Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a lifetime opportunity that was defiantly worth the travel Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/01/2017 to 08/14/2017 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 you must learn for yourself first before teaching others. Costa Rica is beautiful country. The people there are doing amazing things that only some countries dream of doing

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

This experience truly opened my eyes as an educator and motivated me to teach my future students about culture.

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)

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? Spanish 131 Elementary Spanish 1
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? Brush up on the language and lingo

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • I loved the atmosphere
  • How willing the people are to help you communicate in Spanish
  • The food was FANTASTIC!!!
* What could be improved?
  • Having a better understanding of how to budget for things
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!