Additional Resources

Q: Is the Yellow Fever vaccine required for school enrollment?

No, it is not required for enrollment. However, it may be required to enter Costa Rica depending on your country of origin or recent travel history. According to Costa Rican regulations, travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission must present an International Certificate of Vaccination. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel if the student has been in a risk country within the last 6 days.

Q: What if I already had chickenpox (Varicella)?

You must provide laboratory evidence (antibody test) confirming previous infection.

Q: What type of tuberculosis (TB) test is required?

The preferred test is: Quantiferon®-TB Gold (QFT-GIT) Alternative options (if needed for cost reasons): Mantoux (PPD) test Sputum test Please note: The Mantoux test may show false positives in individuals vaccinated with BCG. If this happens, a Quantiferon test will be required for confirmation. Any indeterminate result must be repeated.

Q: What if I need medication during the program?

Students must travel with enough medication for the full duration of the program, as: Some medications may be expensive in Costa Rica Certain brands may not be available locally

Family Welcome Event

We warmly invite all Class of 2028 families to join our Family Welcome Event.

Families who will be in Costa Rica are invited to our on-campus welcome on Thursday, August 6, including a campus tour and community gathering. Families who are unable to attend in person are welcome to join our Virtual Family Welcome on Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00 AM (Costa Rica time).

Please complete the registration form by Friday, July 31 so we can prepare for both events.

Recursos para familias costarricenses

En UWC Costa Rica contamos con estudiantes de diversas nacionalidades y contextos. Para las familias costarricenses o residentes en el país, existen procesos, requisitos y lineamientos específicos que es importante conocer desde el inicio.

Hemos preparado una guía dedicada que reúne información relevante sobre el Bachillerato de Educación Media (Bachillerato Nacional), la atención médica, los procedimientos en caso de emergencia y otros aspectos aplicables a estudiantes locales.

Esta guía tiene como objetivo brindar mayor claridad sobre el rol del Colegio y las responsabilidades de las familias en estos temas.

Les invitamos a revisar el documento completo para comprender mejor estos procesos y prepararse adecuadamente para el inicio de la experiencia en UWC Costa Rica.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yellow Fever vaccine required for school enrollment?

No, it is not required for enrollment. However, it may be required to enter Costa Rica depending on your country of origin or recent travel history.

According to Costa Rican regulations, travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission must present an International Certificate of Vaccination. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel if the student has been in a risk country within the last 6 days.

Which vaccines are required to attend campus?

While some vaccines listed in the UWC medical form are recommendations, the following are required due to community health risk:

Hepatitis B
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)
Measles, Rubella, Mumps (MMR)
Varicella (Chickenpox)

What if I already had chickenpox (Varicella)?

You must provide laboratory evidence (antibody test) confirming previous infection.

What type of tuberculosis (TB) test is required?

The preferred test is:

Quantiferon®-TB Gold (QFT-GIT)

Alternative options (if needed for cost reasons):

Mantoux (PPD) test
Sputum test

Please note:

The Mantoux test may show false positives in individuals vaccinated with BCG.
If this happens, a Quantiferon test will be required for confirmation.

Any indeterminate result must be repeated.

How should I complete and upload the medical form?

The form must be:

Completed by a licensed physician
Fully filled out (including vaccines and lab tests)
Signed and stamped

What if I need more time to complete the requirements?

If you require an extension due to special circumstances, please contact the school medical team directly.

What if I need medication during the program?

Students must travel with enough medication for the full duration of the program, as:

Some medications may be expensive in Costa Rica

Certain brands may not be available locally