Integrating to the Tico Life Past Review
By Jenna H (Social Work, University of Illinois Springfield / UIS) - abroad from 05/23/2015 to 07/05/2015 with
ISEP Direct: Heredia - Study Abroad at Universidad Nacional
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was certainly worthwhile! I learned so much from my weeks abroad, both about the Spanish language and Costa Rican culture. Not only did we talk about the culture in class, but I saw it first hand. I am a social work student, and I talked with my host family about many aspects of the Costa Rican government, social spending, and religion in their country. It was also amazing to see the beaches, mountains, and cities of Costa Rica. There were many places and activities that I would never have experienced in the U.S.- or anywhere else, for that matter!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
I found it very affordable to live in Costa Rica; my direct program fee paid for not only classes and housing, but insurance and food as well. All other expenses were activities, food, or souvenirs that I chose on my own! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | On some weeks, I spent less than $20- and still, the money I spent was on extra food with my friends and other students. On weeks that we shopped for gifts and visited other areas of the country, I spent between $50-100. Which was still affordable, given the souvenirs and trips that we bought! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate, but it took place over a year before I started my trip. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Just be confident- it may seem daunting at first, but the best way to learn and practice the language is to dive head first into your experience! I would also suggest watching movies or listening to music in that language before you leave, just to get practice listening to fluent speakers. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had a better idea of what clothing to bring to Costa Rica- I tried looking in many travel blogs and researching the climate, but I have a far better idea of what to pack now that I have already visited the country. T-shirts and casual shirts are perfect for the climate, along with some light sweaters and definitely a rain jacket! For pants, I would bring jeans that can be rolled up or some capris- I was told those would hold in too much heat, but they were the perfect option for class and excursions. Some hiking leggings would be a good idea, too. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
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