The most unforgettable experience I'll ever have! Past Review
By Zayda Pena (University of Houston - Downtown) - abroad from 05/21/2016 to 06/18/2016 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
SOL is great. Don't be scared to travel to a new country! SOL truly takes care of you. Any questions you have, they are always there to help. Studying abroad will change your life. Wherever you go, go with an open mind! Don't say no to anything, no matter how scary it may seem. The only way you will truly experience living abroad is if you step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
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? |
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| * Food: |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had a great experience with SOL. It was evident that Janiva had planned for us with a lot of time in advance. We didn't have to worry about transportation from the airport to our homes, and she placed us in very loving homes. |
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) |
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| 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? | In order to raise money, I hosted a kickball tournament for adults. It was fun for the adults and it really helped me raise the money I needed to come study abroad. Don't hesitate to let people help you! Also, save extra money of your own on the side. |
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 would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | Spend time with your host family, go out with friends, and really interact with your professors. Talking to your professors will help you develop your academic language which will help you understand content in the classroom. Spending time with your host family and new friends will help you develop your daily vocabulary skills. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 feel that I was well informed before we came to Costa Rica. |
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