Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Costa Rican Stay Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 05/29/2016 to 06/25/2016 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): San Jose - Universidad Veritas

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned that I am capable to be in another country and be successful. I gained more self confidence. I learned the language a lot better. I learned to not be afraid to talk to new people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was challenged by my course but it was very doable. My instructer wanted my class to succeed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Things went smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my housing situation. I was lucky to be paired with Rodrigo and Maritza R, they are my family!

* Food:

The food was so good. I was excited to eat each meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I was integrated with my family, but it was hard to integrate with locals when I was making friends with other students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe! Its just crucial to stay in groups and never be alone especially at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved my school: Veritas, my teachers and leaders, and my host family.

Finances

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

They encouraged us to always be practicing Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to focus on talking to your host family and making friends that are residents in the country!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The people I met.
  • The trips I took while there.
* What could be improved?
  • I didn't know anyone going into the program. It would have been nice to hook me up with another group going so I would have had people to talk to the first couple days/travel with in the beginning.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm not sure honestly!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.