Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience of my Life Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 07/16/2016 to 08/20/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained much more confidence in my spanish speaking. It was so incredible! I did not let the price stop me.

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.

My classes and my teachers have been incredible, and I have already learned so much in my short time there. I would like to become a Sol Student Ambassador because I want to help other students feel excited and empowered by their decision to further their education because I believe it is truly one of the best choices one can make to influence their future, . Also, my experience at Costa Rica has had such a positive impact on my life that I am thankful for the chance to give my time and resources to all the program does.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My family was the best thing about the entire trip!

* Food:

I am vegan, and my mama tica was very accommodating.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I left 100% satisfied with everything

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Janiva dropped everything and took one of my friends to the doctor when she got hurt.

* Safety:

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

My classes and my teachers have been incredible, and I have already learned so much in my short time there. I would like to become a Sol Student Ambassador because I want to help other students feel excited and empowered by their decision to further their education because I believe it is truly one of the best choices one can make to influence their future, . Also, my experience at Costa Rica has had such a positive impact on my life that I am thankful for the chance to give my time and resources to all the program does.

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? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out every night!

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 II
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 every day.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Organization
  • Host Family
  • Directors
* What could be improved?
  • N/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are so many opportunities in the world if you are willing to explore them.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.