Studying Spanish in Costa Rica! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was only one class that I felt was too difficult, and this was only because the professor did not want to help me when I needed it most. Thus, I received my first C in college. Still passing though!

On-site administration of your program

Most of the time people were there to answer questions. VERITAS is a fairly small private university with only a total of about 1,500 students attending. All the staff was very friendly and they all new my name in no time at all! But, maybe that says more about me than them..

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my host family. They were so caring and treated me as if I was one of their own. The house was very clean as almost everyone seems to have a maid/employee. Anytime there was a bug, they would spray. One time I was really missing home (and admittedly crying in my room), so my "mama tica" brought me tea and gave me chocolate as we talked for hours so I wouldn't feel so alone. My only complaint would be of the other international students who also lived with us. As there were 4 other girls in the house, drama seemed to surface often. I should also mention that the home stays do not normally have so many students. Most only have one. So my situation was a little different.

My host mom was an amazing cook who had taken many culinary classes in her lifetime. Meals were scheduled (breakfast and dinner included). Sometimes they would even offer us to join them for lunch. She allowed us to use the kitchen to prepare our own food as well. She was also very accommodating if I was ever late or had to eat early. Just be courteous and give an advance notice so she doesn't waste food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Costa Rica has a very diverse culture, with ancestors from every continent. This made it hard for me to tell who actually lived there and who was a tourist, but I kind of made a game of trying to spot the "ticos" (which is what they call the locals. This was my first time living in a city, and my first time visiting the oceans and volcanoes. The culture is different everywhere you go in the country with the exception that everywhere the people are very welcoming and ready to hear about your travels. I hardly ran into unpleasant people, but in the city I would say is where they usually hang out.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I gave it a middle rating because I never used the healthcare.

I carried pepper spray with me everywhere. I am a white blonde girl who really stood out. Be prepared to be honked at by nearly every care that passes and receive a lot of unwanted gazes. It is best to not make eye contact with people who make you feel uncomfortable but to always be aware of everyone around you. A few students were mugged by men on motorcycles. It is easy to see peoples intentions though. When a car passed by I would always turn my head towards them so they know I am alert. Do not carry around valuables. Do not text as you walk. It is best to just be alert and prepared. It may seem a little paranoid, but I did not have a single problem in the 5 months I was in Central America. With the exception of one scam artist. A tip about them? Look up the business first, ask for a business card or a managers number if they do not have a kiosk or building they are working from. In any situation, the best advice is to follow your gut. If it doesn't feel right, then get out ASAP. But never forget to enjoy yourself and get out of your comfort zone. It sounds like a hard balance, but after the first week or so you will get the hang of it.

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

Food and travel are very cheap in Costa Rica, unless you go through a travel agency (which I would recommend until you are comfortable on your own.) I easily budgeted $100 per week but the problems came when I wanted to buy souvenirs, clothes, or anything else that would be imported. Why? Because Costa Rica has high import taxes and does not manufacture much of their own goods, thus most material goods are about twice as much as they would be in the USA. My advice is to buy local coffee or chocolate for souvenirs.

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

The professors were very encouraging and helpful, but outside of the classroom it is up to you. My advice is to seek out others who are driven to learn the language because the mass majority of students practically refuse to talk in Spanish when the professors aren't around. Also, my host family was GREAT to practice with. They always were ready to talk and encouraged me too. Finding local friends is also a great idea, but beware of those who only want to hang out to practice their english.

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