Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing trip. Past Review

By (Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 05/13/2012 to 06/23/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained friends that will be with me forever. I gained a new family that i will love for ever. I learned how to speak spanish.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad Latina
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.

Hard classes but the teachers were excellent and there for you! Small classes made the experience perfect!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sol Education was amazing at planning events and keeping you in the loop! Very easy to work with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Absolutely love my host family as well as my friends host parents. The Sol Education community was so friendly and loving. I immediately felt a part of my familia tica.

* Food:

One of the best things about Costa Rica. All the food was rich in taste and exceptional. So many choices and delicious varieties.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you wanted it, you got it. I was constantly out with friends from the organization and from the university. Ticos are so friendly and always excited to take you to new places.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never got sick but I heard that when someone was seriously sick they got help quickly and taken to the hospital by one of the directors.

* Safety:

I felt safe everywhere I was, at the mall, the university, my neighborhood. I was never by myself, which I wouldn't advise anywhere, but I never felt harmed.

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)

Depending on how you spend it was very reasonable to have 100 per week. If you want to go on weekend excursions it might be a little more.

* 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? Eat at home as much as you can! Saves a bunch of money

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't be nervous, just go for it! Ticos love helping you practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The people
  • The classes
  • The excursions
* What could be improved?
  • I truthfully can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go easy on the spending during the first weeks in Costa Rica. Save money.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.