Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An adventure I will remember forever. Past Review

By (University of Memphis) - abroad from 05/23/2018 to 06/23/2018 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?
I learned independence.

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.

I rate the program as an 80 because while I improved my Spanish greatly, and learned much about Costa Rican culture with all the excursions, I feel that there could have been a better learning environment in the school itself.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was so helpful, and very concerned with the safety and happiness of the students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was so nice, and the meals were amazing. I improved my Spanish greatly since they did not speak English.

* Food:

The food was so good. Everything is cooked fresh, and I was provided two meals a day by my host family.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated in the culture. Although everyone could tell we were American, we learned how to use the bus systems and find our way around San Jose.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an issue while there, but they were prepared to help us if so.

* Safety:

I felt very safe while I was there. However, there was an incident of someone getting robbed while I was there. Just use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, TAKE UBER, and don't walk around at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would go overseas to Europe.

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)

Although everything is cheaper there, food and transportation adds up quick.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat lunch on campus

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? Advanced
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? Speak Spanish with your host family

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?
  • food
  • nature
  • excursions
* What could be improved?
  • tour of city
  • classes
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

415 Composicion II
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Geaninni Ruiz
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This course was just the right amount of challenging. I had to push myself to speak more Spanish than I would in Memphis, but I also could understand enough to be able to learn. I was required to participate in class more often than I would at home which was helpful, but this class seemed more like a Spanish conversation class than a composition one, which would be my only critique.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, I do not think there was enough guidance or clear instruction on when/how your credits would be transferred.
Course Name/Rating:

420 Conversación II
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Geaninni
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This class was very challenging. It was centered around 10-20 minute presentations. It was based more on presenting than one on one conversation. While I did learn a lot of spanish and did expand my vocabulary, I think it would have been more beneficial to expand my vocabulary on every day topics by having more conversations one on one in the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, I do not think there was enough guidance or clear instruction on when/how your credits would be transferred.