Absolute best experience of my life! Past Review

By Emily Shorougian (Carroll University) - abroad from 01/16/2016 to 04/23/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so much about not only myself but about life. I had a change of perspective and a change of so many elements in my life. I wouldn't change this experience for the world.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

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:	My host mom's food got worse and worse as the semester went on to a point where I threw a lot of it out because it was that bad.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I mean...I only got grabbed once.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Sol plans things out so well and really makes an effort to make you feel comfortable and to help make the entire group a family.

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?	100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Be sure to bring enough sunscreen! And other personal hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Plan ahead and do not be afraid to stay in hostels. They are cheap and generally well kept.

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?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Advanced Spanish 1
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?	As much as you will have the urge to speak English with all of the rest of the people in your program, stick with the language. It will make learning so much easier and you will become fluent.

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	Local Students 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?	Speaking Spanish Being immersed in the Latin American Culture All the friends I made
* What could be improved?	Air Conditioning Better details on the packing list Host families that speak no english
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Do whatever it is that will make you happy. Spend your money on once in a lifetime experiences. Don't be afraid to miss home and remember your family is always there for you. I wish I knew that the world we live in is so much bigger than the small town I'm from.

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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Latin American Civilization and Culture
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	It was challenging but too much group work which was difficult with everyones different schedules. Too many posters and presentations in such a short amount of time.
Credit Transfer Issues: