Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida, try new things, and step out of your comfort zone Past Review

By (Athletic Training/Trainer., Salem State College) - abroad from 05/31/2014 to 06/28/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to experience living in another culture outside of my own and utilize a language I have studied for so long. It was eye opening to experience the world from a different perspective. I gained new life insight as well as the opportunity to exponentially expand upon my Spanish.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring more money than you would think to bring it's always good to have a buffer to fall back on. Utilize your host family for meals as often as possible, they are very good cooks and it's a good way to save money by not going out to eat.

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

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPN416: Hispano-American Literature I
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Utilize your host family as often as possible to practice Spanish with. Hang out with them and strike conversation.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The routine - everything was very organized and planned
  • Host family - great to have someone open their home to me
* What could be improved?
  • Everything was great, assistance was provided whenever needed and we were all well informed
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a tough question. I didn't go into the trip with any expectations because I was preparing myself for the adventure of it all. I think what I know now is that I have the ability to live and thrive in a country not my own.

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!