The Time Costa Rica Stole My Heart Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were small and promoted great discussion and language practice. Some teachers were less organized than others but overall, classes were well prepared for and very formative.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

From the moment I entered my host home in Heredia, I felt welcomed and loved. During one of the most vulnerable times of my life, when I was in a new world and unable to express myself in the language, my Mama Tica welcomed me with a hug, a meal, and space to adjust. She encouraged me to learn Spanish and to explore Costa Rica, allowing me to learn and grow at pace that didn't overwhelm me, but also pushing me to learn more and do more. I know that my Mama Tica will be my mama for the rest of my life, God willing, and I am so grateful for the time I had to be a daughter in her home. By the end of my stay, leaving her was like leaving a member of my actual family, because now she is.

Costa Rica is full of new experiences, food being a very important one of them. Almost nothing my Mama Tica cooked for me disagreed with my taste buds, and if it did, she was kind enough to understand that everyone has different preferences and that was simply not one of mine. Her cooking was divine and learning some of her recipes was one of my favorite ways to spend time together. Typical Costa Rican cuisine is rich and flavorful, and not usually spicy, which was good news to me! Trying new foods, whether it be gallo pinto, platanos maduros, or anything in between was an incredible way to experience Costa Rican culture. Meals in Costa Rica aren't just a stop you have to make three times in a day. They are a time to enjoy each other's company, to serve others with love and care, and to join together in a shared moment.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a Costa Rican family really aided my learning experience and helped me feel integrated into Costa Rican culture. My neighborhood became MY neighborhood, and by the time I ended my program, I was actually sad to leave the winding roads and uneven sidewalks that had become so familiar to my feet as I walked to and from school every day. Figuring out public transportation and taking it to different cities and destinations, near and far, was difficult, but an incredible way to get to know Costa Rica. Almost nothing made me feel more accomplished than arriving back in San Jose after a weekend away and being able to figure out which bus would get me back to Heredia. Being constantly surrounded by other English-speaking students during my program made total immersion very difficult and probably limited my Spanish development. Having access to people who spoke my language and came from what I came from was comforting, certainly at first, but I wish we all had made a better effort at speaking Spanish together and getting to know locals. Finally meeting local Ticos was lovely, and I'm still connected with some of my Tico friends - and practicing Spanish with them!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health-care related issues while on my trip, but my directors always made sure that I was aware of the health-care procedures and that I was informed of who to call on a given day if anything were to happen. Friends of mine who did have issues were always able to find a director of staff member to help them get the proper medical treatment.

I honestly never felt unsafe on my trip. The bigger cities sometimes felt uncomfortable and busy, but in Heredia, I always felt safe. Even at night walking through my neighborhood or across the mall after a soccer game, I really only felt uncomfortable because I was told to be aware and careful. I did hear stories of unfortunate incidents happening to friends of past students, but I never experienced any misgivings or incidents in Heredia, especially not in my neighborhood.

Sol had an incredible model for intorducing students to Costa Rica. During our first three weeks, they offered many cultural activities and guided weekend excursions. After that, they were still available resources for us, but they allowed us to experience and explore Costa Rica on our own. This really helped ease me into a new culture and country and made my time in CR a blast. The Mama Ticas are incredible and I couldn't have asked for a better host family situation. I didn't have a bad moment during the program - or if I did, there were plenty of great ones to make me forget it.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was incredibly easy to live on a student's budget during my time in Costa Rica. Almost all of my food was provided by Mama Tica and unless I was buying coffee a lot at school, I really didn't even need to have money during the week. Most of my expenses were to buy souvenirs and food to take home (coffee), or to pay for excursions and weekend trips on my free weekends. But I was very diligent with my money, and anyone who is being conscientious and wise with their money will not find it difficult to live on a very meager budget.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• My host family.
• The directors.
• The experiences exploring Costa Rica.

• The intercambios.
• A little more help figuring out the buses.
• More activities available to Sol students and local students. Like athletic events.

The Avid Adventurer