Month Long Costa Rica Trip- Good Language Immersion Experience Past Review
By Chelsey Stinnett (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 06/02/2017 to 07/01/2017 with
Eastern Illinois University (EIU): UVeritas in Costa Rica
I gained a perspective on a new culture, language experience, and lasting relationships.
Review Photos
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. |
The class that we took (advanced Spanish grammar and conversation) at veritas was challenging but not too difficult. The professor was strict about only speaking spanish in class but was very helpful and reassuring. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Other than a mix up with transportation in the beginning of the trip, I would say that the program at Veritas was accommodating. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was wonderful and hospitable. I am still connected with them on facebook. |
| * Food: |
I LOVE the food in Costa Rica! I still miss it. The food at Veritas that we would eat for lunch was very good. I even had a roomate who was vegan and my host mom always made sure she had enough to eat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I definitely felt like I stuck out in San Jose, but that also had a lot to do with living in a big city for the first time. The people were very easy to get along with and very kind for the most part. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I actually had a filling come loose while I was in Costa Rica and had to go to the dentist to get it fixed. I got a recommendation for a nearby dentist from the staff at Veritas and made an appointment. The appointment was affordable and although I had a bit of trouble communicating, the dentist did a good job. I only needed a few vaccines before going on the trip which I easily received from my primary practitioner. |
| * Safety: |
San Jose is not the safest place to be. I had my entire wallet stolen after being there for two weeks. It is difficult to explore not knowing where you are safe in the city. Another one of my friends reported that one of the girls who was also staying with her host family was apprehended by someone in the street. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Although there is some things I would definitely change, overall I appreciated the experience a lot. |
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) |
We got 10 included lunches at veritas and breakfast and dinner every day at our host family, so spending was not a huge concern. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Less than 50 dollars. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you want to go on weekend trips, you can save money by asking your host family for recommendations on where to go/ where to stay rather than using pricey travel agencies. |
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 |
We spoke spanish in the house always and in class. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Business Spanish |
| 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 not to speak english! Work through your mistakes with your host family. They will most likely be very understanding. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | BE VIGILANT! It is very easy to have your valuables taken from you. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
