Costa Rica felt like a Dream Past Review
By Nicole H (Environmental Studies & Political Science, Marietta College) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): San Jose - Semester in Costa Rica
Yes. I grew a lot during my stay, confronting those things I struggled with, like shyness, language, and I grew much more independent. It feels nice to be feel like I could call another country a second home.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
the classes were far too easy and basic. In one, I in fact learned absolutely nothing new; you could have taught it to middle school students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Some things were extremely unorganized, and there were a couple situations in which the staff were very unhelpful. Their English was perfect,though, which was a plus. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I never felt completely safe in my neighborhood but since my host family lived beside the school, it was very rarely an issue. My family was absolutely fantastic and really made me a part of the family; I got very close to them despite the language barrier. Food was wonderful and home life comfortable, except perhaps the bed which was extremely uncomfortable. |
| * Food: |
There were tons of delicious Sodas in the neighborhood. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were some opportunities (though most you had to pay extra for) to participate in extra curriculars. The best were the dance classes. But these extra curriculars hardly ever included native students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The program was definitely a strong support if you needed medical attention, but San Jose and our neighborhood are hardly sanitary. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a host family and therefore spoke Spanish every day that I was home. I had a language class 2 out of the 4 months I was there. That was mainly the extent of it. There was no interaction with native students and most natives spoke some English anyone. Sometimes people would refuse to speak to you in Spanish actually. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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