Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This trip was a step out of my comfort zone! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/06/2012 to 08/19/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how it feels to be completely submersed in another culture. I was really lost in the language at the beginning. I know remembering that feeling will help me in the future with students in my class from another culture.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The budget he gives you is very specific and helpful. USE IT!

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? None
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? Only highschool 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? Try to speak the language often to people you meet. Listen to others around you. You'll pick up more than you ever thought possible!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • We didn't feel like tourists. We stayed in family owned hotels and ate as locals. We rode buses and walked ... A LOT.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish we could have spent more time at the school or seen a class in session while we were there.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More Spanish! A friend offered me her Rosetta Stone after I came home. I wish I knew more of the language.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.