Costa Rica: When Can I Go Back?? Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system for the classes at ULACIT in San Jose, Costa Rica mirrored those at my American University in order for our grades to transfer smoothly. The workload was enough for me to learn from the work, but not so much that I could not enjoy my experience in Costa Rica. It was the perfect balance.

On-site administration of your program

Both advisors (Heather and Jose) were amazing. They were there every day and were just wonderful. They answered any questions I had and were extremely friendly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was wonderful. My mama Tica provided everything I would need and never failed to ensure we were fed and our clothes were laundered. The neighborhood was okay, nothing fancy. At first, it scared me because there were bars in front of the yard and watch towers (with watchimen) every so often. However, I never once encountered a problem, despite my obvious gringa appearance. By the end of the stay, my home and neighborhood felt exactly like my real home. I knew the outline, the bus stops, etc. It was a short ride to ULACIT via bus and transportation was cheap.

I mostly just ate with my host family, but did get to experience eating at local places, as well, especially when traveling on the weekends. The food was cheap, and it was good. At no point did it make me sick. I only give this a 4/5 because there was nothing spectacular about the food, and I did not get much advice about local restaurants/stands.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My favorite experience was the ziplining tour through the rainforest. It was just amazing. I have never experienced anything like it since then. The next best thing was white water rafting through rapids via a river through the rainforest. Everything was amazingly beautiful.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The city felt a little unsafe because of the mentioned crime rate, but guidelines were provided during orientation to help make us feel a little safer. Nothing ever happened to make me feel unsafe, though. I did get sick once, and it was addressed promptly. My program advisor took me to a pharmacy, where they asked for symptoms and gave me medicine. I was better within a few days. My host mom gave me home remedies that helped me feel better in the meantime, too.

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

I was able to practice my Spanish every day, all day. Since ULACIT is a Costa Rican university, I met a few Costa Rican students who became friends of mine while there (this was in 2006 and I still communicate with some via Facebook from time to time!). I also spoke with my host family, professors and the ISA advisors at ULACIT daily. I spoke Spanish everywhere we went (the grocery store, restaurants, hostels when traveling, etc). The only time I spoke English was with my ISA-provided American roommate or fellow American classmates.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• The people
• The excursions
• The surroundings

• I loved everything about it