Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Phenomenal Past Review

By (California State University - Fullerton) - abroad from 03/25/2017 to 04/02/2017 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from this experience! I learned how to be a better teacher, collaborate with others, and live in the moment. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

We got to apply theories and concepts we learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our host country director was pretty good about meeting our needs, and relaying information needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My favorite part of this whole experience was my host family. I miss them and love them so, so much. You truly do become a family and partake in their daily lives. It was so much fun.

* Food:

My host mom was the best cook. All of the food she made for us was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Costa Rica felt like home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick during the program. I didn't get to experience healthcare in Costa Rica, because my host mom was really good about addressing any needs I had. She ended up getting me suero, which made me feel better.

* Safety:

Coyol de Alajuela is so safe. I never felt unsafe and I would walk in the dark with my roommate to my host mom's sister's house.

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

There's no way I wouldn't choose the same program. The experience was phenomenal and I would give anything to turn back time to relive my experience. Everything about it was so unique and left me with so many great stories and memories.

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)

It was super easy living on a student's budget. Though, I like to spend a lot on souvenirs, but it wasn't hard. If shopping isn't your thing, you'll be fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? N/A
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The best money-saving tip I can give you is to have an allotted amount of money for each thing and stick to it! For example, since I knew the only thing I was going to spend money on was souvenirs and some meals, I set apart $500 for souvenirs, $100 for outside meals, and $100 for miscellaneous or emergency costs. I ended up using way less than listed.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Other
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
  • Excursions
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew I was going to get sick. I assumed I'd be fine, so I didn't bring any sort of medicine. Thankfully, my roommate and host family covered for me.

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.