Absolutely Amazing! This trip transformed my life. Past Review

By (EC-6, 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?
I learned so many things by studying abroad. Before traveling, my views of the world were narrowed and influence by the American culture. I had no idea that things could be so different. This try taught me to learn to relax, be accepting of others who may be different than I am, and to be open to new ideas. It was definitely worthwhile. I want to go back.

Review Photos

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

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.

* 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? approximately $70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes, let everyone know that you are going. Churches especially like to help. I only had a summer job and was able to collect enough money to go on the trip and brought money back home.

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? None
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? NA
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? There are several online programs available for free. I Googled and practiced with friends prior to attending the trip.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • learning about the Costa Rican culture
  • interacting with cultures within the culture
  • having a different view of the world
* What could be improved?
  • Send Dr. Armstrong on every trip. He is absolutely amazing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how affordable it was to study abroad and that I had taken Spanish instead of Technical Writing.