Be a SOLmate you'll enjoy it ! Past Review
By Lola O (Anthropology., University of California - Riverside) - abroad from 01/11/2014 to 04/26/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
That the world is such an incredible place where people are so different and at the same time share so much with one another. I really believe there is no better way to learn about oneself or culture then removing his/herself from his/her norm. Its worthwhile without a doubt.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
You'll always have someone whose willing to answer your questions or concerns |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was incredible. Never once did I feel out of place. Her house literally became my second home. |
| * 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? |
Some students did get sick which is unfortunate however our director was and is a very proactive person and made sure to take people to the hospital right away. The local healthcare system was fairly easy to maneuver if necessary. |
| * Safety: |
Be smart! Heredia is a pretty busy and safe city but that does not mean you should not be aware of your surroundings just like you would in your own city/country. |
| 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
It is definitely doable to live on 100$ a week but that's if you budget out your trips, snacks etc. beforehand. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40$ on average, but weeks that I traveled places I definitely spent more like 150$ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | By local products! If you're craving chips buy chips made in Costa Rica! They taste just as good and are way cheaper |
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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | one quarter of beginner spanish in college |
| 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? | Even if people speak to you in English, force yourself to respond in Spanish. Any time you can, use the language ! |
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? | 0 |
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? | You cant really prepare yourself for the kind of culture shock you will experience. Everyone on your program is experience the same thing so just go with it and in no time, it will feel like home. |
