This Summer I explored the world and I explored myself. I found amazing things. Past Review
By destinee.tyson (Health & Human Performance, Berea College) - abroad from 06/01/2014 to 07/07/2014 with
KIIS: Costa Rica - Experience Costa Rica, Summer Program
It helped my get over the passing of a parent. It helped my place my identity as a student, an educator, and a member of the world.
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? |
My first host family hold a very special place in my heart |
| * Food: |
If i could I'd eat rice and beans everyday, I can't explain how hard I find myself craving plantains, fresh pineapple, and guanabana juice. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everywhere we went we tried to integrate ourselves into the culture. I danced, sang, and spoke to the people around me. At times we were gawked at but I never felt out of place. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We were all worried about dengue while in Costa Rica. It's just part of seeing the world. Use the bug spray. Share the bug spray. Find a net. |
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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) |
All of my host families fed me, I only spent money on activities, souvenirs, and if I went out with friends. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $25 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I don't know. I lived in a jungle for several weeks. There wasn't exactly an expensive venue I could blow money on. The most expensive thing I bought was my ticket to an AWESOME zip line tour. I funded a save the turtles organization, rented a kayak, and bought my host family a present. |
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 |
There really is no other option |
| 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? | French: intermeddiate/high school Spanish: very little (duolingo) |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to mess up, ask questions, tell stories, or act something out. |
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? | 10+ |
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 should have brought along a camera. |
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. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Health Education & Sustanability |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Dr.Cook |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Dr.Cook was well prepared and she knows her material. She provided a challenging learning environment while incorporating exciting and interesting projects and material. She's a generally wonderful person and is very easy to get along with. Her field work and background work make her the perfect person to teach the courses. I especially enjoyed all of the hands on work that we did, it's what made the trip for me. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
