SolMates, Spanish, and Living the Pura Vida in Heredia, Costa Rica! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes with Sol students were set up in a module structure (one class per month), and I very much enjoyed/benefitted from that. Additionally, the course that I took with local students was both challenging and interesting, and pushed me to practice my Spanish while helping me meet Costa Rican students who lived in Heredia. Outside of the classroom and academic settings, students in Sol are still expected to speak Spanish and the directors hold you to this! A great program if you want to immerse yourself and improve your fluency.

On-site administration of your program

The directors for Sol Costa Rica are phenomenal. They make sure that while you are in the program you have the opportunity to grow and learn not only linguistically and academically, but also socially, culturally, personally, and spiritually. They were tuned into group dynamics and individual needs, and their dedication to the program and the students was evident from day one all the way through until the end!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living with my host family in Heredia. My host mother was incredibly kind and accommodating-- she really made me feel like part of the family! It was nice to be living in a family setting, and it definitely helped with homesickness. Plus, it was great for my Spanish!

All meals are provided by host families (in other words, they're delicious!). Additionally, while we were on excursions, everything was well organized in terms of where we would be eating!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The option to take classes with local students helps a lot with this, as does the homestay. Sol staff have also organized a Spanish-English language conversation club in which Sol students can practice their Spanish and local students can practice their english! The program directors also do a very good job of connecting students with local clubs and volunteer opportunities within their spheres of interest!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the clinic once when I was staying in Heredia, and everything went very smoothly! One of the directors went with me, and the staff at the clinic were all very kind and helpful.

Like any other city, there are risks, but the program directors do a very good job at mitigating them. No one in my program had any safety issues!

Studying with Sol was an incredible experience all the way around. My Spanish improved, I learned a lot about myself, and I learned a lot about the world. Additionally, I met amazing people who I still keep in touch with! It changed my life for the better, and I would recommend it to anyone!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

All meals at home were included in the program cost, which was great. Most of my expenses were related to independent travel on the weekends, and even then it wasn't too bad- if you stick to hostels and public buses, staying on budget is pretty doable.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The directors are very good about encouraging/pushing people to speak Spanish! There was a lot of emphasis on not speaking English. Of course, in the end it's up to you, but the resources are there!

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans

• Classes
• Excursions
• Homestay and Staff

• No current suggestions!

The Academic or Linguist