Best two weeks of my life! Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/09/2015 to 08/22/2015 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 that every country has a different culture and Costa Rica is a laid back type of place. Everyone likes to live it up and is friendly. It was definitely worth while.

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? 750
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't waste too much money on gifts when you first get there. Plan accordingly and buy little gifts through out the weeks

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Food
  • People
  • Places we visited
* What could be improved?
  • Travel
  • Laundry Services
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take a suitcase or bag with wheels!! Less bags you have to carry the better.