Pura Vida, Costa Rica! Past Review

By Brit Ta K (Political Science and Government., Arizona State University) for

ISA Study Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Yes it was worthwhile. It was the best time of my life at the time, and my first time traveling outside the US and Mexico. It was expensive- close to 5 grand for a month, everything considered (program, airfare, spending money). But, ISA is good for a first time study abroad person because they cater everything to you really well. After I did this with ISA, I did traveling on my own for MUCH cheaper.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Veritas
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.	It was a full immersion program. My professor never spoke English and it was better that way. I had a class size of 6 and learned a lot! The grading was fair and it was a great experience overall.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Everything about ISA was great. The office was easily accessible and the people were very helpful. The program leaders were friendly and understanding. They were also ready to provide tons of info about Costa RIca.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My host family was great. Very sweet, lenient, older people.
* Food:	I loved beans and rice all day every day as a vegetarian, but my roommate- a picky eater had some serious issues with the food. I think it was fine though.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Baldae hot springs and Volcan Arenas was fun. Monteverde cloud forest and canopy tour was an adventure with good night life. Manuel Antonio beach was gorgeous. Aside from the program I took buses to travel a few places: Tamarindo was awesome in 2007, but when I went back in 2009 it was terribly over-touristed. Jaco was a pretty funny town to visit for a weekend. Puerto Viejo was a unique cultural experience that I would definitely reccomend. In San Jose, definitely hit up El Cuartel if you want to meet locals and foreigners alike.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I knew several people who got robbed. They warned us plenty- don't carry valuables around while walking and you'll be fine.
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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	I used Spanish in my classes, with my host parents and on the included excursions.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Costa Rica is a place where good times are everywhere. Its a lush, beautiful country. The locals are super friendly. It goes well with learning Spanish. It can be good for any type of person, really...but a laid back person who wants to be outgoing and explore, will love it.