Caring, Cultural & Affordable Past Review

By (San Diego State University) - abroad from 06/04/2011 to 07/16/2011 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am adding a minor is Spanish and plan on finding a way to afford another study abroad experience. YES!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Good

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Awesome

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My mom spoke with me nonstop each day, we ate together, she taught me meals, she was amazing. Anyone that stays in this house is incredibly lucky. My mother is laid back easy to talk to, and always willing to help and converse in Spanish

* Food:

All the food was delicious, I was missing no food, and in fact it was almost too much 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
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 120

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? Beginner
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? All Lower Division classes at SDSU
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

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Staff is extremely helpful, class size is awesome, activities, excursions & host families!
* What could be improved?
  • Pairing students with similar Spanish levels to be roommates
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Can't think of anything