Past Review
By Erika (Communication and Media Studies., New Mexico State University) for
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI): Heredia - CPI Language Center
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained a new appreciation of Hispanic Culture, particularly the "tico" or Costa Rican culture. And of course, gained some new skills in the Spanish language.
Personal Information
| 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. |
Being immersed in the culture and classes where no English is spoken helps more than you would imagine. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration at CPI was very helpful with everything and very organized. I hardly had to do anything when it came to organizing excursions, inter-campus transportation, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was a bit far from the school, but walking wasn't too bad. The family I was with for this first week didn't talk to me a whole lot. |
| * Food: |
Generally very good (and different) food. Be prepared to eat lots of rice and beans! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The activities provided by the school and outside of school were great and gave us some adventures and time to relax and just have fun, all while learning about the culture! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe, but I wouldn't go do things by myself, like walk around town. |
| 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? | NA |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I'm able to follow spoken Spanish much more easily and can translate much more quickly as well. My grammar and vocabulary improved a lot in just a matter of two weeks. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's a great program, and worth every penny! You won't be disappointed. |
