Past Review
By Wesley N (Spanish Language and Literature., New Mexico State University) for
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI): Heredia - CPI Language Center
I gained the ability to speak spanish as well as the skills to cope and fit in with a new culture. The worst part about the experience was that I had to come back to the U.S. and Im sure most people who go will feel the same way.
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: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers at CPI are great teachers and wonderful people. I am so glad that I was able to meet them all and take classes with them. I am still in contact with people from CPI on a fairly regular basis. The teachers have good knowledge and experience in teaching spanish and it is beneficial that every week the students switch classrooms to new teachers. This helps the student to understand the language without becoming accustomed to how only one person speaks it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I give this a 5 because every student I met at CPI loved the school and nearly all of them don't want to leave when it is time to go back to the states. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was awesome and I still keep in contact with them. |
| * Food: |
I am a vegetarian and I always found the people very accomodating. Other than that, its good, what more can be said |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Ticos (Costa Ricans) are very helpful and friendly .... I made lots of friends and plan on returning to Costa Rica to visit them as soon as I have the chance. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
One girl recieved a fairly severe bite from some type of bug and CPI immediately took her to the health clinic with thier private transportation. |
| 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? | Be frugal ..... this isn't Mexico |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I stayed for a 6 month period and became fluent in the language. When I arrived I knew some grammar, but spoke very little, now I speak on the phone twice a week to friends I left behind in Costa Rica |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go enjoy it! Good people, great weather, good learning environment. |
