Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/13/2012 to 06/30/2012 with

API Universidad Veritas

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became fluent in Spanish and learned about the Costa Rican culture. It was exactly what I wanted in a study abroad experience. It was everything and more that I imagined when I pictured myself studying abroad. The locals, not just the professors and our host families, were very welcoming of American students and wanted to help with their Spanish.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between $100-$200 (for food and independent travel)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget for food! Even though your host family provides 3 meals a day, you'll spend more than you think on eating out and snacks

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? SPN 611
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? Don't be scared to talk to your host family and practice with your friends. You're there to learn the language- practicing it is the only way you'll learn. Learn from your mistakes and don't be scared to make them

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?
  • Felt Independent
  • Learned the language
  • Friendly country
* What could be improved?
  • Administration of my institute wasn't easily accessible if they weren't already in their office
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Expect to spend a lot of money- I would have saved more before leaving

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!