Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Do It!! September 04, 2024

By (Linguistics, Spanish, University of Houston) - abroad from 05/24/2022 to 06/20/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Improved Spanish skills, lifelong friends, experience for applying to graduate programs (Fulbright Spain), confidence in navigating foreign countries, and an excellent gallo pinto recipe from my host mom.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

If you’re reading this, theoretically you’re considering studying abroad with Arcos Learning Abroad. I’m here to tell you: do it!! Arcos was a wonderful program with excellent communication and staff members that make you feel welcome. I studied abroad in Costa Rica in 2022 and it was my first time even stepping foot outside the U.S. by myself. I was incredibly nervous, but I still remember how our in-country coordinator, Angie, made me feel welcome and got me to smile when I was feeling homesick with her excellent humor. My host family was so kind as well, and during my time living with them, my Spanish improved more than it had in semesters worth of classes. In addition to receiving 6 hours of class credit and going on some incredible excursions to some the country’s most beautiful places, the program even worked with me to coordinate an English teaching opportunity at a local school, something that allowed me to stand out on my recent application to the Fulbright Program. Thanks to the confidence and experience my Arcos study program gave me, I will now be teaching English abroad for a whole year in Spain! It’s natural to be a little scared when considering study abroad, and doubtless you will face uncomfortable situations in a foreign country, but this program will provide you with a great support system while challenging you to partake in the country’s local culture. So take the leap!! Study abroad with Arcos!!

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? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host family whenever you can! It’s free & delicious and it helps you bond & practice your language skills.

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

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?
  • Great Host Family
  • English Teaching Opportunity
  • Improved Spanish Skills
* What could be improved?
  • Add a way to more directly connect with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In Costa Rica, “toalla” refers to a feminine hygiene product, not a towel. Would have saved me an embarrassing conversation with my host dad.

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!