Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great staff, they all knew a lot about the language and they were very helpful. They really pushed you to speak which was wonderful.

On-site administration of your program

The staff at my school was very accomidating and kind. They assisted in travel arrangements within the country and took the hassel out of setting reservations for some of the tours. They were also very knowledgeable about the requirements for my home university as well as other universities in the US. The classroom sizes were perfect. They were small and each student received individualized attention from the professors. My expectations were exceeded with this program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the best host family and home in Costa Rica. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The family was welcoming and accepting of foreigners. They and their home were wonderful. The neighborhood was safe during the daytime but at night it could be a bit scarey. There were drug addicts that lived under a nearby bridge that had attempted to rob one of my roommates. It is best to not walk around the streets after 10 p.m. and if you are out past then take a cab home. Most places were in walking distance but for convenience purposes the bus or a taxi taken to get there. The city that I stayed in, Quepos, for small and a bit dirty but it had charm and I loved it either way.

The portions are usually large, so if your don't eat a lot inform your host mother. Many host mothers are able to make vegetarian dishes. Most places in the area are also able to make vegetarian dishes as well. All of th restaurants I visited were great! It is really hard to not find a restaurant that doesn't serve the food that you are craving for a particular day. My favorite food came from my host mother. She cooked a large variety of food and never made a bad meal.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The beach was the favorite place to be. I met many people there, learned to surf and got a great look at nature there.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Don't walk around the city past 10 p.m. If you are our take a taxi to where ever you are going. Those that became ill talked with the staff of the school and they assisted them in finding a doctor.

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

I am now more comfortable with my speaking. I have also learned how to apply the differnet tenses that I learned at my home university and I have improved my writing and reading as well.