Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

JUST DO IT! ¡PURA VIDA! Past Review

By (Wagner College) - abroad from 05/16/2015 to 08/15/2015 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I will never be able to put into words how much I have changed after Costa Rica. It really hit me once I came back to the states how much the activities and excursions I participated in had/have an effect on my everyday life!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Professors through sol were awesome! Also took a photography class with locals, which was a little challenging, but totally worth it in the end! I definitely recommend being fluent or at least proficient in Spanish at the start of the class. DON'T BE AFRAID (as I was) to talk with people in your class! Ticos are so nice and approachable I wish I didn't wait until the end to start conversing!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Jessie, Angie, and Janiva, all incredible and make your experiences worth while!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived within walking distance from the school and Heredia Central! My host mom was sweet, but at times, it felt a little hard to connect with her on a personal level. Even so, she gave my housemates and I privacy, and was approachable when we needed her!

* Food:

Food got repetitive FAST, and at times we wouldn't get dinner. Although, the food tasted good and I still miss my Tico breakfasts and crave gallo pinto every once in a whle.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Got sick at one point and had to go back to the doctor twice! Shout out to Angie who really helped make the process a whole lot smoother and made sure I was okay throughout it!

* Safety:

Cat calls suck, but I never felt safer!

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)

Make sure you budget early so you can save money for trips throughout your time there.

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? Eat at home and take advantage of happy hour.

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

TRY TRY TRY TO SPEAK TO SOL MATES ONLY IN SPANISH. I know it's hard, but I feel I would have been fluent if I had!

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? SP232
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? Movies in Spanish, Shows in Spanish, TALK WITH TICOS

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Directors
  • Trips
* What could be improved?
  • More Activities after the first 3 weeks
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing! Definitely do your research and reach out to other Sol Mates who will tell you exactly what you need to know!

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!