Pura Vida! Can't wait to go back! Past Review
By Rebecca M (Elementary Education, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/06/2012 to 08/19/2012 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Cross-Cultural Learning, Costa Rica
I learned what it was like to be the "cultural other." I also learned how to be a world traveler by having to budget all of my expenses. The discussions that we had during class opened my eyes and caused me to really think hard about a variety of things.
Review Photos
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. |
Dr. Armstrong was very knowledgeable and provided us with a lot of great material that we would discuss in class. I feel that I have learned so much after such a small period of time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
This program is teacher lead, so we never went to an university for class in our host country. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Others might disagree, but I liked all of the places we stayed. There was no air conditioning which is normal in this country. But the places were clean, and the management at every place was super friendly. |
| * Food: |
Oh my goodness, the food is fantastic there! I really miss all of the beans and rice as well as the fresh food and seafood. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were out interacting with locals every day, all day. We also took public transportation majority of the time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had gotten a crazy bad ear infection while I was there. You could go to a doctor, but they are expensive. So most people go to the pharmacy. The pharmacists are very good at what they do, and a good number of them have their Ph.Ds. |
| * Safety: |
In places like San Jose, there are police everywhere. But I never felt in danger, even in places that did not have police around. They are not very violent people so you would only have to deal with the possibility of petty theft. Just keep your essentials with you at all times (i.e- passport) and watch your stuff. |
| 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) |
Things were relatively cheap. The places that we stayed at provided breakfast (only one was at an additional cost) and we took public transportation for the most part. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Pay for your room up-front so that you know how much money you have left to work with until you can get more money. Wait to buy souvenirs until you get up into the mountain areas, if you don't find everything there you will find it in San Jose. When buying souvenirs, try to barter with the shop keeper. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Locals were very friendly and enjoyed it when we tried to communicate the best that we could with what Spanish we did know. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | three years of Spanish in high school |
| 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? | I would go over essential words and phrases before you leave. I suggest that you just get rid of embarrassment and just talk to people. A good number of Ticos know at least some English, so they are willing to help you. |
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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| 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? |
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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? | I wish that I had brushed up on my Spanish skills before I left. I also wish that I had trained for hiking more. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
