A life-changing 4 months! Past Review

By (Education and Spanish, Wagner College) - 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?
Too much to write. I gained a new outlook on life, new hobbies and passions, and a newfound love for life. It was more than worthwhile, it was life-changing and incredible!

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? 20-100 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Resist the small things! It adds up.

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? 232
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? You have to encourage each other to talk. It is really hard sometimes, but it is so rewarding when you eat a whole meal with your friends just talking in spanish.

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?
  • Host family
  • Excursions
  • Weekly traditions: Community service, cultural activities, classes
* What could be improved?
  • Excursions were a little bit more concentrated in the beginning of the four months, instead of equally spread out.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wear bug spray!