A Learned Culture: Costa Rica Past Review
By Jermecka M (Education (EC-6), Stephen F. Austin State University) for
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica
The study abroad trip to Costa Rica was great. I learned a lot of things about myself that I didn't know which was great. It has opened new doors for me and I am willing and ready to take on the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was manageable. The reading and classes at night were essential to the success of the program. It allowed me to learn about the culture and then experience it first hand. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our administrators were very knowledgeable about Costa Rica. I felt extremely comfortable because he had been to Costa Rica multiple times and was familiar with the country. His main strenght was his relationship with the locals and the amount of people he knew and introduced us to. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I roomed with two different people the entire trip. It was two girls that I went to school with and were comfortable living with. Housing was better in some places than others, but it was manageable. The only downside to housing was the numerous amount of hotels that we stayed in. |
| * Food: |
Bring snacks if you don't like consados (chicken, rice, and beans) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The skytrek experience was great and the walk on the bridges through the cloud forest. Also, the visit to Mrs. Ediths school. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
If you did your research before the trip as I did then you were aware of the safety precautions that you needed to take, so overall I was pretty safe. I did the necessary things to prevent any negative attention being drawn in my direction. The pharmacies were very similar to the ones back home and those that did experience minor issues were able to solve them very quickly. |
| 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? | I spent about $200 per week on food and the personal expenses vary for everyone. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The best advice that I can give is to come with more money then you are suggested to because 9 times out of 10 you will spend more than you budgeted. |
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?
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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? | Be prepared. Have a positive outlook on the experience and embrace new things. |
