Pura Vida! Past Review
By A student (University of Houston) - abroad from 06/24/2017 to 08/05/2017 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I learned a few grammatical rules. But most importantly I learned how to travel and find my way around. It's great to be tested and pass without having a security net always near you.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic side is pretty rigorous and the resources aren't that great. The intensity however can be either or. It depends on the individual. In Class you can have a lenient teacher who doesn't insist on always speaking Spanish, but in another you could have a teacher who grades you by deducting points if you speak English in class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was pretty good. If you had problems they helped you resolve them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was great! I stayed with a Tico family that was very welcoming and willing to give advice on travel areas and help with homework or other Spanish questions you might have. |
| * Food: |
Although you're eating rice and beans every day, it's still pretty good. I really enjoyed all the fresh fruit for breakfast everyday. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In certain places it was great. However, in San Jose you will be prejudiced against by a few local restaurants or bars if you are not white. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No vaccines needed. Nothing major, just allergies. |
| * Safety: |
Safety was not really a concern as nothing happened. I do recommend getting a pacsafe backpack or purse if you will be in the country. Certain places are crowded and theft is a known issue so having a little extra security makes the difference. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would look for a program that caters to "native speakers" that have never had a formal Spanish education. This program is great for non-native speakers. |
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) |
It's easy if you don't go drinking every other night. Your tico family feeds you all meals during the school week so going out for food is a luxury you don't have to partake in. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100.00 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go out and drink every night. Learn and use public buses to save on taxi expenses. If you are buying anything from a supermarket look to the bottom shelves as that where the cheaper items will be concerning shampoo, soap, etc. |
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? | 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? | Beginner Spanish 1 for native speakers |
| 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 the locals! If you only speak with other study abroad students you will revert to English every time. Speak with natives who will speak in Spanish with you. |
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? | Take less than you think you need! Go ahead and bring your shampoo and soap but leave behind those extra shirts and jeans and the other "maybe" clothes. While the locals wear jeans, it's too hot for study abroad students who walk and take the bus everywhere. And bring a Jacket, and a rain jacket! |
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. |
