Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I never wanted to leave!! Past Review

By (Boston University) - abroad from 08/29/2013 to 12/15/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned everything from the language and culture to who I really was. It was a trip in which I really learned a lot about myself.

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.

Had a fantastic experience learning in the classroom. Within my class there were only 3 students (all sole students) with a native teacher. The amount of attention we received was like no other, making it a fantastic learning environment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Extremely organized program with on site directors who are there to help you 100 % of the time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My family was great. Had a mother and the younger brother I've always wanted. It truly is the only way to fully immerse yourself within the spanish language and culture. So very helpful.

* Food:

Rice and beans every day with the occasional mix of chicken. That's just the culture of Costa Rica so anywhere you go in the country you'll be getting that.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because my whole group lived with different tico families there were brothers and sisters in our age group. That made it easy to make friends with locals of your own age. That was one of the best parts of the trips, hanging with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health issues were immediately addressed. A girl in my group had a problem, she called the director and the director took her to the hospital within an hour.

* Safety:

Like anywhere you just have to be smart about what you do. Don't go out at night alone and make sure you're always with a good group of friends.

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)

I didn't plan out my money, wasn't very responsible about it.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of the money you spend, write down all spendings in a journal. Budget so you have enough to go on weekend trips etc

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

Encouraged you to use it 100% of the time

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? 2
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? Only use the language you're learning. Even when wanting to ask questions in english about spanish, use spanish.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Locals
  • Soccer
  • Weekend trips
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-departure mandatory language test
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Budget your money! Don't go into the experience with an ego!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.