Can I go back yet? Past Review
By Jackie P (Spanish, Georgetown College) - abroad from 06/06/2015 to 07/18/2015 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I learned so much about myself and gained such a passion for traveling. This time abroad was incredible and I'm already itching to go back!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors that I had were so great and they didn't overload on homework, which allowed for more exploring and immersion! That being said, the courses weren't nearly as challenging as those of a similar level at my university in the States. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I adored the on-site staff! They were there for me every step of the way and made the adjustment super easy. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My home stay was my favorite part of my entire study abroad experience. My host mother was incredible and I can't wait to visit her again soon! |
| * Food: |
Mama G was the BEST cook EVER!!! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish that I had made more of an effort to integrate into the local culture. Don't get complacent with the friends you make from United States. Branch out and put yourself out there! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any experiences with the health care. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt threatened in Heredia, but as a female, I traveled in pairs everywhere I went. If you are interested in traveling and visiting San Jose, do NOT go alone! |
| 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) |
If you are planning on studying over the summer, or any time shorter than a semester, definitely budget $100/ week. I though this seemed outrageous, but when I was abroad I didn't want to miss out on any experiences and it definitely added up. Start saving up now! |
| 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? | I was abroad for 6 weeks and I traveled every free weekend that I could and I went through about $600, maybe a little less. If you are spending the money to study abroad, be sure to save the money to do the extra traveling too! You won't regret it! |
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 |
I honestly wish that speaking the language had been more encouraged because with our big group of students from the States constantly spoke English. The classroom and homestay were really where I practiced Spanish. |
| 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? | 450 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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 |
|
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? | I wish that I had known that all of the excursions were going to be the first three weeks of the program. It would have helped if I had known how much independent traveling I was going to be doing prior to my arrival for financial reasons. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
