Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida: A Look Back at my Time in Costa Rica Past Review

By (California State University - Fullerton) - abroad from 03/24/2018 to 04/01/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about the healthcare system in Costa Rica and the issues faced at a community level. It was a worthwhile experience to be with my peers and work with them to develop activities for the service learning component.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I enjoyed staying with my host family and getting to know more of the culture. I felt that this was a great learning experience, especially since it was my first study abroad trip, since I had the ability to engage in service learning activities to learn more about the healthcare issues in Costa Rica.

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 per week

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? N/A
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 downloading a language app on your phone (i.e Duolingo) and practice at least for a couple of minutes before going on your study abroad trip!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • Staying with my host family
  • Learning more about the Costa Rican culture
  • Learning about the healthcare system
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To pack more items! I under packed and felt that I did not bring enough clothes for the trip and the activities we participated in.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!