Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Costa Rica- The best experience ever! Past Review

By (Early Childhood - 6th Grade Education, Stephen F. Austin State University) for

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My cultural awareness is at an all time high. I have never felt so alive in Costa Rica. Learning the culture is truly amazing and being fully emersed is life changing. I now have so much respect for immigrants in the United States, and I now have a grrater appreciation for diversity.

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.

The workload was light to moderate. We were required to keep a daily journal which was the larger portion of our grade along with a cummulitive final on the readings that we had to do in our daily class. Grading was fair and appropriate for the work load.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All three of our professors were extremely helpful and always willing to talk whenever we needed someone to share ideas or feelings with. They truly took care of us and at all times we all felt safe.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

All of the food was wonderful! The best places to eat were at the hotels that we stayed at.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Every day was memorable! Zip lining in Santa Elena, Climbing the volcano and seeing the waterfall in La Fortuna, the beautiful beaches in Quepos. Overall this entire trip was a beautifl cultural event!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never once did I feel unsafe with this study abroad trip.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend only what you need. Meals can be cheap, not every night needs to be a 5star restruant.

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?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The experiences and the close relationships made.
* What could be improved?
  • More time! This trip should be at least 4 weeks!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Keep an open mind! You will never fully experience the wonderful country of Costa Rica if you do not fully let go of any inhibitions and experience all you can!