Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Enriching Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of Houston) - abroad from 05/10/2014 to 06/21/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned Spanish and gained more travel experience and friends. It was definitely worth it.

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.

The classes are intense and accelerated because you have a short amount of time. This forces you to learn more and actually use what you've learned.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very encouraging

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing! Kind, generous, understanding, helpful, encouraging, and fun! Also great cooks.

* Food:

Just yes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very welcome and made a lot of local friends. But remember, you have to talk to people to meet them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I hurt my toe once, but was fine. But others got sick and I saw them being well taken care of.

* Safety:

You will be safe, if you aware. I was comfortable walking most places, even at night, but Sol will tell you to always take a taxi. I think the taxis are too expensive to use all the time, but it does minimize risk.

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)

I spent way too much money lol.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I'm embarrassed to say lol
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy souvenirs the first week or two. Don't take all your money with you everywhere you go. Set aside $20-$40 for each day/week. Walk during the day and take taxis at night, if you can. Eat at home as much as possible. Do NOT go to Hooligans and buy margaritas. So expensive -_-

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

They're serious about immersion.

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? 1302
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 the locals. Some people think that simply going to the country is enough, but they hide in hotels and take taxis everywhere. Experience Costa Rica. Go to restaurants, stores, and bars. You have motivation to learn Spanish really quick when you're trying to order at Subway and realize you don't know how to say olives.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Food
  • Ticos
  • The view
* What could be improved?
  • Compensate students for taxis
  • Better lunches from host family
  • More intercambios
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It rains every day in Costa Rica. The streets are hard on shoes. Everyone in Costa Rica is beautiful and they dress up often.

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 Urbanite
A 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.