Pura Vida Mae!! Past Review
By Alexander N (Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Houston - Downtown) - abroad from 05/31/2014 to 06/28/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
TOP NOTCH! The experience was like no other. Every last bit was worthwhile, sad to leave!!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
really great classes and instructors. |
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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? |
Amazing host family! |
| * Food: |
Great delicious food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Loved the culture and social interaction, kind people! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safe country! |
| 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) |
It all depends on your budget, I was able to enjoy myself and not spend outrageous money! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | No more than $100 unless you wanted to eat out every day! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Umm, as far as artifacts, visit the smaller shops for souvenirs! They can be very pricey at some places!! |
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 |
It was very well progressive, the first week we were allowed to speak in English and then little by little we had to get used to speaking Spanish! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | SPAN 2312 |
| 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? | Interact with people from there, they are very happy to have us there! |
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? | 10+ |
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? | ATTIRE!! Before going on the trip! SOL told me I could not take certain clothing because the PEOPLE from there did not wear it and that I would be an OUTSIDER, BUT that was a lie! The pleople from there are very much up-to-date with the United States fashion(clothing)!! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
