Exploring Costa Rica: From Coast to Capital. Student Service Projects Past Review
By A student (Business Administration - Marketing & Communication (Strategic), Berea College) - abroad from 06/29/2013 to 07/17/2013 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I learned so much about the people, the culture, and myself! The opportunities we were given during our time in Costa Rica were unrivaled.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was primarily a mission trip... |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I love working with Javier and Pastor Gilbert every time I go to Costa Rica! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The places we stayed and the people we met were very enjoyable. |
| * Food: |
I LOVE the food in Costa Rica! It is so fresh and healthy! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were literally staying in the middle of the village in typical housing speaking primarily Spanish. I don't know of any dynamic of our trip that could have engrained the culture any deeper in to our experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not visit any health centers... |
| * Safety: |
Costa Rica is a very peaceful and safe nation. |
| 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) |
Costa Rica can be relatively cheap to travel in. That is not to say it wasn't tight at times. |
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 |
If I didn't use the language, I got left behind. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Third year college. |
| 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? | You have to immerse yourself in the language. Books do not cut it. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | I wish I would have known how to better address my health. |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
