Costa Rica, truly defines PURA VIDA Past Review
By Lisa H (Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services., University of Wisconsin - Stout) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica
I gained self confidence and grew individually but I wish there wouldn't have been so many Americans. I could have learned a lot more Spanish if I would have surrounded myself with Ticos (Costa Ricans).
Personal Information
| 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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Most everything was great. My host family was great but I wish there would have been less "gringos" or American's because it was easy to attend class in Spanish and then leave and only use English outside of school. I think my Spanish would have improved more if there would have been less gringos there. |
| * Food: |
I am a vegetarian and she didn't respect that very well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
San Jose is known to be a dangerous city. So it was expected that it was a little risky. |
| 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? | Food is not cheap in Costa Rica as you would expect. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | NONE |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced 1 and Advanced Conversation |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everyday, especially with my host Mom. |
Other Program Information
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students that are ready to open their mind. The culture is very different but if you are easily adaptable and willing to open your eyes and mind you are okay to travel in CR. |
