Purda Vida Costa Rica Past Review
By Tiffany O (EC-6, Stephen F. Austin State University) for
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
This trip was so amazing. It prepared me for if I have students who are ESL. I also became more independent and enriched in a culture that I was clueless about before the trip.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | no |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading method was overall discussion and journaling. Class was held at night and was over articles that you had time to read throughout the day. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was wonderful. The group size was a little larger than groups in the past but it worked. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Be prepared for cold showers and bugs. Also extra towels are a luxury. |
| * Food: |
I loved the food! The quality of food was perfect and if you wanted anything different the people were more than happy to change meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved the time at the beach, the parks, the shopping and going out for girls night. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe throughout the entire course. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $400 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Alcoholic drinks are very expensive along with places at the market you have to dicker. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you can do this trip you feel like you can do anything. Prepare for cold showers, and bring extra bug spray. |
