Most eye opening experience I've had- Learn spanish and learn to live! Past Review
By Thomas H (Political Science, Economics, Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 06/07/2010 to 08/06/2010 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
Honestly, traveling anywhere internationally is an incredible eye opening experience, in itself! However, through Sol Education Abroad, I can honestly say that the directors helped us and promoted experiencing the Costa Rican culture as much as possible. In the end, I will always remember the sights and sounds of the country's beauty, but the culture and relationships I experienced while there will always be the most cherished of my memories.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall this program was challenging for a student that last took spanish courses in highschool. In the short 9 weeks I was in Costa Rica, my spanish developed so profoundly! At the start of the program, I barely could speak to my host mom; however, after less than two weeks we were having solid basic conversations. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our directors were wonderful! Very enthusiastic about all things Costa Rica, which trickled down into our excursions and cultural trips. Janiva is a very caring and nurturing director that holds safety and satisfaction as very important to each students experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great host family in typical Costa Rican housing which added to the cultural immersion. 3 years after my study abroad experience, I find myself missing my host family the most. |
| * Food: |
The typical costa rican food doesn't change much from night to night but is none the less filling and satisfying. |
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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? |
I did not have to use the healthcare system. |
| * Safety: |
Like any city, there are certain areas you should not go to. Heredia, Costa Rica was overall a safe city. As a precaution, we were not permitted to walk excessive distances after dark and it was highly recommended to take a taxi. Of course, I never felt unsafe when out a social times at different bars after dark. Overall, Heredia was a very safe city. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Consider that you will have to take buses and taxis just about everywhere so consider this when planning how much money and funds you will take. |
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 |
My director and I still attempt to converse in spanish. It was heavily encouraged |
| 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? | High school Spanish |
| 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? | Complete cultural immersion is hands down the best way to learn the language. While your English peers will want to speak English with you in your downtime, maybe throw in some spanish works into sentences. Or think about what a common english word would translate to in spanish. Additionally, watch as much foreign language television as possible, which helps comprehension of sentence structure. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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? | Honestly, I would have began taking everything in as soon as my flight landed! Instead, I waited a while before I really stepped out of my comfort zone and opened up to the beautiful international experience. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
