Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Experience with SOL Past Review

By (Spanish/Sociology, Wagner College) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the culture of Costa Rica and the spanish language. I learned a lot about myself and the kind of person I want to be. I gained friends that were costa rican and from the US. I learned about how other countries see the US and about how large/awesome/diverse the world is.

Review Photos

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Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses weren't as rigorous as what I'm used to at Wagner but I think that was a good thing, I wanted to be out speaking spanish and learning about the culture- not chained to a desk writing essays. It was the perfect amount of rigor for me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Maria was AMAZING. So helpful, fun and kind. She made you feel safe while still treating you like an adult.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my host famiy, they took such good care of me.

* Food:

gallo pinto, fresh fruit, I never went hungry!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while abroad- I got food poisoning once but it passed quickly and the same thing could happen in the states. My host mom made me soup and brought me a ginger ale.

* Safety:

I would not walk alone at night, watch your things, use your judgement, listen to your intuition. I would also be cautious about being loud and boisterous in groups or wearing a ton of flashy/expensive jewelry. Speaking English and being a gringo can make you a target so just use your common sense.

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)

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? try to share cabs, fight the temptation to buy imported food from the states at the grocery store (hard if you are homesick) I would recommend finding Costa Rican snack food that you like because it will be much cheaper.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SP345
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? Bring around a small notebook to write down words or phrases you learn while abroad.

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?
  • host family
  • my SOLmates (other students studying with me)
  • good balance of freedom/help
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I could have stayed longer
  • more selections of classes with locals would be nice for more advanced speakers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Its not going to be all fun and sun. You are LIVING in another country- so expect to have good days, bad days, okay days- just like you do in the states.

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!