A Perfect Summer Abroad in Costa Rica Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable and the material was also interesting and relevant to both cultural and language studies. We were able to apply what we were learning in the classroom to hands-on, cultural experiences. A specific example was going to the mall and visiting various stores to practice Spanish; that was a very useful and beneficial exercise to show how we, as foreign students, can integrate and fit into the cultural differences while abroad. Another favorite activity of mine in the program was visiting a Costa Rican marketplace and discovering foods local to the country. Because I only took one course while abroad and it was only with fellow students from the U.S., I can't comment on many differences between the educational system at La Universidad Latina and the American educational system since it was similar to how we are graded in the states, but I can say that it was a fun, educational, and memorable class and I definitely got a lot out of it.

On-site administration of your program

The faculty leaders were always accessible to students on the program and willing to help with anything. They led us in educational and fun tours around Heredia, as well as amazing weekend excursions to Manuel Antonio, Volcan Arenal, and the Poas Volcano.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Sol Education Abroad assigned me to my host mother's home months before my departure. The neighborhood was safe, she lived very close to the university and taxi services, making it easy to get around. I did not need to buy any items to settle in, she had all the bedroom and bathroom amenities ready before I arrived. My host mother was my absolute favorite part of my entire study abroad experience. We still keep in touch and she is the main reason I was as fluent as I was while abroad.

My host mother always cooked the most amazing meals. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND afternoon coffee :)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All the weekend excursions were absolutely amazing. From waking up early to get a clear view of Volcan Poas, to hiking to the beautiful white sand beach of Manual Antonio National Park, to white water rafting, to ziplining through the rainforest, to seeing lava flow at night from the active Volcan Arenal, and spending the day at hot springs, all the tours make up some of my most memorable moments to date.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Sol Education Abroad did a great job notifying students on being safe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Cultural tours
• Host family

• Not much, but if anything, maybe a wider variety of courses to choose from?