Costa Rica: I could have made it better for myself. Past Review
By Lisa A (Theatre Education, Illinois State University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica
I wanted to go to Spain but I had to work with my money and my family. One day I'll go to Spain, but I'll always take with me the time I spent in Costa Rica.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Veritas |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The class workload was sufficient. The only real qualms I had with the program was living with so many Americans who refused to speak Spanish in every day conversation and insisted on watching English language TV and movies in the house. I was forced to choose between alienating myself entirely from my housemates and making the most of a very expensive program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was good. I have no complaints. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was incredible. Myrna cared for 8 girls as if we were her own daughters. She is an incredible woman. |
| * Food: |
There were many options. My host mom made great food and catered to any dietary restrictions we had on an individual level. Being a "college town" kind of area, there was French, American, and Italian food in the area as well if we got bored with the many combinations of rice, beans and meat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had a great time on all excursions, and the people were all very nice. Just, also very American. I wish I could have made some Costa Rican friends but I was only there for a short period and sort of isolated from the local populace. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I didn't experience any issues, however there were a few students who experienced theft - some with weapons. This is a concern in any college area and I feel that by using common sense and following the advice of our host family, my roommates and I were able to stay safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I kept my expenses low by spending money for only lunch and buying few souvenirs. By the end of the trip I found I had over budgeted and was able to purchase an extra excursion to Panama. I spent approximately $25-$50 a week on food...most of which was spent n weekend excursions when we dined out for every meal. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | None. A full budgetary list was provided before the program, with a list for more frugal students, and one for those who expected to spend more. I went with more than I needed and felt comfortable the whole time. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish Phonetics and Phonology |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English. I was able to use the language with my host mom and professors, and in shopping and dining situations. A challenge I still face is interacting in a day to day conversational level using the language. That's where I wanted practice and where the program ultimately failed me. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | FORCE yourself to speak only in the language. Study abroad is USELESS for language acquisition if you speak *any* English while you're there. Dare yourself to look foolish until you get it. Because you will get it. |
