Costa Rica was totally PURA VIDA!! Past Review
By Joseph M (Wildlife Biology, West Texas A&M University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica
I was a Biology major before going to Costa Rica. After taking the biological diversity class my viewpoints of life changed a great deal. Experience in a culture totaly different form my own was amazing!!
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 biological diversity class really helped me in understanding the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. I feel the Latin American history class was not the best taught class. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I really became close with the faculty. They took a personal interest in my happiness during my stay. The only class which I felt could have used a little more planning would have been the Latin American History, but I had read alot prior to going to Costa Rica. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Recommend a box fan. |
* Food: |
Get your hands on some salsa Lazano!! Also tres leches on the beach is amazing!! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were many. The meeting with local conservationist was my favorite! |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Keep your bags faced forward when going through the city. Always take a taxi after dark no matter how far! |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Language acquisition improvement? |
I ended practicing all the time. Just for every day travel and eating. My host family only spoke Spanish so I was able to pick up the accents of locals real quick. I do feel I could have gained more in the language sector had I taken more Spanish classes prior to the program. ALthough, I feel comfortable traveling Latin America now. I was able to get enough to be able to form friendships. |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be willing to get yourself out there! Make plans to see all of central america! |