Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Past Review

By (Eastern Kentucky University) - abroad from 06/02/2018 to 07/14/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My spanish improved immensely and I now feel confident speaking because of my classes here. It was so so so worth while.

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.

* 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

My experience with SOL is not one I will ever forget. It sounds cliche, but the truth behind this statement will reveal itself to you if you study abroad. I made so many amazing friendships with SOL, and I grew so much as a person. My spanish improved immensely and I now feel confident speaking because of my classes here. The excursions were all breathtaking, amazing experiences. SOL includes culture activities as well, like a dancing class, a Costa Rican cooking class, and a tour of the city of Heredia where you can try a bunch of amazing fruit you have probably never heard off. My personal favorite was the dance class. The best part of the experience was my host family though. They embraced me with so much love, and were so accomodating. I am vegan and not once did I have to eat anything I did not want to. My host family treated me like family and so did everyone at SOL. I would recommend this experience to anyone and everyone. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I did not want to leave 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? About 40 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to only buy snacks and eat with your host family

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? Advanced
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? Conversational Fluency
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? Watch televison in spanish, listen to music in spanish, go to biligual cafes at libraries, volunteer

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • the staff and friends I made
  • my host family
  • the excursions and cultural activities
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, it was absolutely amazing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much fun I would have and that I should have never second guessed it.

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 Adventurer
The 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.