Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Experience Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/05/2012 to 04/21/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was life changing!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I also liked that these classes challenged me, but I did not feel too overwhelmed. I think it is important that students are not too bogged down with homework and assignments so that they can use their time to explore and experience new things.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

– I cannot say enough good things about Janiva. She always went above and beyond to make sure we were happy and getting the most out of our time here. She brought us to really neat places and showed us the “real” Costa Rica. I think she did an awesome job with everything (the excursions, cultural activities, planning volunteering, helping with any problems, etc) and that her job is more than just a job, but a true passion. My only suggestion would be that sometimes I felt as if she had too many responsibilities and perhaps an assistant would be helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

– I cannot say enough good things about Janiva. She always went above and beyond to make sure we were happy and getting the most out of our time here. She brought us to really neat places and showed us the “real” Costa Rica. I think she did an awesome job with everything (the excursions, cultural activities, planning volunteering, helping with any problems, etc) and that her job is more than just a job, but a true passion. My only suggestion would be that sometimes I felt as if she had too many responsibilities and perhaps an assistant would be helpful.

* Food:

All of the food was absolutely amazing. I don’t think I ever had the same plate once the entire time I’ve been here. I loved that we always had balanced meals with vegetables, rice, beans, and meat. I liked the use of fresh vegetables, soups, and typical Costa Rican foods.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

. I have always wanted to use Spanish in my career, but didn’t feel very confident in my abilities before coming here. However, I feel as though I have grown a lot through in not only my Spanish, but also as a person during my time here. I also feel as though I would possibly like to work more with the study away department in my school or with a study away program after graduating.

* 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
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 130

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

I feel as though my Spanish improved greatly through my time here. I can now write and speak easily and without hesitation. I owe a huge thanks to Janiva for always staying on us and encouraging us to speak only in Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanecd II
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Mutual group goal: to learn Spanish!
* What could be improved?
  • Todo bien!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? ? I know before I left I wanted to know exactly how everything was going to work and every little detail of things. One thing I’ve learned being here is sometimes you just have to trust and learn along the way!