Pura Vida: Costa Rica - My Home Away From Home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I believe the curriculum presented to the students was challenging depending on the class. The course load could have been a little more intensive, but I believe that the way the program was set up allowed more time for the students to experience the culture. Therefore, even though the curriculum might not be at the same level some students are used to back in the States, the professors in Costa Rica definitely helped provide a great cultural experience.

On-site administration of your program

At the time I was studying abroad, Jose Miguel was Director of the program in San Jose. He was a very enthusiastic man and always willing to help in any situation. He always made a trip fun and made sure to keep it educational at the same time. All the staff in the ISA office at ULACIT were so generous towards all the students and always available to answer questions. One of my friends from the program ended up having to switch host family homes, because she felt uncomfortable being by herself since her assigned roommate had backed out of the program. Within one day, Jose Miguel and the office staff had her switched to my host family home and it was the best experience having an additional roommate! We became an awesome, little family!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood that we lived in was in Guadalupe, Montelimar. It was a fairly nice neighborhood, but it was always recommended by our host mother to walk together when we left the house since it was obvious we were Americans and we would receive a lot of attention. Our host family home was very nice and of typical Costa Rican fashion. We always felt safe and loved our host mother like our own. We actually still keep in contact. The bus from our house to school took about 15 minutes and we were literally right down the street from the grocery store. Our host mother, Amira, definitely treated myself and my other two roommates like we were her own daughters. She cried when we left to go away on weekend trips and definitely cried when we left to return back to the States. We all have the deepest care and love for her.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We traveled to Monteverde, Jaco, Palmares- a music festival, Nicaragua, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and several other places throughout the weekends. Whenever we took trips put together by ISA, it was always a great time among the students. We did activities like canyoning, canopy tour, ATV tour through the mountains. We also went to see a play one night in downtown San Jose which was really fun and definitely an interesting cultural experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We didn't really deal with many health issues on our trip so I am unable to accurately compare our health system in the States with the one in Costa Rica. In terms of safety, downtown San Jose was pretty safe, however just like in every city there were some less than desirable places people, especially, students, shouldn't go. I always suggest walking with someone, groups of girls especially with at least one boy. Don't wear really flashy jewelry downtown, because it has been known for people to steal your jewelry right off you in certain parts of downtown. Just always be aware of your surroundings and try to visit the city during the day not really at night. A lot of the times we went to the local mall and would go to the movie theater there to hang out at night.

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

Among the students in our program, we spoke english to eachother most of the time. However, whenever we were out with Ticos or at the ULACIT, we spoke in Spanish. Several opportunities afforded us the experiences to continue practicing our Spanish as we partnered with students who were learning English at the university and we became language partners. We were able to hang out with them outside of school and they practiced English while we practiced Spanish. Also, a few girls and I volunteered during Semana Santa with a group called Un Techo Para Mi Pais. This organization helps provide temporary relief for earthquake victims as they build temporary homes for them and their families. The girls and I from ISA were 3 out of 5 Americans on the trip of over 200 Ticos. It was the best experience we had while in Costa Rica! Nobody was speaking English and it was great! We learned so much slang and just improved drastically with our Spanish and understanding in over a week! I definitely recommend volunteering with this organization while you are studying abroad in San Jose. It is lead by students that attend Univ. de Costa Rica (UCR).

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family