Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SOL in Costa Rica is Pura Vida Past Review

By (Botany/Plant Biology., University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 05/10/2014 to 06/20/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am in love with Costa Rica and everything about it! Just strengthening my desire to work abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned not only about the Spanish language, but also Costa Rican history and culture. Courses taught ample material without being too strenuous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Summer sessions are 3 weeks long, and students can stay for up to 4 sessions in the summer. I found that organization/administration skills decreased the longer you stayed. So I recommend 6 weeks (two sessions) through this program during the summer.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was incredibly kind and treated me like new family. I had so much fun with them!

* Food:

Note, rice and beans is a staple. You will at times get sick of it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Totally integrated. There will forever be a part of my heart in Costa Rica.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

On site leaders will most definitely take care of you/bring you to healthcare systems when and if needed.

* Safety:

As in any city, don't walk alone after dark. Also don't talk to strangers on the street, regardless of how nice they seem. A student in my group was robbed of his watch and backpack by youth who simply started a conversation by asking for a cigarette.

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? 100 dollars a week? Sometimes a little more if I went souvenir shopping
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask for discounts IN SPANISH at souvenir shops.

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

I am in love with Costa Rica and everything about it! Just strengthening my desire to work abroad.

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? 300 level classes (past advanced)
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 let language barriers stop you from talking to your family. They want to be your friend, learn about you, have you learn about them, and teach you all they can!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Excursions
  • Culture Classes (dance, cooking, etc)
  • The people I met
* What could be improved?
  • Administration's organization of classes
  • Some housing situations (although I never had a problem)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spend ample time with your family, but ample time with some SOL friends spending time in the city after class.

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!