Found a piece of me Past Review
By Alayna Rick (College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University) - abroad from 05/13/2017 to 06/03/2017 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
My language increased more than I could have imagined and it did so without me realizing it until the end of the trip. I was communicating with locals without thinking twice or being nervous. I also met friends from all over the country. As a traveler, that is so exciting and I love having connections all over the country!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The course was of the same rigor as any of my typical university classes. We had a lot of different materials and did a lot of discussions. The discussion really helps with communication skills. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors of the Sol program could not have been more hospital and welcoming. They really made you feel like you were part of a large family. They were always there to chat and make us feel at home. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Having a chance to stay with a Tico family was incredible! My family was accommodating and treated me like their daughter. I was able to have some really interesting cultural conversations and exchanges and it was fun having a younger brother. |
| * Food: |
Costa Rica has every type of food you could imagine! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Between classes at a real university to living with a Tico family to our cultural activities, I felt like I really got a chance to become a Tica. We were given so many opportunities to immerse ourselves and outside of the Sol activities it was incredibly easy to find other things to do in Heredia or San Jose. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Although I had no health issues, when a few other Solmates were sick, the directors rushed to their aid and got them to clinics as soon as possible. |
| * Safety: |
Although it is a big city, San Jose and Heredia both felt safe and like you were able to walk around and not be singled out for not being a Tican. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I am already considering either taking another Sol trip or possibly doing the Costa Rica trip again. My host family and I have already discussed when I will return. I can't wait to go back! |
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) |
I personally saved a lot of money for my trip, however if you had not... Costa Rica isn't particularly cheap in comparison to the United States. It is very similar economically so that is something to keep in mind before taking a trip there. You will need just as much money if not a few dollars more for your food and activities. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Work as much as possible and put away at least half of each paycheck. You won't be upset having too much money on a trip. |
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 |
The directors tried to encourage language as best as they could. My trip did not have many 300 level speakers so they did what they could. My family spoke Spanish too me and my class was also entirely in SPanish. |
| 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? | An elective |
| 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? | When in doubt, speak Spanish! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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? | That I would fall in love with a country and feel torn being back in America. I feel like I found a piece of me that was missing and really learned a lot about myself in Costa Rica. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
