Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida - Words Can't Describe It Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/06/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

API (Academic Programs International): San Joaquin de Flores - Instituto San Joaquin De Flores

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Enough to fill more space than a survey response box. It was absolutely worthwhile. I recommend enough that anyone with the opportunity to study abroad does so.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25-$50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy items priced for unknowing tourists.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk with your friends, host family, the locals. Every little bit helps.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The language immersion
  • The included excursions
  • The amicable host families and administrators
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More background info about the country. (Ex. political history, commercial history, etc...)