Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mejore su español (Improve your Spanish) en San Joaquin! Past Review

By (Business Honors/Plan II Honors, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/11/2014 to 06/28/2014 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?
I learned a lot about Spanish, period. And that made it completely worthwhile.

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?

I wish my family hung out with me a little more.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish there were more opportunities to involve myself with the Costa Rican people.e

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are a lot of inexpensive lodges/hotels--stay at these.

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

Outside of being with American peers, I was consistently challenged.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intro to Spanish 1
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? Practice talking in Spanish on your own; hang out with your host family even if it's uncomfortable; and get involved with a local club.

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?
  • Spanish Immersion
  • Host Family
  • Comprehensive Spanish Courses
* What could be improved?
  • Involvement Opportunities
  • Amount of interaction with Americans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to take the initiative to hang out with your host family more than American peers. Do that, and you'll truly improve in Spanish.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!