Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Supercalifragilisticexpialodocious Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 07/14/2012 to 11/11/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a heightened sense of cultural awareness and a great respect for la cultura costarricense y Pura Vida! It was amazing time of self-discovery and a trip that allowed me to gain new experiences and new friends that I will never forget. I will always carry a piece of Pura Vida in my heart! This trip was definitely worthwile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of your host family's generosity with meals! Eating at home for most meals will definitely save you money. If you do go out and eat, try and find affordable, yet delicious places. Ask your program directors for tips and tricks as well when it comes to finding good deals.

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? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Being immersed in local culture
  • Gaining the experience of living with a host family
  • The excursions that allowed us to explore more of the country
* What could be improved?
  • The distance from the school for some of the students was a bit far, and the only thing I could suggest is that the host families choosen are within a reasonable walking distance from the university.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew how much I was going to enjoy my time in Costa Rica, or else I would have stayed longer.

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 Linguist
You 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!