I definitely recommend SOL Education...not so much my host mom, though. Past Review
By A student (Spanish, University of Houston - Downtown) - abroad from 05/24/2015 to 06/20/2015 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
It was certainly worthwhile. Costa Rica is very Americanized, though. All in all, I'd go back.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was in a very nice, safe & comfortable neighborhood. I NEVER felt unsafe. |
| * Food: |
The program did a fantastic job of organizing the housing arrangements. I had an issue with my host mother, but that was just because she would serve me 2 pieces of cheesy bread and call it breakfast. She would let me know that she was having financial issues as well, and I felt bad for her. |
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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? |
No comment. I didn't have to go to the doctor, fortunately. |
| * Safety: |
No safety issues whatsoever with the school or host family. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
VERY VERY well organized program. You certainly do get your money's worth. I'd do it again for sure. I wish I had better meals with my host family, though. |
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) |
Honestly, things in Costa Rica cost about the same as they would here in the states. |
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 |
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| 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? | Make friends with locals!!!!!!! Hang out with at least 2 different locals outside of school. Don't just stick with you study abroad group. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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 wish I would have made more local friends to keep in contact with |
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! |
