Costa Rica: Challenging, Yet Something I Will Always Remember Past Review
By Sarah E (Psychology/Spanish, St. Mary's College of Maryland) for
Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS): San José - Social Justice and Development Internship
Absolutely. I will never have that experience again in my life, and I know now that Spanish is definitely something I want to continue to use, and will use in my profession. It was truly an eye-opening experience, and one that I would never give up.
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 work load was very small and not very challenging. Compared to my college in the U.S., it was very easy; almost too easy. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt that the staff was supportive, but at the same time, I didn't feel that they were taking my concerns into consideration regarding host family issues. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
My host mother didn't provide me with much food (the portions were very small and I was rarely offered seconds), and at times neglected to provide me with lunch, even though I was paying her to. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Nicaragua was amazing. It was my absolute favorite part of the program. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
No one in my study abroad group was ever mugged or robbed. I felt pretty safe, although I never walked outside in the dark by myself unless it was close to home and early in the evening. I never had a problem with my health, but I know that when people in my group did, the faculty at ICADS was very helpful. I went to Passport Health to receive vaccines and tips concerning safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke mostly Spanish and only spoke English with my peers from the U.S. or my host sister, who spoke some English. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
