PURA VIDA-I did not want to come home! Past Review
By Kristina S (Spanish Language and Literature., Illinois State University) for
ISA Study Abroad in San José, Costa Rica
It was the smartest thing I have ever done. I am more confident with my language skills and as a person in general. I am more independent and have a better sense of the world.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to see all sides of Costa Rica. I lived in the city part and on the weekends got to experience the beautiful tourist attractions. I was also able to experience the how Ticos live by going to school. I saw the differences academically but also socially by going out at night. I truly got the best of both worlds. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety was mostly common sense. As long as you did not do anything stupid, I never felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent more towards the higher end (around $700) because I participated in a lot of extra tours/activities. I also went out almost every night and brought a lot of souvenirs home. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make sure you plan a budget! Even if it not that strict, it will help in the long term. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Spanish |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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