Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Having fun while learning in Costa Rica Past Review

By (Special Education and Teaching., Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/04/2014 to 08/17/2014 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Cross-Cultural Learning, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Since the class was all about culture I believe that this was one of the best programs to go on and learn about culture. The culture is so diverse in Costa Rica that while you were traveling you didn't know how the culture would be in that region, and that was a fun surprise.

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.

* 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?

* Safety:

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

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? $450

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning more about the culture
* What could be improved?
  • Openness to new ideas from other classmates
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Being culturally aware and culturally accepting. You never know what to expect so go in with an open mind and you will have fun and gain so much from the experience.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The 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.