Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This program was an amazing once in a lifetime powerful learning experience! . Past Review

By (Nursing, George Mason University) - abroad from 02/08/2016 to 02/26/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
"The SOL Education not only teaches us about daily life, we learn about the culture. Learning another language takes patience, determination, and a strong desire. A little bit goes a long way, so try to continualily push yourself beyond what you can think you d

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

Unfortunately, I am a nurse and was only able to take off three weeks from work to be a part of this program. Although I learned a great deal, I would like to spend more time studying abroad in the future, because I am working towards fluency in the Spanish language.

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? $10.00

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginning II
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I think it is important to listen to news, movies, and television shows in Spanish everyday. I listened to nothing but Spanish on television and the radio for several months before traveling abroad.

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?
  • The students were the best part of the program. SOL fosters a close relationship between the students in the program, and as a result, they are incredibly supportive and strong life time relationships are created during this experience.
* What could be improved?
  • I did not feel that anything needed improving.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Since I am an older student, I wish I had known how to present projects using Powerpoint. However, I learned to present a presentation using Powerpoint while in Costa Rica.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'