Past Review
By Kristine S (Global Studies and Spanish, Nebraska Wesleyan University) for
ISEP Exchange: Heredia - Exchange Program at Universidad Nacional
Yes, it is an experience I will never forget. I have already found myself referencing my experience when being brought into a new situation.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Nacional |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was a little difficult at first to adjust to having all classes taught in Spanish, as well as the time frame of the courses (most were only once a week but for longer periods of time). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director was not very accessible, so if you had a problem it took much longer to resolve. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was an amazing cook! I learned so much just from my host family, and in a different aspect than how I learned at school. <br /><br /> I loved the neighborhood I lived in and loved my family. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was such an amazing cook that I actually created my own cookbook with her recipes. |
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 10 mil colones= about $20, unless I traveled. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When traveling on the weekends, I often found that it is easiest to travel in groups of three or four (taxis are cheaper) and we normally stayed in hostels and could cook our own food. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My conversation skills (speaking) definitely increased, giving me more confidence. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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