eye-opening Past Review
By Monica Z (Texas A&M - College Station) - abroad from 12/27/2013 to 01/12/2013 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
Yes it was worthwhile. It made me realize there is so much more to life. Americans can be very arrogant and in order to communicate effectively you have to humble yourself and learn someone else's point of view.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I did not like the on-site staff at Intercultura but Sol was great. Very on top of things, while Intercultura treated us as if we were of no priority against the other students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No where is safe. Not my hometown or rural community. A student was mugged while I was there but it's the nature of the experience. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I did hardly buy food because most meals were provided. I spend a lot on souvenuirs though. Maybe 100 dollars a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save at least $150 dollars a week. You may want to purchase something expensive and ship it back to the U.S. Also, try not to use your credit card, international fees ADD Up! |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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 mess up. The best thing to do is just try! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How to use a bus system. I learned that while I was there. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
