Past Review
By erae06 (Sociology., New Mexico State University) for
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI): Heredia - CPI Language Center
My study abroad experience was more then I could have dreamed of. I met some of the mot amazing genuine people in the most beautiful country I have ever been in. The people of Costa Rica are wonderful very happy people who teach you more then Spanish. They are so proud of their country and for all the right reasons. They are welcoming and humble live each day to the fullest. It is everything a country should be! I would study abroad a hundred times over again.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Heredia, Monteverde, and Flamingo |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Each teacher at each campus was wonderful. They not only kept you interested in learning the languege but also learning and really enjoying the country. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program's administration was amazing in Heredia and Monteverde. They new each students name, we had great conversations and I like many other students there were able to build great realtionships with the staff at those two locations. Flamingo's CPI staff has a little more work to do. They are not as friendly but could be understandable because of the amount of students at that campus. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Wonderful most welcoming families. |
| * Food: |
They put massive amounts of food infront of you!! A lot of veggies and fruits. Beans and rice is a daily thing so just get used to it. Best advice, just try it a good 95% of the time it will be delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Amazing activities, wonderful people, beautiful country. They are all very different at each school and are activities that allow you to explore the entire county. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Felt extremely safe in Heredia and Monteverde. Flamingo was a little less safe but was also extremly touristy |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget for the excursions. They are so important to your experience and although are a little more expensive through the school the set each aspect of the excursion up for you.Transportation through the school is a little more expensive and you should be prepared for that but was extremely reliable! |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
In the four weeks that I was there I dont think I could have improved any more. The afternoon conversation classes are great they are a real advantage when you have such a short time to learn. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You wont regret it! |
