A Learning Experience for Life Past Review

By (University of Memphis) - abroad from 05/23/2018 to 07/27/2018 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?
Spanish skills, people skills, survival skills, self-confidence, and friends!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very very good experience educationally. My Spanish improved greatly!!!

* 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?

The MLSA coordinator helped me get to the ER as quickly as possible one day; they really helped and put me first that day.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My program was awesome in almost every way!

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? $90
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walk as much as possible--it's fun and saves $$

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 2010 (Intermediate)
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? Spend time with the locals/college students from that country! It's so valuable!

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?
  • The People
  • The Food
  • The Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • MLSA's treatment/payment of the host families
  • MLSA's policy on no drinking/drunkenness
  • We should have more chances to spend time with local University students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It goes by quickly!! Spend as much time with the locals as possible; it helps your Spanish more than anything!