The ups, downs, and internal growth of travel. Past Review
By A student (Wildlife Biology and Spanish, Frostburg State University) - abroad from 08/31/2013 to 12/21/2013 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica
I learned more about other people, culture, and myself. I also learned more about the Spanish language and traveling. It was definitely worthwhile.
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. |
The Spanish classes were excellent, but many of the extracurricular classes felt like the teacher and university were not taking us seriously. I also did not like that none of our classes were with the natives. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Maggie and Leo are absolutely the best. They are helpful, loving, and they sincerely want us to immerse ourselves and discover the culture in ever possible way. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My family was wonderful. They were helpful, loving, and spoke to me and made me feel included. My mama tica also made the best food |
* Food: |
If you like fruit, vegetables, rice, beans, and fruit juice then the food is absolutely awesome! However there are a good deal of fast food chains that I did not expect to be there. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I still felt a bit outside of it, but for the most part I felt like I was a part of the area. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was only slightly sick, but my family was great about it. I also had medicine for travelers diarrhea. |
* Safety: |
There was A LOT of theft, especially in the neighborhoods that the exchange students stayed in. Don't walk after dark, especially alone. And be aware of who is around you. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
If you want to travel, it gets to be pretty expensive. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 due to travel. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat out less, go to the grocery store. |
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 |
SIEMPRE! |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A 300 level, but it is amazing how much I didn't know and still do not know. |
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? | Use it. Just use it. With your family and friends and anyone around. Don't be afraid to mess up, just try. |
Other Program Information
* 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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | It takes more than a few months to really learn a language. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |