Sol is well priced and life changing, it's worth every penny! Past Review

By (Journalism., Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 05/31/2014 to 06/22/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A look at a new culture. The ability to speak a new language. An international family. Another home outside of the USA.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors that Sol chooses are prime, and the classes are small.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I could not have had a more perfect host family.

* Food:

Gallo Pinto forever!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I LOVE TICOS

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only had one stomach ache so I went to the school nurse. They immediately gave me medicine and ended the pain.

* 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)

4- I lived on about $35 a week, Costa Rica is very well priced and it was simple to meet this goal.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $35
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take the bus, not the taxi. Do not eat at "Americanized" restaurants, they are highly overpriced.

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

English was highly discouraged.

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? beginner 1
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? try your best to use the local language at all times even when it is hard.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • host family
  • excursions
  • the directors
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing

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 Adventurer
The 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.