By far one of the greatest experiences of my life that I will remember forever. Past Review
By Caleb S (Communication, Universidad Latina) - 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?
"SOL Education Abroad is an adventure. If you're looking for an adventure, then you've definitely come to the right place. I have never EVER had such an amazing experience as this one in my whole life. You learn so much; spanish language, costa rican culture, food, and so much more. Every day there's a new adventure, and only you can make the most out of it. It's going to be different, and the first week might be a little bit hard and a bit of a culture shock. But in the end, this program will change your life. I might be a little biased, but there isn't another program out there that does what SOL has done for me. Not only have I made friends with other students, but my directors are some of my best friends too. Don't look any farther, because SOL is the program for you."
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Absolutely the best. I learned more in the past 3 weeks than I have learned in a year in college. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a "Mama Tica" and she is by far one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. One of the best parts of this experience has been living with a host family. |
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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? |
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| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy souvineers on the first day!! There will be PLENTY of time and areas with much cheaper items that have the same quality. |
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 |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate I |
| 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? | Talk with your fellow students from the US in spanish! It will become so much easier. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | Nothing big especially. The only thing I think is that I'm a very outgoing person, so I like to say hello to everyone I meet. But sometimes that's not the best thing to do at 11:00 PM while walking down a dark street...But that's more common sense than anything else. |
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