Past Review
By Kristina M (Journalism., New Mexico State University) for
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI): Heredia - CPI Language Center
My study abroad experience in Costa Rica was definitely worthwhile. I not only gained a lot of experience with the language and overall improved my Spanish-speaking skills more than I ever thought I would have, but I also built priceless relationships with the Costa Rican people, as well as other students from around the world. My instructors were wonderful. They were so helpful and patient with me and used many different approaches from games such as Scrabble and Clue in Spanish to listening to a Spanish song and matching up pictures with the verses, to help me learn Spanish in an even more affective way. The food and culture was unique and wonderful. My host family was great, and I greatly enjoyed being a part of their family for the two weeks that I studied at CPI-Heredia. I will never forget the experience I had in Costa Rica, and I would absolutely recommend the program to other students who wish to learn Spanish and have a wonderful cultural adventure at the same time.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | New Mexico State University |
| 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. |
The Spanish courses at CPI Heredia definitely helped improve my Spanish, The teachers were all very kind, patient, and helpful. They use various hands-on activities and games to help practice various subjects in Spanish. The converstaion class was also a wonderful class that helped me make huge improvements in my Spqanish. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was very kind and went out of their way to help out. They speak slowly so you can understand and assist with whatever you might need, whether it be questions about your classes or directions back to your host family's house. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was absolutely amazing. They treated me like a part of the family and included me in their activities. I also leared a lot more SPanish by communication with them, or trying to. They were a big help to me, and I really enjoyed the experience. |
| * Food: |
The food was very different, but it was wonderful. My host mom was a great cook. Just know that all of the host moms tend to serve a TON of food. They know it's a lot and are often not offended if you can't eat it all, but it is a good idea to learn how to say things like "I'm full... Thank you, it was delicious, but I can't eat anymore..." Things like that so the host mom knows you enjoyed her food but that it's a lot for you to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met so many great people from all over the world. It is a good idea to participate in as many activities as possible in order to get the full cultural experience of the country you are studying in. There are often activites that do not cost much, if any money at all. The dancing and cooking classes offered on campus were wonderful and helped me further experience the culture in a very fun way. It is also a good idea to get a group together, get a map, and explore Heredia, the market, San Jose, etc. on your own. It costs less money than a guided tour and will help you get acquainted with your surroundings as well as other students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I generally felt very safe throughout the program, as long as I was with my host family or a group of students. I recommend taking basic medicines, such as allergy medicine, pain reliever, and a thera-flu or cold medicine in case you get sick, because these things may not be available to you or may be difficult to get once you are in the country. |
| 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? | If you go to the bank, go in a group. There is often a line, and also be prepared for stricter security than in the United States. When using the ATM, be aware of your surroundings. If possible, exchange your money at the airport and have money on hand, because some places don't accept credit or debit cards, and you will want to have colones with you at all times. It's easiest and most convenient to do this ahead of time or at the airport when you get to San Jose, if possible. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My language skills improved more than I could have imagined. I went to Costa Rica knowimg very basic Spanish, and I came back close to fluent. Working with my instructors and living with my wonderful host family did wonders for my Spanish. The program was wonderful overall and helped my Spanish-speaking skills tremendously. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Study Abroad CPI is a wonderful program. If you are looking to learn Spanish and get culturally enriched at the same time, I would definitely recommend this program to you. It was a wonderful experience for me, and I would definitely do it again. |
