Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (International Relations, Seton Hall University) - abroad from 01/10/2015 to 04/25/2015 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In Costa Rica, I learned that I am truly a global citizen. I never felt more connected to humanity than I did when I was in Costa Rica. I learned that there is no such thing as a perfect country, study abroad program, or life. I gained the ability to find similarities between myself and the people around me. Lastly. I learned that I can make a difference in my own life and the lives of others just in the small choices I make.

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.

All of the classes that I took with Sol professors were amazing! I have no complaints about them. they were paced in a way that made them challenging, but never stressful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with an entire family (as opposed to just a Mama Tica) and I loved it! I had my own room with a comfortable twin bed and plenty of storage. I had a desk where I could do my homework and a bed side table for my phone, glasses, etc.

* Food:

There weren't many things that my host mother made that I didn't like and if she was making something that I didn't eat, she would make me my own substitute. Growing up Caribbean, I was pretty used to the style of food in Costa Rica, but those who have had little experience with Latin American/Caribbean food may find it repetitive. There are many local restaurants in town you can go to, and the mall has many "American" foods (Taco Bell, McDonalds, Wendy's)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Sol does a really great job of helping you experience the diversity of Costa Rican culture. All of the excursions we took were helpful and educational. I also went to extended-family gatherings with my host family whenever I was invited and I always felt welcomed there. I will say that I can be hard to make friends with Ticos if you don't have any classes with locals, or go to Conversation Club. I had a 2 classes with Ticos and was able to make friends with people in those classes. Bottom Line: Te program can only do so much, its really up to you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Heredia is a pretty safe location by any standard. While we were there, however, there were a few incidents of people being mugged but only in the neighborhood I was living in. This being said, I never felt unsafe when I was using common sense. Even though the program allows (or allowed) groups of students to walk from ULatina to the Esperanza neighborhood at night, we would just take a cab from the mall to be safe. It costs a little over dollar and you get home faster anyway. As long as you are smart, you should be fine

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)

Here's the thing. Everything that you NEED is provided to you. In fact, most excursions your host mom packs you a lunch. Day to day spending can be very minimal if you don't eat out too often, drink, go away to hostels every weekend and so on. I used about $1100 in spending money over the entire 4 months. I went out on occasion, had my share of drinks, traveled for Semana Santa, and bought more than enough souvenirs for my family.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? -Don't eat at American chains restaurants. The prices are ridiculous and you can probably find cheaper, better food at a local store. -Share toiletries with friends on excursions -Slow down on alcohol. Drinking a lot 3 nights a week can really set you back financially. -Don't shop at the mall. Everything is over-priced.

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 directors are really serious about speaking Spanish at all times. It was helpful and really encouraged me to speak Spanish to other SolMates on a regular basis

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Spanish 1
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? -Go to Conversation Club -Find other people in your program who are serious about learning the language and exclusively speak to them in Spanish. -Take classes with Locals. You will have to speak Spanish in class, but also before and after when talking to your peers. -Talk to your host family as much as possible. They are the best practice "tools" you can use.

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?
  • The directors
  • The food
  • The art and culture scene
* What could be improved?
  • More academic support for classes with locals. You only get tutoring if you are in danger of failing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That wearing my hair naturally (I have kinky textured hair) is not as hard as I thought it would be.

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!