Adventurer's Dream Past Review
By Callie McMullin (Eastern Kentucky University) - abroad from 09/03/2016 to 12/17/2016 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I have gained much needed confidence in my Spanish abilities. This trip was well worth every ounce of stress and coin.
Review Photos
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. |
Classes with locals were challenging and pushed me to better my abilities. Classes within the program helped me become more comfortable with conversational Spanish, but we're not to my expectations for difficulty. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I knew I was going to choose this program two years before applying. I wanted to travel to a Latin American country where my adventurous nature and love for Spanish would be encouraged, not stifled. I have been challenged in so many ways while here, both intellectually emotionally. My friends here have pushed me to better myself and my Spanish while supporting me through family hardships. This program is a family here, and we will always be Sol Mates. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20-50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Live like you have none. Budget beforehand, plan ahead for souvenirs (who for, what gift, etc.) |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPA 360, Spanish grammar in context |
| 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 as much as you can with anyone you can. Listen to Spanish news, tv, movies, music, etc. Read everything in Spanish. Immerse yourself. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I wish I knew more about outside volunteering programs. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
