Amazing Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 01/29/2013 to 05/28/2013 with

International Center for Development Studies (ICDS): San José - Development Studies in Latin America: Interdisciplinary

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I'm sorry, but I don't know who is going to see this. So for the reasons below, I had a worthwhile experience. I would recommend ICDS to anyone and would feel more comfortable talking to a prospective student in person.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It is like any other city, you need to be careful

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply for financial aid if you are eligible

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

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? Advanced Grammar
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take spanish courses and have lunch with directors/professors

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Traveling
  • Course material
* What could be improved?
  • Program Size
  • Flexibility of Classes
  • University resources
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is a major Costa Rican University right next store.