Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Expereince of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Aurora University) - abroad from 05/23/2018 to 07/28/2018 with

Modern Language Studies Abroad / MLSA: Study in Costa Rica at Universidad de Costa Rica

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

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:

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)

I wish they guided me a bit better on how much to budget for. I understand every student and every experience is different, but I went into this with a blindfold on

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 25-35
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? budget for twice as much. You don't want to be restricted, enjoy all you can

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? None
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? spanish 1
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? talk with the host family and locals as much as possible!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • people
  • excursions
  • guidance
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? budget better

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.