Adventure of a Lifetime in La Pura Vida Past Review
By A student (Winona State University) - abroad from 05/12/2018 to 07/14/2018 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I became more open-minded, I learned about a new culture, I learned about overall traveling independently, and I loved it.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were spot on! My professors helped me improve with my Spanish so much! |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was incredible and very personal with me |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best host family there was with the best roommate. I would not trade it for the world. |
* Food: |
The food was delicious, but I felt as though I ate rice and beans more times than I should have. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I became friends with the locals, it was a great experience. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The food was expensive, believe it or not in Central America. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $700 |
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 |
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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? | Culture of Spain |
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? | Make sure to force yourself to speak Spanish with your host family, also make sure you listen to Spanish music whenever you can! |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Nothing— everything was perfect! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |