Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Adventure Past Review

By (Communication Sciences And Disorders, University of Houston) - abroad from 05/31/2014 to 07/12/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've learned to better appreciate what I have at home. I have also learned more about the Costa Rican culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses are not too difficult, although they do require some effort. If you attend your class each day with the desire to learn, you will.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our Costa Rica director, Janiva, was always on top of the happenings of both academic and student life. Both in the classroom and at home, Janiva was always ready to handle any concerns we had in a timely manner.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I was surprised at the cost of food here. I came to Costa Rica with the assumption that food would be cheaper or at least the same price as it is in the United States. That is not the case. Although tastey, food is expensive here.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had flu-like symptoms my first week in Costa Rica. Both my directors, Jessenia and Mario, were expressed concern from its' onset. They constantly assured me that they would take me to the doctor at any time I felt it was necessary. I ended up calling them around 7pm one night. They made me an appointment within the hour, took me to the doctor, and served as my liaisons between the doctor and me.

* Safety:

I feel pretty safe here in Heredia. Although, I would warn future students of the constant whistling, honking, and words of endearment from the ticos. Also, it is important to be cautious when walking. Pedestrians do NOT have the right away here and people drive pretty crazy.

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)

I stayed in a hotel so I had more expenses than other students.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy American brands

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

Spanish, Spanish, Spanish!

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate spanish 2
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? encourage your English speaking students to speak to each other in Spanish!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Manuel Antonio Excursion
  • Free weekends
  • The time of the day in which class was offered
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The cost of living.

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!