Awesome Adventures in Costa Rica Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were meaningful, and I was able to learn a lot. I knew practically no Spanish before I went, but by the end I was able to write short paragraphs and descriptions for my class.

On-site administration of your program

Our on-site director in Costa Rica was great! She always did her best to plan activities for us on top of the excursions included in the program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My house was simple, but perfectly livable. I stayed with a host family, and they made me feel so welcome. Living with a family was one of the biggest highlights of my trip.

The food took me a while to get used to because it was a lot of carbohydrates. Overall, I enjoyed it. Costa Ricans really know how to cook. We were responsible for providing our own lunches every day so you could buy whatever type of food you wanted to eat.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't really meet too many natives other than my family, my on-site director, and a few other people. Of course, you could seek those people out. I didn't do that because I didn't feel comfortable. My family was able to tell me a lot about the culture and religion.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience where I needed medical assistance. I think the healthcare system is less regulated than it is in the U.S. For example, I am pretty sure you can just walk into a pharmacy in Costa Rica and get the medicine you need without a prescription. I did get a typhoid fever vaccine before I went to Costa Rica, but it was not required by the program.

I felt relatively safe in San Jose. I did have a night class so I had to walk to the university in the dark. I always walked with other students and never alone at night. If you use common sense and are aware of your surroundings, your safety will not be compromised.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I think that if you really have a tight budget you can probably manage. I was not too concerned with how much money I spent because I received a scholarship to cover the tuition. Much of my money was spent on souvenirs, all of which were not necessary.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were encouraged greatly to speak Spanish in our Basic Spanish class, at the university, and at our home stays.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• Host Family
• Excursions
• Intensive Spanish Class

• Class Field Trips
• Motorized Security for Students walking to their houses

The Academic or Linguist