Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida 2014 Past Review

By (Elementary Education And Spanish, Ferris State University) - abroad from 05/10/0014 to 05/31/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Sol was a great way for me to improve my Spanish and learn more about Latin American culture. It definitely has encouraged me to reach outside my comfort zone and I will be planning more trips in the future as a result! I

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.

Great university and supportive faculty :)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living with my host family, it was one of my favorite parts of the experience!

* 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

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

  • 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?
  • The greatest benefits of my trip was being immersed in the language and culture of Costa Rica. I loved staying with my host family and getting learn about them and their experiences, and also enjoyed connecting with the other students on the trip.
* What could be improved?
  • More course offerings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Costa Rican Spanish is ideal for language learners because of the limited accent of native speakers.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!