Pura Vida = Pure Life: The Costa Rican Lifestyle Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I absolutely loved my academic experience. Everyday, we went to class for four hours and had 90% of conversation and 10% of actual school work. Our professor would give us the lesson for the day and we would spend the rest of our time practicing it through oral communication. At first it seemed very frighting and intimadating. However, it was not that bad because the professors were polite and patient. They invited open communication and if you said anything wrong they would tell you and correct you. They simply wanted you to try. Trying is what makes students better at their new language.

On-site administration of your program

The professors and administrative team were very accessible. They were available 100% of the time. If there were any concerns, students felt comfortable going to the personale at the school. Every personale was well informed and if they did not know the answer to questions, they would find the answer, and give a response immediately. The program was a perfect size. Just enough professors on hand and equally divided in a classroom with at the most three students per teacher. My only expectation was to feel welcomed and learn in a comfortable environment. And all my expectations were met perfectly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I appreciated the wonderful and small town of Grecia. People were friendly and the neighborhood was very safe. My host family was very accomodating. My host mother cooked me a wonderful breakfast and dinner everyday. My family truly made me feel like I was apart of the family. Anything I needed or even appeared to need, my family would get it for me without me even having to say a word. Once again they were very accomodating. As well, since we lived in a small town, it wasn't very busy at nights. We went out of the city for our excursion and our walk to the school was only ten minutes.

From the beginning, my host family asked what were my dietary restrictions. My only restriction was Beef and not a single meal consisted of beef. I remember countless times when my family would make a Chicken Lasagna instead of beef. Or Chicken/Pork Tacos. The food was very rich in flavor and they love to give you heavy helpings. At times I had to ask my host mother to reduce the serving sized. A good place to eat Chicken Wings is Bro's and for Fried Chicken is Pollo Crispy. As well there is a great Chinese resturant near the Church. And for Costa Rican Food is La Nina's! As well, try their wonderful cheesecake!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My favorite experience was eating dinner with my Tico family and extended family. There were times when fifteen of us would feast on a huge meal on a random night. Not just for holidays just like in the States. My school kept us involved in activites like: WaterRafting, Canopy (Zip-Lining), Visted Volcanos, Beaches, Visted the Waterfalls, Coffee plantation, visted San Jose, and so much more!!!! I loved the great events that were planned for us!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My host city was very safe! It was a small city and just like visiting any other country/place be sure to always be careful of your surroundings. Do not give a reason to bother you by wearing flashy or for the ladies provacative clothing. We had no health issues besides a few headaches from going through the mountains. However, it was made clear if we needed to go to the hospital, we would be immediately taken.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I practiced with my professors, my host family, and the natives of the country. Using the language was needed EVERYDAY! But no worries, the submersion was full throttle. Students practiced all day and everyday. This encouraged me to want to the language even more. I wanted to communicate with others in the language. I often found myself feeling bad if I did not know a Spanish word and used an English word. Most people at least knew "Hello" and "Good-bye" but that was it. But that is where the professors come in to teach you the basics of communication.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family