The most amazing experience in my life! Past Review
By Jessica C (Spanish Language and Literature., McDaniel College) - abroad from 08/30/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I gained a new perspective on life. I have much more of an open mind now because of this experience. I love the whole concept of "pura vida" and will bring it back home with me. It was definitely worthwhile! I am so happy I picked Costa Rica.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very happy with my host family! |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I personally didn't have any safety issues. Never walk alone at night and make sure to always watch out for cars because sometimes they don't stop for pedestrians so it's important to be extremely careful crossing the streets. |
| 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) |
My mom helped me a lot with my financial needs. If you are supporting yourself defintely save up and bring a good amount of money because you never know what could happen and you might want to have extra spending money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | If I traveled I would spend at least $100, if I didn't travel I would spend at the most $20. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start saving always put a part of your paycheck in a savings account. It adds up in the end! |
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 |
Our director encouraged us everyday to speak 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Literature course |
| 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? | Live with a host family. You are always practicing the language and they understand you are learning. |
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? | I wish I brought boots with me, I lot of the locals wear nice dress boots and I didn't think of bringing mine. |
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. |
