Our Commitment

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Traveling with The Traveling Monkey is an opportunity to learn, explore, and engage with new communities and cultures. As a participant, you represent yourself, your university or organization, and The Traveling Monkey. We expect all students to contribute to a safe, respectful, inclusive, and positive experience for everyone.

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This Code of Conduct applies throughout the entire program, including during academic activities, excursions, transportation, meals, free time, and any other activities associated with the program.

 

1. Respect for Others

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Students are expected to treat fellow participants, faculty, staff, guides, drivers, community members, and local partners with courtesy and respect.

• Respect differences in culture, nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, political views, and personal background.

• Listen respectfully to different perspectives, even when they differ from your own.

• Do not engage in harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, threats, or abusive behavior.

• Respect personal boundaries and obtain consent in social and interpersonal interactions.

• Remember that behavior that may seem acceptable in one cultural context may be inappropriate or offensive in another.

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2. Cultural Respect and Responsible Travel

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Students are guests in the communities we visit. We ask participants to approach every experience with curiosity, humility, and an open mind.

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• Follow local customs, laws, and cultural expectations.

• Dress appropriately for the setting and activity.

• Ask permission before photographing or recording people, particularly during community visits.

• Do not make assumptions or stereotypes about local communities or cultures.

• Treat local businesses, homes, schools, organizations, and natural areas with respect.

• Be thoughtful about how your words, behavior, and social media posts may affect the communities we visit.

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3. Academic and Program Participation

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Students are expected to actively participate in the academic and experiential components of the program.

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• Attend scheduled activities, site visits, lectures, discussions, and group meetings on time.

• Complete any academic assignments or reflection activities required by your faculty member or program.

• Engage respectfully with guest speakers, community members, organizations, and other program partners.

• Notify the faculty leader or Traveling Monkey staff as soon as possible if you are unable to participate in a scheduled activity.

• Do not leave a group activity without notifying the appropriate faculty or Traveling Monkey staff member.

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4. Safety and Risk Management

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Safety is a shared responsibility. Students must follow instructions provided by faculty leaders, Traveling Monkey staff, guides, drivers, and activity providers.

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• Follow all safety instructions and local regulations.

• Wear required safety equipment during activities.

• Remain with the group when instructed to do so.

• Respect transportation, accommodation, and activity-provider rules.

• Inform program staff of any situation that may affect your safety or the safety of others.

• Do not participate in activities while impaired by alcohol or other substances.

• Never engage in behavior that puts yourself or another person at unnecessary risk.

 

In an emergency, students must follow the instructions of Traveling Monkey staff and local emergency personnel.

 

5. Alcohol and Drugs

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Students must comply with the laws of Costa Rica and the policies of their university or organization regarding alcohol and controlled substances.

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• Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.

• Students must not possess, use, distribute, or purchase illegal substances.

• Excessive or irresponsible alcohol consumption is prohibited.

• Students must never operate a vehicle or participate in an activity while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Students are responsible for their behavior while consuming alcohol, including during free time.

 

A student may be removed from an activity or program if their substance use creates a safety concern or negatively affects others.

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6. Accommodation and Personal Property

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Students are expected to respect hotels, accommodations, and the property of others.

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• Keep rooms and common areas reasonably clean.

• Respect quiet hours and other hotel policies.

• Do not damage, remove, or misuse hotel property.

• Respect roommates' privacy and personal belongings.

• Students are responsible for damage caused by their intentional or negligent behavior.

• Keep valuables secure and follow staff recommendations regarding personal belongings.

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7. Transportation

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Transportation is an important part of the program, and students are expected to follow all transportation guidelines.

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• Be on time for scheduled departures and meeting points.

• Remain seated and follow safety instructions while vehicles are moving.

• Wear seat belts whenever provided.

• Do not distract drivers or interfere with vehicle operation.

• Treat drivers and transportation staff respectfully.

• Do not leave personal belongings behind.

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Repeated lateness that causes delays for the group may be treated as a conduct issue.

 

8. Environmental Responsibility

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Costa Rica's natural environment is an important part of many Traveling Monkey programs. Students are expected to help protect it.

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• Follow Leave No Trace principles whenever possible.

• Do not litter or remove plants, rocks, animals, or other natural materials.

• Stay on designated trails and follow instructions in national parks and protected areas.

• Do not feed, touch, or otherwise interfere with wildlife unless specifically permitted by trained professionals.

• Use water and other resources responsibly.

• Participate respectfully in sustainability and conservation activities.

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9. Photography, Social Media, and Privacy

 

Students are encouraged to document their experiences while being mindful of others.

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• Obtain appropriate permission before photographing or recording individuals.

• Do not post photos, videos, or information that could embarrass, threaten, or otherwise harm another participant or community member.

• Do not share confidential, private, or sensitive information about other participants, faculty, staff, or community partners.

• Remember that social media posts can have lasting consequences and may affect individuals, communities, and the reputation of your university or organization.

 

10. Independence and Free Time

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Free time is an important part of an international experience, but students remain responsible for their own conduct.

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Students must:

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• Follow all university, faculty, and Traveling Monkey rules regarding independent activities.

• Communicate with program staff when required.

• Follow established curfews or check-in procedures.

• Never engage in activities that create unnecessary risk.

• Make responsible decisions regarding transportation, nightlife, alcohol, and personal safety.

 

Students may not assume that they are permitted to participate in an activity simply because it occurs during free time.

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11. Attendance and Communication

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Students are expected to communicate promptly and honestly with program staff.

If you are sick, lost, delayed, separated from the group, or experiencing another problem, contact your faculty leader or Traveling Monkey staff immediately.

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Students should keep their phone charged and have access to the emergency contact information provided before and during the program.

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12. Violations of the Code of Conduct

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The Traveling Monkey will work with the faculty leader and university or sponsoring organization when addressing conduct concerns.

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Depending on the circumstances, violations may result in:

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• A verbal or written warning.

• Removal from a particular activity.

• Restrictions on independent activities.

• Notification of the student's university or sponsoring organization.

• Financial responsibility for damages or additional costs.

• Removal from the program.

• In serious circumstances, arrangements for the student to return home at their own expense.

 

Serious misconduct, including behavior that threatens the safety or well-being of another person, may result in immediate removal from an activity or program.

 

13. A Shared Responsibility

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The goal of this Code of Conduct is not simply to establish rules. It is to help create the kind of international experience we want every participant to have: safe, meaningful, respectful, and open to learning.

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By participating in a Traveling Monkey program, students agree to act responsibly, respect the communities they visit, support their fellow participants, and follow the guidance of their faculty leaders and Traveling Monkey staff.

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Travel well. Stay curious. Be respectful. Represent yourself and your community well.