Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Costa Rica: La Pura Vida! Living and Learning Spanish Past Review

By (Biology, General., Millsaps College) - abroad from 07/02/2013 to 07/31/2013 with

Millsaps College: Summer 2012, 2013, 2014 Faculty-led Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained personal development skills while abroad as well as enhanced my proficiency in the language. It was definitely worthwhile and I would love to participate again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

A student studying abroad should take the same precautions they would take in any city in their home country.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Students studying abroad should locate a supermarket where they can purchase snacks to carry them throughout the day. Also, preparing your own small lunch at home (using your own resources) will cut down on food expenses.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2000
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? While everyone in your group may be on a different level, I would suggest for students to try to speak the language on outings.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Culture
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Not
  • A
  • Thing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that preparing my lunch would save me as much money as it ended up saving me in the last week of the trip.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!