Pura Vida Past Review
By A student (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 09/03/2016 to 12/17/2016 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
My experience was absolutely worthwhile. I gained foreign language skills that classes in the United States would not be able to give me, was able to explore a new culture and become more open minded because of it, and was able to expand my comfort zone.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors were always very helpful and willing to work with students. |
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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? |
My house and host family were absolutely perfect. |
| * 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: |
Heredia was fairly safe, but of course walking in a group of two or more students (especially at night) is a good idea. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I really enjoyed my time with the Sol Education study abroad program. The cultural activities, excursions, and host families were all amazing. |
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) |
About $100 a week is accurate, but doing weekend trips/excursions out of your city can be more expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $25-100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Think about the cost for extra trips you would like to take because the prices can add up very quickly. |
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? | Beginner |
| 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? | Beginner 2 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? | Talk to your host family and locals as much as possible. They are always willing to practice and help you improve your language skills. |
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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| 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? |
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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? | To go in completely open minded and be prepared to make changes in your life. |
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. |
