Costa Rica, Pura Vida! Past Review
By Christina Q (Political Science and Government., University of California - Riverside) for
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
Studying abroad has broadened my perspective of the world and inspired me to want to learn Spanish fluently.
Personal Information
| 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 course work and material was less challenging and moved at a slower pace. I felt under-prepared for Spanish five after returning to the States |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
none |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Host moms are great cooks |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved taking salsa and meringue classes |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Don't walk around after dark. Always use a cab |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Taxis |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people speak Spanish and I practiced everyday |
| 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? | This program is very affordable and practical |
