¡Pura Vida! September 12, 2022
By Allison K (Spanish Education, Winona State University) - abroad from 05/14/2022 to 07/23/2022 with
Arcos Learning Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica (International Polytechnic University)
It was definitely worthwhile! I learned so much about the language, culture, and my abilities.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Professors were knowledgeable and courses were fun! Really great student to professor ratio. Classes never exceeded 10 students and more often than not were around 5 per class on average. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors were incredible. They were so fun, caring, and organized! They were also very knowledgeable and pushed students to speak Spanish. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family! I can't even put in words how loving they were and how great of an experience it was. |
* Food: |
Delicious! But I'll be honest, rice and beans are a Costa Rican staple and are had every day! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The language barrier was hard sometimes, but it was a great way to practice Spanish. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There were some students who tested positive for Covid and all the right precautions were taken in response. |
* Safety: |
I felt safe in the host country/city and the program made sure to give advice and resources to stay safe. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would choose Arcos and Costa Rica again in a heartbeat! But I'd also be willing to try another country that Arcos has programs in. |
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) |
The program included meals at the home stay, and cultural activities and excursions. The only things I bought was occasionally food/snacks and souvenirs. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a debit/credit card w/o international fees if you can. Exchanging cash at a bank was way more difficult than using an ATM. |
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 |
Most of the time encouraged speaking in the language. |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
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? | Higher 400 level college courses |
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? | Do everything in the language. Read, journal, watch TV, use your phone, etc. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That study abroad is not that scary! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |