Past Review
By Michael W (Biology, General., Providence College) for
Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): San Jose - Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet
Yes, the study abroad program was definitely worth while. The only reason I said I would not do this same program was because I realized while there, I was not as interested in medicine as I had thought. If it was the same program, faculty, location, everything but with a different academic focus I would absolutely do it again. I am satisfied because I learned this is not the career path i want to explore. I am far more interested in other sciences. However, the program helped me to grow, learn about myself, and increased my patience and how I approach situations I am not happy with.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Students live with a host family for 4 weeks overall and the rest of the time is spent on research sites in cabins or houses with other students in the program. <br /><br /> It's Costa Rica, for the most part your in the jungle, not some city. Housing is usually a taxi ride away from any bars or stores. When in the city, neighborhoods felt very safe and stores and bars were walking distance. |
| * Food: |
Rice and beans with every meal. Probably the only thing I could eat that often. Overall the food was very good, extremely healthy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The students got along very well. However there was not much time for free time and rest. Days are long breakfast at 630 and class and field trips could go up to 9 pm. There is not much written homework or homework in general, but the long days make up for it. Six days a week and that much class time are exhausting compared to a normal semester with down time and homework. However, we were able to discuss this with professors and also part of the administration at Duke and next year should be better. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The main professor, Jorge, is an M.D. so there was never any worry over health issues, he was there to answer any questions. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Youll need less than you think. This is not like typical study abroad programs. Your on site with all food and transportation provided for you. Money was spent mostly in San Jose with nightlife and at the end of the semester on food or souvenirs. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be patient and have a sense of humor. Costa Rica time is waaay slower than what we are use to. Get over any fear of bugs you may have, or the first two weeks will quickly help you with that by putting you into a very intense situation. You will meet some of the smartest people and leading researchers in Costa Rica, listen to them. |
