Costa Rica Will Always Be My Second Home! Past Review

By Kelsey G (Biology and Spanish, Arizona State University) for

Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT): San Jose - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I will definitely visit Costa Rica and my friends there again- volunteering during my study abroad experience helped me to not grow academically but to decide my future job plans.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The small class size was wonderful.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My host family was by far the best part of the program- I could not be happier with them or my experience with them.
* Food:	Although I did not have any dietary restrictions some other people in my program did, and it was truly humbling to see how much the host families tried to accommodate them.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Going to events like concerts, soccer games and Latin dancing are a great way to feel like you're part of the community rather than just passing through.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	My doctor actually recommended that I not get any additional vaccines and health wasn't a real issue for me down there. However, safety was certainly something that was impressed upon us as very important. I think living in a big city is pretty much the same everywhere- I recommend being hyperaware of your surroundings and not trying to walk anywhere alone until you know where you're going.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

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)