Costa Rica was unbelievable and I'm dying to go back! Past Review
By Keeley C (English Writing, Salem State College) - abroad from 06/02/2012 to 07/28/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I know I want to travel more and I even have been thinking about teaching English as a second language in a spanish speaking country. Hopefully back in Costa Rica!!!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational experience was definitely intense for me, but in a very good way. Whenever I needed help I felt comfortable asking and knew that my learning Spanish was important to those around me. It was an amazing learning experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had an amazing leader named Carol! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Integrating with the local culture was the most amazing part of the trip. The Tico people wanted us to enjoy and learn while we were there and it made us all feel so welcomed. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
I definitely spent more money than I thought, but I feel that's what we were prepared for so it was not a bad thing. |
| * 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? | I probably spent a little over a hundred a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be prepared to spend more! Also, if you don't bring everything your packing list says your most likely going to have to buy it there. You may not realize it but these expenses add up and take away from other things you can purchase. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 102 |
| 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? | Keep practicing. I often got discourage or embarrassed. Honestly no one minds how good or bad at speaking you are they just want to help you. |
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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| 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? |
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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? | How amazingly beautiful the people and culture of Costa Rica is. |
