The world is an open book, with vast cultures I long to experience now. Past Review

By (Social Work, Elizabethtown College) - abroad from 05/16/2015 to 06/27/2015 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Cultures are beautiful, and the world is beautiful. It was so worthwhile. It challenged me to break barriers of being a homebody, and experience another culture and society.

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.

Rigorous but the professors help so much!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They are so helpful and caring!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

For a shorter time like only 6 weeks, it was hard to feel really integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

It was easy to spend money, but that is normal as a college student.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? BUDGET and don't buy all souvenirs in the first week. You have plenty of time, don't rush. Compare prices and ask advice!

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

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? I finished all the courses I needed and I took my first 300 level class abroad.
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? Only speak spanish, don't let yourself fall back to english!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Host Mom
  • Roomate
  • The trip director-Jessie
* What could be improved?
  • talking component of struggles of adjustment
  • education on things within culture
  • more extracurricular activities like clubs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take a deep breath and enjoy the culture. You will be home soon enough, don't rush it!

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!