Trip of a Lifetime! Past Review

By Katie K (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 01/11/2014 to 04/26/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

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

Seriously, go to Costa Rica with SOL. I went expecting a little fun and a lot of school, and I left having the time of my life (and 20 new best friends). It's the most well organized and fast-paced program I've ever been in, and everyone really cares. The program directors and host families I dealt with are not just there for a paycheck, they're there to really enlighten you on a culture and a people. It was an amazing experience, and I'd recommend it a million times over.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

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?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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)

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?	Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Host family Lifelong friendships
* What could be improved?	Less politics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That my time there was precious and to enjoy every minute!