Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Experiences August 30, 2024

By (Spanish, Winona State University) - abroad from 05/13/2023 to 08/05/2023 with

Arcos Learning Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica (International Polytechnic University)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that being uncomfortable is where you learn the most. Be comfortable in the uncomfortable. I learned that I need to embrace everything and be a sponge.

Review Photos

Arcos Learning Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica (International Polytechnic University) Photo Arcos Learning Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica (International Polytechnic University) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The level of the courses was great! The professors are patient, know some english and are always there to help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This was the best part of my time. The Costa Rica directors are AMAZING. There for you any time of the day. If there are concerns of any kind they are the ones to talk to. They made such difference in my life even after study abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Another huge part! My host family was amazing. My host mom made the best food, I got sick when i was there and she made the best comfort food, we were always laughing, I truly felt like part of the family.

* Food:

I am a picky eater but this really opened my taste buds. It was SO good

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not being in a tourist area was hard at first as I stick out physically, but everyone was so kind and helpful in the community. I went to different things going on in the community, the markets etc, it was great.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I was sick the directors directed me to the right pharmacy and helped me get what I needed, it was super easy and pretty cheap.

* Safety:

Heredia is fairly safe, one of the safer areas. The programs gives you pretty clear guidelines about going out late at night and what to do and all that, but overall I never felt unsafe.

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

ARCOS was the best way for me to study abroad. They had everything laid out so perfectly. They give you a schedule of what you'll be doing when, when weekend trips are so you can plan your own things. I was so nervous going into it, the first few weeks were rough and i wanted to go home, but talking with my directors they encouraged me to stick it out and stay. I am so happy I did. I made life long connections and have another family that I can visit. I would not trade my study abroad experience for anything. It truly changed me life it ways that can not be explained in words.

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)

It was pretty easy, not working for 3 months is a lot but things are relatively cheap in CR and I ate at home a lot of the time which was part of my fees

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? less than 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can before you go so you can do fun things like go on weekend trips to different parts of the country.

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

My host family didnt speak english so it forced me to speak Spanish at home. The professors highly encouraged it, but helped when vocabulary wasn't always there.

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? College 300 courses
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Ella verbs app is AMAZING, and just talking in Spanish with the group as well, it may be hard because you are used to speaking English but it makes such a difference. They are all such a resource.

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 directors
  • the excursions
  • the food!
* What could be improved?
  • Communication on how grades are transferred
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I would be in classes with other American students in the program not in university classes with costa rican students.

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!