Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Costa Rica & Pura Vida: A chance to live life to the fullest. Past Review

By (English, Concordia University Texas) for

ISA Study Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I will never view the world or even the United States the same way again. Ugly things do exist, but people all over the world are so beautiful. I will definitely spend as much time as possible traveling throughout my lifetime.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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
Language acquisition improvement?

Many people did speak English in the University, however, Spanish professors only used Spanish and basic Spanish was definitely needed to get around the city.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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? Don't over pack. Study abroad is all about learning to live without all of the excess. Become friends with locals. See the world the way they do.