The Magic of Pura Vida Past Review
By Ashley H (International Relations and Affairs., University of Colorado - Denver) - abroad from 08/30/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
It was more than I could have ever imagined. It was truly an eye opening experience that has strengthened my international perspective and my desire to make the world a better place. I feel more comfortable with my conversational skills and have opened up so many more doors of opportunity by being able to communicate with a greater number of people across the globe.
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. |
It was a wonderful learning experience that truly opened my perspective of the world in an international way. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Costa Rica is a magical country and may steal your heart. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My mama tica is my second mother. She and I have and will continue to stay close though we are thousands of miles a part. |
| * Food: |
The fresh fruits and vegetable are incredible, though the heavy use of grease to cook was difficult to deal with. |
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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? |
Though I had no health care issues, there were many student who received immediate medical attention when necessary. |
| * Safety: |
Though there were bars on the doors and windows, I never felt like my security was jeopardized. |
| 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) |
Most of my money went towards traveling on free weekends. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Not including traveling, $50 each week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget before the trip so you know how much money you have to spend in weekly periods. |
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 |
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| 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 reading and writing |
| 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? | Always speak spanish. Even when you are talking to your english speaking classmates. |
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? | To pack a rain coat and boots to Costa Rica. Should have read through the packing list a little more thoroughly. |
