Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Hands on Veterinary Work in Costa Rica! Past Review

By (University of California - Santa Barbara) - abroad from 06/19/2017 to 07/09/2017 with

Broadreach: Costa Rica - Veterinary Medicine College Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of confidence in myself, learned patience in working in a team and with traveling and made a lot of great friends. This trip was worthwhile for the amount of hands on experience I received, being able to live in Costa Rica for so long and the independence it built in me!

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.

I think the amount of academic rigor was perfect as it supplemented the hands on work we did during the day while not being too much to tire us or cause stress.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the most part housing was good, however, the house on the college campus had issues with the locks and cleanliness.

* Food:

Food was always fresh and filling. Loved the rice, beans and fresh fruit!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like we worked with the locals and local organizations and did not just go to tourist places in Costa Rica, so I felt pretty integrated into the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Counselors always checked in with us for our individual health needs.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe while on program

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

For me this program was great way to explore careers in veterinary medicine and it helped me figure out wether or not is it a good career choice for me.

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)

Food was covered, so I had plenty of extra money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Hands on work with animals
  • Surfing
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • More down time
  • Less time spent at the college campus and their farm
  • Could have even more time with animals and less adventure things
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you need to be okay with being away from friends and family for a long period of time. I had a lot of homesickness but it was worth it and I made great friends!

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 Adventurer
The 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.