A new found love for Costa Rica and Central America Past Review
By Hope M (Environmental Science, Alaska Pacific University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica
It helped me understand more about third world countries and how living is for other parts of the world. It has made me more aware to the type of life I lead and that others aren't so lucky.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I think the school focuses too much on presentations. I'd rather just write a paper and hand it in as opposed to presenting every final project and group project. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
She was always available and helped me out when ever I had a problem. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived two blocks from the school in a very safe area with security and every thing. |
| * Food: |
it was great |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I enjoyed all the trips I took especially to Ostional and La Selva as well as to the Volcano's. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
we could call our director and be taken to the hospital right away and there was security across the street from my house 24/7. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice Spanish at home with my home stay family and at school in class. Many people speak English but the respectable thing to do is speak the language of the country you are in, we can't expect people to speak English for us when they don't speak it regularly. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I think someone who is willing to be a little more independent is perfect for this program since people came from a variety of places you have to be able to do things by yourself and not depend on others. |
