Purda Vida Costa Rica Past Review
By Tiffany O (EC-6, Stephen F. Austin State University) for
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Cross-Cultural Learning, Costa Rica
YES! I learned how to be emerged in a different culture. I will be able to understand a little bit of how future ESL students might feel in my classroom.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was very manageable, the classroom was set up in a discussion mode. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I think the program size was a bit large, but it was definitely manageable. The professors were always willing to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Be ready for cold showers and bugs. The owners of the hotels were very friendly and willing to help. Extra towels are a luxury. |
| * Food: |
The food was delicious! Everything the professor recommended was fabulous. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Going out for girls night, seeing the national parks, and laying out on the beach. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe throughout the trip. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $400 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Drinks are very expensive and souvenirs are also very expensive if you do not dicker. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring extra bug spray and ready yourself for a wonderful experience! |
