Wouldn't Change It for the World Past Review
By Heather W (Spanish Language, Literature, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 06/06/2015 to 08/22/2015 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I learned a lot more about the spanish language and practiced all of my spanish every day. It was definitely worthwhile and rewarding
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 |
The leaders/administration were very helpful in this program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was incredibly satisfied. My host family was very kind and so helpful. They treated me like I was a part of their family and now being back in the states, it feels like a part of me is missing not seeing them everyday. |
| * Food: |
My host family always had delicious food, but I can't say I particularly enjoyed all the food on the excursions. Overall I enjoyed the food in Costa Rica though. |
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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? |
I didn't really experience any serious health issues, but when I was feeling a little sick, I was offered teas or soups to help. |
| * Safety: |
We were advised not to walk around at night past around 6 pm when it got dark outside. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
I spent around $500-600 in 11 weeks being conservative with my spending but splurging occasionally. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 55-60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Wait to buy souvenirs until the market in San Jose and try to bargain with people. If you buy things while on the excursions, things tend to be a bit more overpriced |
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 |
100 % of the time they encouraged us 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? | Intermediate 4 |
| 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? | Practice it every day with your friends and family and other students. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 know a little bit more of what I would have chosen to pack and to leave extra space in my bags for more souvenirs. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Intermediate 2 |
| Course Department: | Spansih |
| Instructor: | Leticia |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | She was well prepared for class and I enjoyed her teaching |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | none |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Advanced 1 |
| Course Department: | Spanish |
| Instructor: | Adriana |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | This class was prepared and the games she had to teach us different tenses and more about the language were very helpful. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | none |
