Pura Vida Past Review
By Katie Zatt (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 06/04/2016 to 06/25/2016 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I gained a lot of independence and learned a lot about Costa Rican culture and the Spanish language.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were some bumps in flight issues. I wish I had stayed longer so I could have had more free time to explore on my own. The classes were nice and overall amazing experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful and accommodating |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my Mama Tica! |
| * Food: |
Great food, strange fruits, and rice and beans at every meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish I had the opportunity to talk with more native Costa Ricans but they did have a conversation club to help with that. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I have a food allergy that was accommodated very well and had no issues |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would choose the same program but I would choose to stay longer. |
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) |
Costa Rica is expensive... |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 230 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If your luggage is lost you are going to end up spending a lot more money than you planned on. Don't let it freak you out. |
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? | Beginner |
| 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? | Beginner |
| 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? | Practice with other students every chance you get no matter what skill level they are at. |
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? | That all weekends are planned out and Land of the Strays is only opened on weekends. So, if you go for three weeks you will not be able to go to Land of they Strays. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
