The Best Decision I've Ever Made: Costa Rica Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The intensity of my elective courses was not very high. The intensive month Spanish classes were a lot of work and helped tremendously with learning the language and culture, but the electives required very little work.

On-site administration of your program

The orientations and continued assistance throughout the program were awesome. I loved ISA and appreciated their help with the transition.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely love my host family. We still keep in touch and the housing could not have been better. I lived 3 minutes walking distance from my university and 8 minutes from the gym. The family helped with the cultural understanding so much.

The meals I received in my homestay were balanced and delicious. We had large breakfasts and dinners with our families, then were on our own for lunch. At first I didn't know if I liked having to buy lunch everyday, but it was a great social time with friends and the restaurants in the area were cheap and great. I miss the food there a lot.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I adapted so much that the reverse culture shock coming home still hasn't worn off completely and it has been four weeks since my return to the US. After about six weeks in Costa Rica, I felt like I finally understood the culture and loved living their lifestyle.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We received information at the beginning of the program about healthcare and how to receive it, but I don't have much insight into the process because I never needed to see a doctor.

Just like any large city, there is danger on the streets. During my time abroad, a few students at my university got mugged on the street. BUT, those of us who made sure to walk in groups and never go anywhere alone after dark stayed safe. As long as future students pay attention and apply the information they receive during their orientations, they will stay safe.

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

I liked to travel most weekends and do adventurous things such as bungee jump and white water raft. So, each weekend cost roughly $100. If I had only bought lunch everyday and not done other fun activities it would have been possible to only spend about $40/week.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were only allowed to speak Spanish in the office of my program and were not allowed to speak English with our host families even if they knew it.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• The homestay requirement
• Intensive language classes and structure of other classes
• the excursions that were included in the tuition

• I honestly can't think of anything I would change.

The Avid Adventurer