It was the greatest thing I've ever done in my life. Past Review
By Ninfa S (Sociology., University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 07/12/2014 to 08/09/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I learned many things about the language, culture, and traditions. I also learned to be more patient and understanding. To appreciate what I have and appreciate others.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
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 |
We had the best staff from SOL in Costa Rica. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best experience ever, my family was amazing. |
| * Food: |
I'm a foodie so I was really interested and fascinated by Costa Rican cuisine. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I love it I'm originally Mexican but I don't live in Mexico but the culture reminded me so much of when I visit, I felt home. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I think it was pretty much like anywhere else. Every city has its good side and its bad spots just do go in there. |
| 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) |
I really know how to manage my budgets so I did really good in that, overall Costa Rica is not a very expensive country but there are those exceptions. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $100 |
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 |
I loved speaking in spanish everywhere it really helped my vocabulary with big regional words and also things I did not know before. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | Spanish is my first language so it kind of docent apply. |
| 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? | Talk to your host family about your day and school and use it as much as you can with the people you love because practice makes perfection. |
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? | How much I could have traveled if only I had not booked my returning flight. Since at the end of the program I was so confident moving around in public transportation and traveling. If I had know I would have traveled a lot more at the end of the program. |
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. |
