Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Que Dicha! La Pura Vida si se vive en Costa Rica Past Review

By (Social Work, University of Houston - Downtown) - abroad from 05/19/2018 to 06/16/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I was able to travel into another country and immerse myself into their culture with little ease. It was more than worthwhile, it was an unforgettable experience I will hold in my heart forever.

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.

I learned latin american culture and literature in an intense schedule of 10 days per class. I had all of the resources to successfully pass both classes and complete my Spanish minor.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Leydi Hernandez was my program director for UHD and she was very knowledgeable, kind and patient.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely felt right at home the minute I walked into my mama ticas home. The home was clean , rooms were ready for visitors and she was a lovely host.

* Food:

The costa rican dishes were delicious. I was able to eat every meal cooked for us by our host family, plenty of fruit!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture was easy to immerse into, the people of costa rica are laid back and friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I fell once and stubbed my toe, my mama tica was quick to offer anything I needed to cover my cut and clean it until I healed.

* Safety:

The city seemed safe as any place I have been to, like any city there are areas we were told not to walk through alone, because crime was higher, like pick pockets etc. I did not have any problems.

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

It was well structured and the directors have great experience in all aspects of the program. I love the Spanish language and am interested in the Sol Programs in Argentina and Oxacca

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)

very easy/ minimal cost

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75.00 to 100.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring your own shampoo, conditioner and deodorant, etc...try to shop around when you buy items in costa rica, prices vary everywhere and use colones whenever possible.

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

5- most of my time spent in costa rica was spent speaking in Spanish. My mama tica spoke only Spanish and in the classroom we were taught in Spanish also.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 3301
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? the best way to practice is to begin speaking spanish everywhere from day one. When with your friends, speak spanish as well.

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
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?
  • I loved learning about their culture.
  • I liked living with a host family and feeling a part of their everyday life.
  • The excursions were fantastic!
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe more country gifts or items could be distributed.
  • Notebooks should be provided to students.
  • The ability to communicate back home, better cell sevice options.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? exactly how important the umbrella would be. that the small carry on could handle a lot more weight than what I put in it ! I would have liked better knowledge of who would be my host to properly take her a useful gift.

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!