Pura Vida Past Review
By Gabrielle Peak (University of Louisville) - abroad from 05/13/2017 to 06/24/2017 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
You learn about the way people live their lives in a different country. Attitudes and culture are so different, and it's so much fun to get the local perspective. It was 500% worth it
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 advanced grammar had review I needed, but the pace was too slow. The literature class was way too much for only 3 weeks. It was impossible to read every assignment and understand it thoroughly with so much work in such little time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors were amazing. They were so friendly, gave great recommendations on where to go/what to do, and you could tell they love their jobs. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a wonderful Mama Tica who blessed me (she's Catholic) every time I left the house. She almost always checked with me on what I wanted for breakfast/lunch/dinner, to make sure I was going to to like it. She made me feel at home and like a real daughter to her. |
| * Food: |
Gallo pinto gets really old really fast. If you don't like rice, make your decision carefully, because there is rice almost every meal, every day. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We did lots of cultural activities led by locals, and there were on-campus intercambios to meet Ticos and practice Spanish. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe. You have to be aware of you, your belongings, and the people around you, but the worst that happened was that someone's backpack was stolen. Don't just put your stuff down while in public. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
Great directors, fun excursions and activities, good location, and wonderful host family. |
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) |
Almost every single meal is included--the only time you HAVE to buy food is on a couple excursions. I went out a few times so I didn't have to eat Costa Rican food, so that's on me. Costs are pretty comparable to being in the U.S. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy anything and everything, but don't be a cheapskate (unless you really have to). Wait to buy souvenirs at the market in San Jose, because you'll get a better deal than a random shop, and you can negotiate. |
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 used a lot of Spanglish, to help those who don't know much Spanish. They always encourage us to talk to Ticos and to each other in Spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | Advanced--I graduated before the program |
| 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? | Try to make friends who speak the language, talk to your host families, talk to locals, and try to practice with your Solmates. No one is going to make fun of you--they're excited that you're trying and learning |
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? |
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? | It's not cold like some say. Don't pack a bunch of long sleeves and jackets. Pack maybe one light jacket/cardigan for cool evenings |
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. |
