Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

We all want to travel together again next year. Past Review

By (Arlington High School) - abroad from 07/06/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gined the ability to speak Spanish and not only be able to do the grammar on paper. Yes it was worthwile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Honestly, if you want to learn the language you have to push yourself. You have to initiate conversations. Most of the students speak English with each other, so it is your choice if you want to speak Spanish or English. If you speak Spanish, you can learn a lot in a short period of time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great family, that not only was kind, but treated me as part of the family. We did groceries together one time and we went to see a volleyball game together. I was not a stranger in their house

* Food:

I am 100%, and I mean 100%, not a picky eater. I loved the food. Some things I would not eat again, but nothing was disgusting. The mango is amazing. Everybody cooks great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I smiled at people, but I did not talk to too many people. That was my fault, not the local people´s fault. My host family knew other host families. The town is a perfect size for getting around.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe in this program. The cars drive very quickly, so I suggest everybody to be careful. Even at night, as long as I am with a friend, I feel safe.

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)

Occasionally, I went out to eat with friends. The food is cheap and delicious and we all split the costs. Besides that, there is not anything I needed to buy, other than souveniers. I had enough money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Most likely, $25 or less.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2
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 your host family and roomate in Spanish. The best way to learn the language is to be immersed in it.

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?
  • food
  • freedom
  • friends
* What could be improved?
  • immersion of spanish
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.