Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Experiences for a Great Price! Past Review

By (Pembroke Hill School) - abroad from 07/26/2016 to 08/13/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself as a student, a traveler, a roommate, and a Spanish-speaker. This experience helped me figure things out on my own, but I also had a nice support system if I needed help. Definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot, but mostly from my host family. The classes were nice for meeting people in the community and in my own group, but they weren't were I learned the most of what I did.

* 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?

Talk with people! That is how you will improve the most.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you are going to walk around at night, just be sure to be with one or two other people.

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

I think Atenas was great because it wasn't too big, nor too small. There was enough to keep me busy, yet I didn't feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the town or the amount of people living there. Atenas is very manageable and by the end of three weeks, I really felt at home.

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)

I used less than I thought I would, but I definitely could have spent less, as well. It all mostly comes down to if you want to eat out a lot, or not.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $50 a week (this includes food, souvenirs, etc.)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be sure to have your bank situation sorted out before you go. Also, always have at least 2.000 colones with you, just for emergencies.

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

In school and with my host family, definitely, but when out with the group, there was little to no Spanish spoken. This was kind of frustrating at first, but it turned out to be nice to have a break from having to translate Spanish in my head all the time.

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? Speak to everyone! Atenas is full of friendly people, so even just asking how someone's day is going can help your speaking immensely. Also, speaking with your host family really is the best way to improve. If I hadn't been talking with my host family while in Costa Rica, there is no way my Spanish would have improved as much as it did.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host-Family
  • Town
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Class Activites
  • After School Activites
  • (The top two weren't even bad--the other things were just really good!)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the rainy season is still really, really hot.

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!