Costa Rica: A Jungle Experience, In or Out of the City Past Review
By Andrea R (Spanish, University of New Hampshire) for
ISA Study Abroad in San José, Costa Rica
It was great, I only wished that I had spoken more Spanish while I was there and had taken classes with Costa Ricans instead of with Americans.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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? |
Nightlife was a bit sketchy in this area, but during the day the neighborhood was relatively safe, as long as you weren't flashing your passport around or carrying a laptop. The host family was chosen for us, and they were incredible! We had to walk to school every day, and it took us about 15 minutes one way. The host mother made us 3 meals a day and was so kind. She did our laundry every week and took care of our beds, etc. |
| * Food: |
Good vegetarian options, rice and beans, etc. Lots of fish and chicken. The portions were not too big like they are in the US. Restaurants in our neighborhood were not so great, except this one guy that made burritos right at the Veritas University. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All our trips outside of San Jose were great! The only downfall is that it is too sketchy to go out at night in San Jose. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Don't carry your passport with you or iPods or anything expensive...you will get jumped by Colombian gangs. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Practiced with Costa Rican friends and teachers, used Spanish everyday and frequently, about 50% of the people spoke English at least some. |
| 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?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't just go to all the "touristy" locations in the country. Explore a bit. The greatest treasures are the ones less traveled. |
