Wouldn't change a second! Past Review
By Angela S (Math (single subject teaching), San Diego State University) - abroad from 06/22/2013 to 07/13/2013 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I can do anything I put my mind to! I can travel across the world by myself, to a country that speaks a language that I do not speak, and I will survive! I learned to believe in myself and to take risks (singing karaoke, white-water rafting).
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors were great! They understood that we had afternoon cultural activities and weekend excursion, so they made sure to not assign too much homework. Class related to what we were doing in the program (situations we could find ourselves in, and at-home diaries for nightly homework). |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors were absolutely amazing! They understood that some might be homesick or have weird reactions to abrupt change in diet. They wanted to us to experience Costa Rica; they told us where to hang out after class and encouraged us to practice our Spanish (whether in malls, restaurants, clubs, or with other university students). Absolutely amazing directors! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host mom! She cooked a wide variety of food so I could sample a wide range of Costa Rican dishes. She was very patient with my Spanish, and she was very encouraging as I struggled with verb tenses. |
| * Food: |
I loved the food, and I definitely miss it! The fruit was delicious and my host mom cooked a wide range of Costa Rican dishes. My three days she cooked my favorite dish five times! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
During our free time, I was able to hang out at the local mall, go to movies, karaoke bars, and local markets. I felt like I was able to get a feel for Costa Rica. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was never sick, but the directors asked everyone every day if they were feeling ok and took those who needed medical attention to a doctor very promptly. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe most of the time. But, we were in an area where situations could happen, and some did. Cat-calls were not uncommon on my way to or from school. |
| 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 brought a $100 spending money for each week ($300 in total) and I had left over money at the end. I only needed to buy souviners and meals on the weekends. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
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 |
Our first day of school, the directors took us to a local market and forced us to order food in Spanish. It was stressful, but the locals were very understanding of our broken Spanish and they encouraged us to keep trying. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginner 2 (Spanish 102) |
| 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? | Keep a journal of every new word you hear. And, just try your best! Use the wrong verbs, the wrong tenses, mix up por and para! You will get your point across and the locals/directors/host families are super encouraging! You will get better:) |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To save room in my suitcase for souvenirs! |
