I wouldn't change a THING! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found professors for foreign students at la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica to be encouraging, fun and motivated to improve our Spanish skills. Other students were also receptive of foreigners. I had one issue with a professor, which was resolved shortly after submitting a complaint and Sol appeared to take our opinions and concerns seriously to fix the issue.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family from Costa Rica was the absolute BEST!!! They were SO fun and outgoing, from all the awesome meals my mama tica made daily to dancing in the kitchen to music after dinner, there was NEVER a dull moment!! They were extremely experienced in hosting international students and were patient with us whenever we had some language difficulties. My best Spanish practice definitely came from our late night talks at home!

I loved the food of Costa Rica. Some people say they grow tired of rice and beans, but my roommate and I enjoyed it every day up to 3 times a day. (Maybe the luck of having a GREAT mama tica cook for you every day?) Eating out the fish was amazing as well.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While we did a lot of cultural workshops and classes for cooking, dance, etc. it was hard to really expand friendships outside of the program with all U.S. students. Everyone is on different Spanish speaking levels, so it's hard even if you're in advanced Spanish classes to practice it at all times, when speaking English can be so much easier with those who have taken no classes prior. Thus, sometimes we kind of stuck to one another and could've made an effort to make more local friends. This was just our experience, however, and could be changed easily with a different group.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health care issues while in Costa Rica, but a small number of my Sol mates did. All issues were addressed promptly, taken seriously, and all were well in no time!

Heredia is a wonderful place for international students. I never once felt my safety being threatened while in the city. However, when traveling from city to city (especially at bus terminals) you MUST watch your bags and keep them ON YOU at all times. (Not on the ground, not near you...ON YOU) A few students had some bags/items stolen, but in all cases they were distracted from their surroundings. In one case, 18 of us missed an individual walking through our group who grabbed a bag off the ground. They're sneaky, but never threatened physical safety. Simple awareness would solve the issue.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Getting around Costa Rica is SUPER CHEAP! The most I spent on weekend transportation to other cities was $12 one way. (Included a 7 hour bus ride and a ferry ride!) This is very inexpensive compared to other countries I have visited since. Meals are fairly priced. The only more expensive items are actually tourist events. (Rainforest tours, bungee jumping, etc)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Sol attempts to have all students speak Spanish at all times. We were always reminded to speak in Spanish, but it is sometimes difficult to do so with students at all different speaking levels. (Some never have spoken it, some are advanced) It's hard not to just rely on English at times.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• My host family
• Program price
• The food

• More forced Spanish between students
• More interaction with locals

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