Best decision ever made! Past Review
By Morgan S (Spanish, McDaniel College) - abroad from 05/31/2014 to 08/01/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
It was definitely worthwhile! I learned how to adapt to another culture and how to deal with change in a big way. I also learned how to communicate better with others, and my Spanish is getting better all the time!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I love the school! All of the teachers are engaging and interactive. They fit a ton of information into three week, so it is very rigorous, and you learn a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
THE MOST HELPFUL PEOPLE ON THE PLANET! I love all of the administrators. From the awesome staff at the University down to Sol's directors, everyone was super helpful! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I love my host mother! She is so sweet and caring. I have been eating a lot healthier since coming to Costa Rica. She gave up the big room so that the students that stay in her house could feel comfortable. She is just a very giving person, and I have really enjoyed my time with her. |
| * Food: |
Costa Rican food is amazing! I love rice and beans so their diet was great for me. The fruit here tastes soooo much better than at home! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We go out into the community and help by volunteering. I also love the fact that they take us to local places to buy snacks and other things so that we are supporting the local economy. The directors are always willing to help you integrate yourself more into the local culture. You can be as integrated as you want to be. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never really had any health problems, but my friends that did seemed to have plenty of support from the staff. They are really helpful and have traveled themselves so they often have advice for things you can do. They are also good with making sure you have access to anything/anyone needed to suit your medical needs. |
| * Safety: |
We have not had any problems with safety here as long as people follow the rules set out by the Sol directors. It is just like living in any city, but if you take taxis after dark, you're fine. I have had no incidents at all. I feel completely comfortable walking around the city during the day. |
| 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) |
This depends on how many activities you want to do outside of what Sol has to offer. The only other excursion I plan on going on it going to a beach to see turtles because that is the only wildlife I have yet to see with Sol. They take you to do outdoorsy things and to see rain forests, etc. Thus, the more excursions you want to go on, the more money you will need. However, I have definitely not spent more than 100 per week. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20-30 bucks |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan any fun excursions you want to do on your own before you go so you know how much you will need for later, then budget your trip money accordingly. |
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 |
Learning Spanish is the main reason people go abroad through Sol, so we are encouraged to use the language as much as possible. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | 3000 Level Spanish |
| 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 only in the target language. It may be difficult when around other people who speak English, but the only way you are going to learn is through using the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 had planned ahead more for the other excursions before I had gone abroad then I would have budgeted my money a little differently. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
