Study Abroad in Costa Rica: Great Experience All Around - Lose Yourself & Rediscover Yourself Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My over all academic experience wasn't all that vigorous, which I think was good, as it allowed me time to see the country. I regretted having to take two classes in English, but I needed two environmental courses, so that is what it came to. I would say that the majority of my classes were good (3 of 4), but one I felt was kind of a waist of time. I really enjoyed improving my Spanish grammar (and I liked that the teacher only allowed Spanish in her class). I also enjoyed learning about some of the culture in another class and getting a glimpse into the tropical ecology in yet another. The only course that I didn't particularly care for had a teacher that demanded almost nothing. Although the teacher was nice didn't pull anything from the course, so I didn't feel like it was a worthwhile experience.. If you are planning to transfer courses, always try to work things out with your home university beforehand. Things worked out for me, but it took some extra effort for me after the fact.

On-site administration of your program

The host country program administration was great. They were very knowledgeable, helpful and willing to assist in any way. They were fun and made the excursions a blast :D

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed being housed with a host family. It really helped with the immersion and it aided me a lot in learning the language better. I loved getting to know the family better and the authentic experience that I gained is priceless. I always felt safe in regard to my housing situation. Obviously while I was studying abroad I was free to go wherever I wanted to though. It's just important to be sensible and to keep a level head (even when going out). Travel with a friend.

I thought the food was very good over all. My host mother provided lunch to myself and my roommate even though she didn't have too. The food at home was good and varied, and the family was very accommodating. Although I was a little tired of Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) by the end, the food over all was really good. Now I make Gallo Pinto on a regular basis back in the States.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was the highlight of the trip. The numerous trip that I took around the country (as part of the program, and just on the side) were FANTASTIC. We scaled mountains, surfed beaches, went to hot springs, saw volcanoes, and hiked into the depths of the Osa Peninsula. While you're in a different country get out there and do things! ... Seriously!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Safety was an issue, but as I said before, as a traveler it is up to you to be smart about what you do. If you feel nervous about walking to a friend's house in the city at night it's probably for a good reason. Don't ignore those feelings. If it's a few more bucks to get a cab then get a cab. If you have to wait an hour to walk with a friend, then wait. It's just not worth the risk. Traveling with a friend or a group is always a good idea.

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

I needed to use Spanish with my host family, and I really enjoyed this. Force yourself to use the language, or put yourself in situations that force you to use the language. You'll get a lot more out of the experience. Everyone in our student group spoke English, so it was hard not to lapse back into English a lot (and many times I still did), but I tried to speak as much Spanish as I could. In fact, I found a friend who also only wanted to speak Spanish. Him and I took a lot of trips together and left English by the wayside. I think it helped a lot, and it was nice to have someone who shared my want to really learn the language.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family