Living la vida pura Past Review
By Raven Dean (University of California - Los Angeles / UCLA) - abroad from 06/24/2017 to 07/15/2017 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I have learned a lot, not only Spanish, but about myself and other people. I've also gotten to try some new things and make new friends. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My professor was amazing! Very funny, very engaging, and always very happy to help |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of our directors were very friendly and helpful! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My tico family has been absolutely amazing. I love hearing the stories they have to tell. |
| * Food: |
I have really enjoyed all of the food at home. There was a few instances where I, and a few other students, didn't feel very well from food at our excursions. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The culture activities were really helpful but outside of those I did not feel very integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have health issues but the health issues that affected my friends seemed to be handled well. |
| * Safety: |
Stay in groups and listen to what your tico family and directors tell you about safety! They know best. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Depends on how much of a spender you are. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not buy everything in the beginning you may see something better later |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| 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 tico families and friends in spanish. Only use spanish in the classroom. Journal in 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? |
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 goes by really fast. People are willing to help you learn. Using the language is the best way to retain what you are learning. |
