Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a lifetime Past Review

By (Public Health., Western Kentucky University) - abroad from 01/11/2014 to 04/25/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
"I think that my life is change permanently because I have had the chance to experience this with these people. Our director has bestowed upon us her wisdom and I have greatly appreciated being in the mist of such an incredible woman who has made it here mission to not only encourage us to get the traditional education but to also learn of the things that can change a heart because that changes the world. Keep an open mind. There are lessons in everything while immersed in a different culture that move you and will change you. I think future students should know that this program is a commitment. A commitment to navigate through the illusion of what we think a culture is by what we view on television or read in books and get immersed in the lives of these individuals to see what their values are, as well as there problems are. Accept the growing pains there will be many moments when you are moved by the beauty of this country and other moment when you see the pain that exist in all countries and allow tears to flow for their pain. You will forever be changed and that is a promise."

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.

Amazing

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They choose great host families and if you have any problems with them you can talk with Janiva.

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

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
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?
  • People
  • Culture
  • Family
* What could be improved?
  • Nada
  • Best program ever
  • Do it
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? "I think that my life is change permanently because I have had the chance to experience this with these people. Our director has bestowed upon us her wisdom and I have greatly appreciated being in the mist of such an incredible woman who has made it here mission to not only encourage us to get the traditional education but to also learn of the things that can change a heart because that changes the world. Keep an open mind. There are lessons in everything while immersed in a different culture that move you and will change you. I think future students should know that this program is a commitment. A commitment to navigate through the illusion of what we think a culture is by what we view on television or read in books and get immersed in the lives of these individuals to see what their values are, as well as there problems are. Accept the growing pains there will be many moments when you are moved by the beauty of this country and other moment when you see the pain that exist in all countries and allow tears to flow for their pain. You will forever be changed and that is a promise."