Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Best Adventure Yet Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 08/30/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I will always have respect for the working class now. I am much more well-rounded than before because I was exposed to a country that has significantly more poverty than my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was just right. The classes were not too hard but they didn't allow one to not do homework. It was a good balance because we normally did excursions, cultural activities, and volunteering as well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program directors were literally the best thing since sliced bread. There was ALWAYS something to do with the program. When we didn't have official excursions or activities with Sol, they would provide us with community events or activities we could go to as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was a truly wonderful group of people and they took such good care of me.

* Food:

There is nothing better than the food that comes out of a Costa Rican mother's kitchen.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with a family for four months and took one class with Costa Ricans. I had no choice but to be involved in the culture!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally never got sick, but those who did always told me how helpful the directors were in handling the situation, whether it was help translating at the hospital and transportation or paperwork.

* Safety:

Costa Rica is like any place. Don't walk around at night alone (especially girls) or flash your valuables and you should be fine. Trust your gut and avoid possibly dangerous situations like you would anywhere else.

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)

If you want to travel like I did, you are going to spend around $100/week. That is what our directors told the students as well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100, but again I traveled a bit.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take the buses instead of a taxi, or if you can't do that split the taxi!

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

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? Advanced Spanish Grammar
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? It is completely personal. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or ask for help from the person you are talking to.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Living with a host family
  • The encouragement from our directors to speak Spanish
  • Our full schedules almost always covered by the program cost at the beginning
* What could be improved?
  • Keep Conversation Club at the university as a learning environment of foreign language instead of more of a social hour
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is not a vacation! It is an absolutely beautiful country, but you are there to LEARN. You'll learn about the country and the language and that is taxing at times but "vale la pena."

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Grammar I
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Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: None.
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Advanced Grammar II
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
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Latin American Civilization and Culture
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Latin American Literature
Course Department:
Instructor:
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Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
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Management of Exports
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This course was challenging. It was a lot of work each week and the class is ONLY in Spanish. Get ready to have your skills tested each week!
Credit Transfer Issues: