Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, University of Kentucky) - abroad from 07/18/2015 to 08/08/2015 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What didn't I gain!? Friends, family, language, culture, knowledge, experience, travel, and so much!!

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.

SOL did everything to help, and with such a genuine manner, from the application process to losing my baggage and helping retrieve it, to making everything in Costa Rica so wonderful. No one is lying when they tell you that studying abroad is the best experience you will ever encounter - SOL made it personal. I felt like family - with the teachers, students, host family, directors, and even with the people in the university. SOL created a safe environment where we not only learned constantly, but also lived and loved and shared such a beautiful month of happiness, cultural immersion, and so much fun. I would recommend SOL and studying abroad to anyone and everyone! SOL has changed me forever. There are no words I could say to thank them for giving me the experience of a lifetime - all the while, being sincere and loving for what they do.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The directors were amazing. I would trust any one of them with my life and with anything at all! They truly cared for each one of us and made it such an amazing experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing what immaculate. My family was wonderful; I speak to them almost everyday and I miss them so much. I learned so much from them - culturally and speaking - I cannot wait to return and visit them.

* Food:

The food was wonderful! I very well balance of diversity but never going hungry!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I love that they helped us give our part back to the country by helping us shop locally. We were fortunate enough to see so much of the country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

All of the issues that were possible were expressed and understood. Nothing was needed to travel to this country.

* Safety:

I never did not feel safe or not taken care of. I always felt very aware and always safe. Safety was never an issue. Even at night in downtown Heredia. I always felt very safe.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set aside an extra budget of $100.00 for transportation

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

Constant encouragement.

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? SPA 202
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • People
  • Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • Weekly meetings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I needed more than I brought.

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!