Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida!!! Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/06/2016 to 08/19/2016 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?
It was the most adventurous thing I have ever done, and it has encouraged me to travel the world.

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)

I would recommend at least $70 per day. $20-40 a night for the hotel, then the rest on food or any other expenses you may have. Bottled water was what I bought most.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I brought $1,500 with me.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to buy souvenirs until the last two days.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High School Spanish
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? Download an app that will translate both English to Spanish and vice versa.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Freedom to do what we wanted
  • Hands on learning experiences
  • Visiting the schools!!
* What could be improved?
  • More adults.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Drink water and walk, a lot. There were several hikes, and everyone was surprised by the difficulty!

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 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.