Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventurous Past Review

By (University of Kentucky) - abroad from 05/14/2016 to 06/25/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a culture different than my own, and I think I am more well rounded because of it. It was definitely worthwhile because I learned a lot about myself and others through this experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone on SOL staff is absolutely amazing! They made sure that I was happy and comfortable at the Universith and my host home, and they always encouraged and helped me to speak Spanish.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was one of the best parts about this program. My Mama Tica was an amazing cook and was always excited to see me when I got home!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

SOL does a really fabulous job with giving you a wonderful experience in minimal time and with a minimal cost. The directors are amazing, and I really felt like I saw most of the "tourist" sites that Costa Rica has to offer while I was there. My Spanish also greatly improved through the immersion of the university and my host 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? Less than $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I never needed to buy food because I always ate at my host family's house. It's really up to you about how much money you want to spend, but it's not very expensive to live here when you go with SOL.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? AP Spanish
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 local friends and practice with them! Don't be shy(:

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Family
  • Directors
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Difficulty of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to bring a nice umbrella because it rains a lot in Costa Rica.

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!