Life changing July 17, 2025
By Sarah L (Spanish, University of Tennessee - Chattanooga) - abroad from 05/31/2025 to 06/28/2025 with
Arcos Learning Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica (International Polytechnic University)
I not only improved my Spanish-speaking abilities through this program, I also overcame personal and academic struggles and gained a new perspective on the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with my host home was my most cherished experience from this program. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't need to visit a doctor, but I had a few minor health issues throughout the trip. Arcos administration, my professor, and my host home were all very helpful and understanding. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe around the city, but it is important to stay in groups. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I was able to learn so much about myself, others, and new cultures through this program, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent around $100-$125 on food and other items each week. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | I believe I would have benefited from most listening and speaking practice beforehand. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To get better at anything, you have to be disciplined enough to practice everyday and not give up when things get difficult. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
