Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Costa Rica: Living Life Pura Vida Style (most of the time...) Past Review

By (Environmental Studies, University of Minnesota - Morris) for

ISA Study Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile, yes. There were many things I liked about this experience and many that I did not like. That being said, though, the experience is totally what you make it to be. I was scared and shy and therefore didn't go out much or make any local friends. Other people in my group who were more outgoing had a completely different experience. I enjoyed the food and the climate - all of the places I visited were beautiful. I improved in my Spanish speaking skills and learned a lot about Costa Rica's rich culture.

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:

Served a LOT of food at dinner. Restaurants were generally inexpensive. Las Lenitas near Veritas Univ. was VERY good!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I stayed safe; however, some students did not. This frightened me so I did not go out to enjoy nightlife too frequently.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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?

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