Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Whirlwind Adventure Past Review

By (Environmental Science., University of Oklahoma) - abroad from 07/07/2012 to 08/11/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained some excellent language skills, some great cultural knowledge, a lot of memories of beautiful places, and the knowledge that, although the country is beautiful, I do not mesh well enough with the culture there to move there permanently. Considering those were all of my trip goals, it was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Veritas University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were great, but a bit disorganized.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CEA was very helpful, as was everyone who helped with orientation.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was comfortable, clean, and the food was amazing.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt quite integrated after a while, but I didn't feel prepared for some cultural aspects, like "tico time" and the way men shout/whistle/honk at girls.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have no idea; I didn't use the healthcare system at all.

* Safety:

The Veritas shuttle was a nice touch!

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always split cabs, and take someone who speaks Spanish and looks tico/tica, because cabbies sometimes (often) like to rip off Americans. And take advantage of your host family's meals if they are good cooks! That alone will save you a lot of money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

But only because I took a Spanish conversation class. The first class I was in, a grammar class, would not have forced me to use it that much.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced I
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Join a group of Spanish speaks on your campus, watch familiar movies in Spanish, listen to Spanish music. Just be around people who speak the language quickly. You'll be uncomfortable at first, but it's better than having that discomfort for the first time in a foreign country!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 excursions!
  • Quality time with my host family
  • Being surrounded by the Spanish language
* What could be improved?
  • Organization at Veritas
  • Spanish level placement testing
  • More honesty about what the culture will be like
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The Costa Ricans are not as calm and chill and friendly as all the websites told you. They constantly run late, but they do not smile or say hi to strangers. Also, seriously, do NOT wear shorts in the city because it is "disrespectful" to the city itself. It's not that "no one does it" and you'll stick out, it's that it's actually rude.