose a certain disease or condition to focus on for my independent study, could you suggest some?

A: Possibilities would be: Malaria, Cholera, Parasites, Changas, Diarrhea.

Q: How many will be in my team?

A: The team size for the program can be as little as one or as much as ten members. Be prepared for this to be a "solo" experience, as it most often will be. Those who are uncomfortable with being alone should not sign up for this program.

Q: What will my daily schedule be and what will I be doing?

A: The itineraries for this program will be basically the same as we have for the two week program with less traveling. You will be able to spend more time in each area to establish relationships and get in more hands-on practice. There is a necessity for flexibility for our field staff and a need to adapt to situations that will change as the needs of those we serve change. This is not a "tourist type" study abroad program with an established daily routine. This is the "real thing", it is like working in a MASH unit, you will be out on the streets, in the jungles and mountains, small villages, and in the "dump" where real people have great need.

Q: Where will we be staying and how many will be together?

A: Housing is mostly home-stays, some moderate hotels, and retreat-type (bunkhouse). The home-stays will most likely be two people per house if there is a "team".