Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Eco-Adventure of A Lifetime Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Macalester College) - abroad from 06/03/2014 to 06/27/2015 with

Broadreach - Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to become a traveler, not a tourist! I was surrounded by beautiful friends in the most beautiful country, working with the most majestic turtles. There was never a dull moment. This trip has inspired me to pursue an environment-based career and to continue travelling the world.

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.

Hands-on learning helped facilitate the book learning; and our teachers were first rate!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Some of our lodgings were basic, but never unsafe and never unbearable. Mostly, we were very lucky to have had such nice housing.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We ate dinners at local houses and talked a lot with local community members.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Be aware of where you are and who is around you. Most people in Costa Rica are friendly and willing to help you if you need it.

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

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? $0.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring a limited amount of souvenir money. Souvenirs aren't that expensive! I only spent a few colones, but we were mostly in rural areas doing sea turtle conservation.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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 friendship of my trip-mates
  • New, adventurous experiences
  • Being surrounded by the beautiful ocean and rainforest
* What could be improved?
  • I wish there was more time to talk with the locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Your clothes never dry- bring lots of undergarments and swimsuits. It's very humid in the rain forest. I had to replace my phone because it got waterlogged from the humidity. Also, we only wore our dressy clothes once. It's better to pack more work-out shorts and shirts than take up space with fancy clothes.

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.