Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida Past Review

By (English And Communications, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/05/2013 to 04/06/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile, mostly because you learn so much about yourself via these adventures!

Personal Information

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.

I found all my classes extremely interesting. The teachers were fun and innovative, the readings were pertinent and interesting, and the assignments were unconventional and actually applicable. Honestly, they were slightly easier than I expected, but it left the weekends open for travelling, and I pursued a lot of the topics we covered in class on my own.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Leo and Maggie were amazing. Extremely helpful and very fun and relatable. I always felt comfortable going to them with anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Myrna Vega Ortega is a goddess.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would recommend, if possible, mixing classes at Veritas so international students could have some classes with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I actually didn't eat lunch most days because I ate big breakfasts and dinners. Buy groceries and cook them if you can. Don't pay more than $10 for hostels anywhere!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Host family
  • travelling on weekends
* What could be improved?
  • classes with locals would be nice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? clothes and food and other everyday objects are NOT that much cheaper in Costa Rica. Actually about the same price as in the States. Budget accordingly.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.