Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Indescribable Past Review

By (Eastern Kentucky University) - abroad from 01/13/2018 to 04/21/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It opened my eyes to so many different things and it was 100% worthwhile. It made me change my outlook on life, and how I treat myself and others. There are so many good things you can do in this world, and so many people you can impact and help, take advantage of it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This experience was life changing, and I highly recommend everyone to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Janiva and Jessie made the program so special for me and the rest of my peers. They genuinely cared about each of our education and safety.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family and host mother were incredible and treated me as if I was one of her own. She was patient and kind with us always as we tried to learn the new language.

* Food:

The food was delicious. Rice and beans get old after a while but we had something new with it every day which made it enjoyable. The fruit and vegetables were so fresh and amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made a lot of Tico friends and had a lot of fun with them. It forced me to speak Spanish more and I truly experienced the culture to the best of my abilities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health problems, but one of my friends hurt her knee and my roomate was very sick for a while, however, the onsite directors worked tirelessly to help people who were having difficulties and I heard it was easy to work with.

* Safety:

I rarely felt unsafe. The only thing I didn't like were the older men that would constantly cat call at us or make us feel uncomfortable. It was more of an awkward situation rather than feeling thretening.

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

I made so many life-long friendships and felt genuinely connected to everyone. SOL made it their goal to keep us engaged, and we got to explore every area of the country. I would highly recommend this program.

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)

Some things were more expensive than others, and other excursions outside of the program can be pricey, but you can pick and choose the things you spend your money on which make it affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to go out during the week a lot, your host family is obligated to cook you 3 meals a day, take advantage of it. Use the weekends to spend time exploring the city and getting to know your other SOLmates getting coffee or ice cream.

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

They encouraged us to use it as much as possible and only spoke English to clarify important things with us.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPA 206
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? Just dive in full force, you have to be willing to make mistakes. Everyone has those funny stories of misunderstandings and saying the wrong words, but we are human and it is okay. If you hear a word you don't know, write it down and look up the definition later. I made a quizlet and by the end of the program had over 500 new words in my vocabulary.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is okay to make mistakes. I was so scared at the beginning, I didn't want to talk because I didn't want to say the wrong thing, and offend someone. But people can tell that you are trying to learn, and they are always excited to help you.

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!