Living the Pura Vida was life-changing. Past Review
By Elizabeth O (Spanish Language and Literature., Truman State University) for
College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): San Jose - Universidad Veritas
Yes, very much so.
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. |
I did not know that I had to test in to my Spanish class. At University of Wisconsin-Platteville where I go to school, education abroad students have to fill out a course sheet for what classes they're going to take abroad. I did that, but it didn't matter. I had to test in to my Spanish class (which I tested into a 2000 level class rather than a 3000). Also, my elective course wasn't offered. So I took neither of the courses I thought I was going to take. It was an extremely stressful situation. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were helpful if they could be. With courses and not having my elective course offered and not testing into the Spanish course I signed up for, they couldn't offer any help except to tell me to speak with my advisers from UW-Platteville. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I am so thankful for my family. Without them, I wouldn't have learned much Spanish while in Costa Rica. I was sad not to have a roommate, as it made traveling in town very difficult. However, my host family/living situation was the best part of my entire trip. |
| * Food: |
My mama tica cooked the best food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Dance class! Also, the trip to Puerto Viejo was fabulous. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
In San Jose, you just always have to know where you are. Know your surroundings. Avoid looking like a tourist. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent around $500.00 for 5 weeks. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be ready to spend $100-$200 on extra trips that you might want to take. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A low 4000-level course. |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish with my host mother and host sister. With fellow students, I always spoke English. This was a very big set back. I wasn't happy to speak so much English, but I wanted to spend time with fellow students. |
| 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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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Comments
That's wonderful! We are happy to hear that you had an amazing study abroad experience! CCIS
CCIS April 24, 2014
