Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SOLmates even after the trip. Past Review

By (University of Houston) - abroad from 05/15/2016 to 06/24/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I have become more culturally aware (like saying US when describing people who live in the US instead of Americans, which includes South, Central and North). Everything was absolutely worthwhile. It's an experience I'll cherish forever.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grammar classes are great - I took advanced two and felt very immersed and challenged from day one. I then took Culture and Civilization and I learned a lot about those topics, but I did not feel as challenged.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I unfortunately did not hit the gold when it comes to our host mom, but I think that experience was quite rare. Many others adored their mom, and the one's I met seemed lovely. The living arrangement and food options were great though.

* Food:

The food was great and pretty diverse.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think there could have been more immersion - speaking and culturally. I wanted to be forced to interact with Ticos more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

This question should not be required since I did not have a personal experience with the health care in Costa Rica.

* Safety:

I felt safer than people made me think I would feel. It's always good to be cautious (not walk at night, walk in groups, etc), but I never felt scared or at risk.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I enjoyed the cultural knowledge that I gained (tours, cooking classes, dance classes, etc). I don't know how - but my roommate and I got along perfectly and still talk everyday even after I have left. I really enjoyed the excursions (whitewater rafting, zip-lining, visiting beaches, etc) - Costa Rica is quite the beautiful country. I'm happy to have had the experience and happy for the friendships I made and still have even after I have left.

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)

It depends on what you want to do - but hostels were cheap, you could find cheap food. It really depends on your decisions, but both lifestyles are possible.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40 (could have spent less if I wanted/needed to).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think most kids spent their money on alcoholic beverages - just don't go out every night of the week. Take bus/train instead of taxis Find "sodas" instead of normal restaurants Buy your fruit at the market and not grocery stores

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

Class - encouraged. Tours - somewhat encouraged Interaction with students - not encouraged

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced 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? MAKE yourself speak spanish. Make that expectation with your roommate and group of friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Grammar classes
  • Excursions
  • Friendship
* What could be improved?
  • Host mom/parents
  • Culture and Civilization Class
  • Fellow students always speaking English (maybe split up groups by looking at speech level)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That wearing shorts is not really a big deal. I could have been so much more comfortable those hot days.

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 Linguist
You 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!