This experience opened my life to many more new beginnings. Past Review
By Rebekah W (Child Life Development, University of Memphis) - abroad from 09/26/2015 to 12/19/2015 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica
Circumstances will change, but the only thing that will remain constant in life is change. Learn to embrace change early in life and you will succeed.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The language courses were intense, but I was given resources that allowed me to succeed. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration here is superb! The advisors help in any way that they can. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing assignment was fantastic! My program director does an excellent job placing students in the appropriate houses and families based on their profiles. |
| * Food: |
The food is not what you might think when you think of typical Mexican food. It isn't spicy and tends to be rather bland at times. They consume lots of vegetables and fresh produce. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The local culture is lovely. I respect the way people are presented. Everyone dresses well and most people are very kind and polite. Pura Vida! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in the city, but I do recommend following the guidelines that your program gives you and stay smart on the streets. |
| 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) |
I stayed pretty close to my budget with food. Hygiene products are what will kill your budget. They are two to three times more expensive here! Pack full size shampoo and conditioner. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $125 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you are buying groceries, buy basic things. The cheapest option for lunch is to find a "soda" to eat. Sodas are restaurants that serve typical Costa Rican food. |
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? | None |
| 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? | HIgh school Spanish |
| 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? | Watch movies and listen to music in Spanish. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I should have packed more shirts and less pants! I packed lots of shorts, and only wore pants! |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Health Psycology |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Delia Pena |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | I have never been in such a great class! This course allowed me to learn and understand cognitive behaviors like I have never seen before. I recommend this course even for those that do not need it for their degree! It will change the way you see life. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
