Studying abroad in Costa Rica, an exciting and enriching experience! Past Review
By Kortney E (Elementary Education, Northern Essex Community College) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica
I think just being here I have personally changed a lot. I am much more open to hearing peoples opinions about things. I think you learn and grow every single day you are here. You meet all sorts of people from all over the world and it's amazing to hear their stories. My experience here was literally life changing, and I know everyone says that... but it's true. I loved learning spanish even more than I thought I would, and I am now considering changing my major to involve teaching the language. This experience completely opened my eyes to whole new classes, interests and hobbies.
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. |
The grading system and workload are both very similar to my home university. The teacher's here are all amazing, and want to help you learn. They work with you every step of the way, and are very understanding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I thought CEA was an awesome program. I liked being in a smaller group, and my Program Administrator got to know everyone on a personal level, its awesome to have someone there to help you every step of the way. If I have questions about anything I feel totally comfortable going to my director of the program. Expectations were definitely met, and then some. CEA puts the students first and wants to make sure they have the best time possible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was treated as part of a family here, I felt totally comfortable from the first day. But, the family wasn't here much during the day and even at night because they each had their own busy schedules. However, I love this house, and all the people that are a part of it. We live super close to the school, which is really nice. And also live in a fantastic neighborhood where I feel completely safe. I really didn't need to buy anything to settle in here, everything was here except for toiletries like shampoo, soap etc. Nightlife in San Jose is fun, and really easy/cheap to get from place to place with the Taxis. |
| * Food: |
Eating out in San Jose is always an option, but dinner and breakfast is served for us every day. And they cook something different every night. It's always very good food, but like you will find in any part of Costa Rica, it's a lot of starches and heavy foods! Places for lunch are super easy to find, and easy to get to. There are a few great Pizza places right near the school too, which is conveniant and they are SO GOOD :) Whoever is cooking the meals for you, are very understanding and accomodate to what foods you like/don't like or can/cannot have. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being with the CEA group was a lot of fun. And the excursions were really interesting. Puerto Viejo was my favorite excursion... because of the beach of course :) And there is always events and things happening in Costa Rica that you will come across. I have been to 3 concerts here so far, and all of them were amazing. You can always find something to do on weekends, and even weekdays, that's never a problem! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall I think San Jose is pretty safe. You definitely need to be concious of the decisions your making, at all times, or you will be at risk. I think we were very well prepared for what we might see and hear as far as safety and feeling uncomfortable. As long as you are smart about traveling, not traveling alone and where you keep your important things/documents, then you will be all set! |
| 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? |
Most people here speak English, which was a good and bad thing. I am very shy, and speaking a language I don't know, doesn't come easy to me. I think for most people the most practice they got was within their homes, with their host families. My host family really wasn't around the house much, so I didn't practice too much Spanish. School is also a great place to practice because everyone is there to learn the language with you. I took an additional Oral Communication Spanish class as an elective, and absolutely love it. |
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? | A student who is laid-back, comfortable, and ready to take on new challenges. It's definitely a culture shock when you first arrive, things you don't expect to be different... are a whole lot different. But it is so much fun learning to be part of a new culture! You have to be able to adjust to the food, the living conditions, social norms, and the people. If you are not someone who takes change with ease, then studying abroad probably isn't for you. Have an open mind, and be ready for anything... and you will have the time of your life. |
