Life Changing, Unforgettable, Amazing, and Every Other Cliche Positive Word! Past Review
By Hanna N (Political Science, Sociology, Minor- Women and Gender Studies and Spanish, Trinity University) - abroad from 05/26/2014 to 06/20/2014 with
Centro Linguistico Conversa: Santa Ana - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned not only another language, and another culture, but I think the most worthwhile thing I learned was about who I am as a person and what I want for my future!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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? |
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| * Food: |
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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: |
Santa Ana, Costa Rica can be dangerous after dark, but besides that it was one of the most amazing cities I have ever visited! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | It varied between $100 to $200 depending on the weekend trip |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Learn how to bargain at markets! People from the country will probably try to charge you more for something, but bargain with them in their language and they will drop their price. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | three years of high school spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Stay with a host family! That is where I got to practice the majority of my spanish! |
Other Program Information
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* 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? |
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? | I am much more capable of "roughing it" than I previously thought. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
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