Exotic Beauty Past Review
By Rachel D (Mass Communication - Electronic Media, Anderson High School) - abroad from 07/08/2012 to 07/27/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
Learned more about myself and how I operate. Learned more about being with other people and adapting, and learned a great language. Learned that school can be fun and engaging and not standardized.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Fantastic, engaging, and fun! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very kind and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Wonderful family and placement. |
| * Food: |
When isn't it delicious? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I liked living in the town. Very nice. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Had no experience, but our leaders were very competent. |
| * Safety: |
Felt safe the whole time. Just be aware, and you'll be fine. Go with your gut. |
| 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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| * 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? | maybe $150? |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Only use what you need. Common sense. |
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? | Advanced |
| 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? | Spanish 4 in high school |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and take every opportunity! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | Pay attention to what's on the list. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
