Best experience EVER!!! Past Review
By Mita C (Business, Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 06/27/2015 to 08/08/2015 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
It was definitely worthwhile! It's a great first study abroad experience, but I think if you've been abroad many times and/or are above an intermediate level, you won't get as much out of it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics, while challenging, weren't your typical summer school intense. Professors were amazing and so helpful; SOL gives you the books you need, and the profs are always willing to talk to you for clarification or just to talk. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AMAZING!!!! Everyone there was phenomenal! The head of the program was so on top of things and made everything flow pretty smoothly, while the directors were so helpful and kind. The directors turn into your friends while still making sure you get to do all the fun things you came there to do. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was the best! I learned the most Spanish in my house and my host mom was there for me every step of the way. I am going to miss them so much- we're family for life. They took such good care of me and taught me so many things; I am so grateful I got to meet them. |
| * Food: |
It's a lot of rice and beans, but no one went hungry or complained about the food much. My host mom made some great food for us! Disclaimer: not as much fruit as I thought there would be. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Honestly, besides my host family and a couple of other families, we didn't have much interaction with the "real world" in terms locals. I got a lot of history and social issues from my host family, but didn't get really integrated. All the classes are with people from the states, but taught in Spanish, but it really creates a barrier between you and the locals your age. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no issues with my health while here, so yay! |
| * Safety: |
You're in a city, so the usual rules apply: don't walk alone, don't walk after dark, even in a group, and keep your hands on you purse, and don't acknowledge the catcalls. |
| 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 about $100/week, but that was including three weekend trips that weren't included in the price, and all the stuff that goes with that. i.e. rooms, food, tours, buses, etc. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Food= less than $15/week; other expenses=$30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy your souvenirs at the end, and keep them small! |
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 |
The host families are where you'll learn the most- that's the most emerged I got. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Spanish II |
| 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? | Write, read, speak, and breathe it, even if it's uncomfortable at first. Practice with your friends, even if it's hard. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That the classes would be all Americans |
