Pura vida. Past Review
By Benjamin S (Undecided, North Kingstown High School) - abroad from 06/21/2014 to 07/26/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I bettered my skills, but I expected more improvements.
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. |
The program did not provide complete immersion, but did have Spanish-speaking host families and a school |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was quite satisfied, even though I was told that I might have a room with some natives my age. That was very wrong, but in all other aspects my host family was very good. |
| * Food: |
My host mother cooks incredibly. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If I spent the whole day in school, then this would be a 5. But in down time I had nothing else to do but hang out with other English-speakers or watch movies. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a minor instance with a cut knee, but I simply went to the pharmacy and it was a simple situation. |
| * Safety: |
I heard of no report of criminal activity at all, let along encountered any of such activity. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
It was okay other than the fact that it was necessary to spend 8 dollars a day on taxis. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | At least $80. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Walk everywhere or try to get the program to provide transportation. |
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 |
Mostly self-motivation, but the program often nudged us to speak Spanish. Occasionally. |
| 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 4 honors. |
| 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? | Try to get to know locals, as they always have something to do and always speak Spanish. |
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? | That other country travel is necessary in life. Also I met another part of me - a much more relaxed and fun part- that I never really knew existed. Also that Costa Rican coffee is very good. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
