Best choice I could have made Past Review

By Heidi W (Civil Engineering, Spanish, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 06/22/2013 to 08/03/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so many things that it is impossible to share them all. It is always wonderful to expand your understanding of the world and gain an appreciation for another culture. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Living with a host family was a wonderful learning experience, and I had a great relationship with my host mother. I was given everything I needed during my time in her home.
* Food:	My mom was a good cook, but be prepared for LOTS of rice and black beans.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I got a really bad virus my 4th weekend in the country. My academic director came to my house late at night to take me to a private clinic/hospital in San Jose. All of the medical staff was very helpful and the clinic looked just as up-to-date as nice hospitals in the US.
* Safety:	As far as safety goes, be smart and you'll be fine. Don't wear flashy jewelry that attracts attention. Don't have a smart phone or iPod out in the open when you walk around. Don't keep a lot of cash on you all the time. Basically, have an eye on your surroundings ans don't wander around after dark. The official taxis are very safe and you can take those after dark.
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)	You can definitely live on a low budget if you want to. The host families provide every meal (minus a couple of official excursions, but they will pack a sandwich for the first meal of the weekend on those.) Everything except a meal or 2 is provided on the excursions with the group. My main cost was the 2 weekend trips I took with friends after the first 3 weeks of the program along with souvenirs. If you want to save money, I would go for 3 weeks instead of 6, don't go out to the bars and drink a lot, and eat with your family instead of going out.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	about $50, not counting weekend trips. It costs $2.40 to get to San Jose and back on a bus. Taxis aren't very expensive for going around Heredia. Your meals are provided so money spent on food is optional.

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?	Finished Advanced Grammar/Conversation courses and taken Literature of Spain (Medieval - Baroque)
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?	Speak with your host family and directors a lot. Don't be afraid to ask strangers for directions when you are in town. When you go to souvenir markets, insist on speaking Spanish back when they speak to you in English. Carry a small notebook and write down new words you learn.

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?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The amazing directors The fantastic excursions included in the program cost Getting to live with a host family
* What could be improved?	I can't think of anything. I loved it all
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I was 100% prepared because of the Country Handbook that Sol sent me when I applied.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Latina American Civilizations
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	The course was at an appropriate difficulty level, and I learned a lot during my 3 weeks in the class. My professor lectured too much for it being a language immersion program, but our director assured us that she would not be asked to teach for Sol classes again because of this problem.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Latin American Literature
Course Department:
Instructor:	Daisy Henriquez
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	The classes was absolutely perfect. We read a novel, poems, and short stories for analysis. We learned about the different literary movements and made presentations over them. We watched a couple movies based on Latin American literary works and wrote analysis essays over them. I adored my professor, and the coursework was all very interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: