Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SOL is the best program out there to learn Spanish and Latin culture. Past Review

By (Missouri State University) - abroad from 06/25/2016 to 08/06/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew with my Spanish and learned a lot about the cultures and customs of Costa Rica. I learned how to be a traveler and not just a tourist. I also gained friendships and a new family that I know will last a lifetime.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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

I have trust in this program and the directors. It is very affordable and I know I am getting the best experience for my money. They really emmerse you into the culture and push you to learn and use the language.

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? Maybe about $30 a week, if that.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of the given three meals a day and you will find yourself using less and less money on food. Host families are usually great at working with your schedule and making packed lunches or dinner at anytime you need it.

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? 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? Intermediate 2
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? Listening to music and singing along really helps you to practice fluency and accent. Also, five in and speak with your host families, you will find yourself having full conversations in the language very quickly. It also helps with understanding.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • From the moment I first contacted them, the directors made me feel safe in my choice and I was greeted with a hug at the airport.
  • The excursions and cultural activies are out of this world fun.
  • The teachers at the university are also amazing.
* What could be improved?
  • There were a lot of activities and class assignments and I found myself constantly busy.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I was going to miss Costa Rica once I left.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'