Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Costa Rica Helped Me Grow As A Person Past Review

By (Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and grew as a person since you have to be independent to study abroad. I'm more culturally aware and my future plans are now to come back to Costa Rica and possibly live here for a couple years.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was more and the class was longer but the Intensive Spanish program really helped me learn Spanish and it was a great experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My expectations were met. This was a great way to learn another language and I would do it all over again.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The quantity of food is bigger and it is not that expensive to go out and eat here as it is int the States.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Purto Viejo, Manuel Antonio, and Poas Volcano were all really fun trips and places that I went to.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health care is easily accessible and it is pretty safe here. You just have to keep in mind that it's not your country and be safe about what you do.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

My teacher, host family, and in every day interactions. Most people did speak English but they still spoke Spanish with me.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The country I chose.
* What could be improved?
  • The private university I attended.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A laid back, easy going, yet studious student would do perfect in this program and in this country. Just keep in mind that you are in a foreign country and that this is a different culture than your own.