You NEED To Go Abroad! Past Review
By Kalina P (Public Health, University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 07/04/2015 to 08/08/2015 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): San Jose - Summer in Costa Rica
Whether it's in Latin America, Europe, etc., I HIGHLY recommend studying or interning abroad to EVERYONE. Studying abroad in Costa Rica has definitely been one of the highlights in my undergraduate career, and if I had the chance to I would go to Europe, preferably Italy, France, Spain, or Czech Republic! While I was abroad, I faced my fear of heights by ziplining across Latin America's highest and longest zipline. It was terrifying, but awesome! I made life-long friends and travel buddies. And I definitely took away great life pointers from this experience. For example, cultural competency, open-mindedness, safety within foreign environments, economic differences across the globe, and many more. Sometimes finances inhibit students from studying abroad. The best advice I can give is to make it happen by any means necessary because you CANNOT miss out this life changing experience. I applied last minute and missed a bunch of scholarship deadlines, so definitely don't do that. However, my program was understanding enough to still provide me with a minor, but very helpful, scholarship. Apply and take a leap of faith! It will change your perspective on life forever. Happy and safe travels!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I received more education outside of the classroom than within. It was great! I do not believe studying abroad is necessarily for the "studying" or academic experience, but more so, the life experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Admin was very understanding, helpful, relatable, and hilarious. Made me feel so safe, welcomed, and in great hands. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
This was definitely the cherry-on-top in terms of cultural immersion. I loved my Tica Mom. |
| * Food: |
OH. MY. GOD. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Costa Rica is rated one of the top most friendly places to live. I def agree. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
If you needed help, you got it. |
| * Safety: |
They prepare you very well, remind you, warn you, etc. If something happened or happens to you, it was because you reckless and careless. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I like to move forward and visit new places. Definitely not because the experience wasn't great because it was amazing! |
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) |
I had a lot of help from my parents. Financial aid gave me some loans. And CIS was very understanding and allowed me to apply late for a scholarship. Do not apply late! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
All day, every day. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High school |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Practice, practice, practice. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't wear short-shorts. |
