One of the most memorable (and fun) experiences of my life! Past Review
By Mariah M (Saint Mary's High School / St. Mary's) - abroad from 06/09/2012 to 06/17/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
The trip made me realize the world around me and expand my horizon from not only Texas but to the world and see different ways people live. but it also helped me realize that no matter where you are from, kids aren't that different and people can bond over anything and become friends!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
School was fun and I felt like I learned more than I thought I would. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was very nice and the instructors were AWESOME! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my family and housing! I hope to visit again soon! |
| * Food: |
Food was delicious but I did start to get sick near the end. i began to miss Texas foods. Fresh fruits were amazing, probably the best i have ever eaten. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was awesome to be able to walk around the town and talk to other students or in stores to clerks and understand them. Being there and having the freedom to explore was probably one of the best resources to help learn the language better. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never once felt unsafe anywhere we went. Even the town felt like a family. |
| 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) |
Most things were inexpensive except souvenirs and shopping in places near the beach or San Jose where prices were slightly higher. I felt that the prices should have been lower and didn't bring as much money as I should have. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
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 |
With the environment, if you didn't speak spanish those around you didn't understand very well what you were trying to say. It made speaking and correct use of the language imperative for your family to understand you. |
| 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 2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
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? | More bug spray! and not to bring so much junk food! The food is really REALLY good there. |
