The most amazing experience of my life!!! Past Review
By Michael R (HISTORY., University of Houston - Downtown) - abroad from 05/31/2014 to 06/28/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I learned a lot of Spanish and a ton of stuff about another culture. My trip was definitely worthwhile. I would recommend studying abroad to anyone.
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very satisfied. I loved staying with my host family. They were very nice and welcoming. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing. I was exposed to a variety of dishes. I tried a lot of new things and everything I tried was very good. My taste buds thanked me the whole time I was studying abroad. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated. We went on many excursions that allowed us to get the full experience of the city. Visiting market places, national parks, and malls was a really good way to interact with the locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Everything was explained to me fully during the meet with our program director. |
| * Safety: |
We were told that it was not a good idea to be out at night by yourself because you would stick out like a sore thumb. But I never felt in any threat at night or 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) |
5 very easily/ minimal cost |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start saving early for your trip. You always want to make sure that you save up enough money to pay for the costs of your trip, your bills back home while you be gone and for spending money on the trip. If you don't start saving early you may not be able to have as much fun on your trip if you are worrying about money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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 1401 and 1402 - Elementary 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? | Don't be nervous about saying stuff wrong or not knowing what to say. The best way to learn a new language is to try!!! |
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 would have practiced my Spanish more and saved more money. |
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. |
