An Unforgettable Experience! Past Review
By Caitlyn S (Speech Language Pathology, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 05/31/2014 to 06/21/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I learned how to love life and to live it to the fullest. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me realize my love for other cultures and for people. If I could do it all over again, I would in a heart beat!
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration of this program was wonderful! They worked so hard. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a host family was an amazing experience! I got so close with them. My host mom and I still Facebook every day! |
| * Food: |
Excellent food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We did a lot of cultural activities that got us involved with the Ticos. Also, I went out on my own with a few friends which got me involved in the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt the city was safe. I never walked alone or experienced anything that made me feel uncomfortable. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 60 dollars each week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat with the host family as much as you can or ask your host family to prepare lunch for you if you will not be eating lunch. It saves money and the food is better. |
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? | 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? | Spanish Advanced Comprehension and Grammar |
| 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? | Speak to everyone in Spanish. |
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? |
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? | I wish I knew to open myself up to new experiences. Before this program, I was nervous to live with a host family and to be abroad alone. However, I am so thankful that I opened myself up because I loved every minute of it! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
