Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Life-changing Trip Abroad. Past Review

By (California State University - Fullerton) - abroad from 03/29/2019 to 04/07/2019 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It definitely was for me. I learned that everyone lives in different conditions and we are capable of being able to be a positive influence and help change their lives for the better.

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?

My host family was even more than I could even ask for! They were so loving and provided great hospitality.

* Food:

My Mama Tica is a caterer so her food was amazing! There were never any complaints.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I spoke the language so it was not very difficult for me to feel integrated, but I did witness students that struggled in communicating.

* 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 am already making plans to go back to Costa Rica next year. I had the best of time and still keep in contact with my Mama Tica almost everyday! The children in the schools were so grateful and I would love the opportunity to be able to go back and introduce new, fun lessons.

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)

I did not spend much of my own money when I was there because all of my meals were provided. The extra costs come when a student chooses to go out, taxi fees, souvenirs, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200? Considering I did go out.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It could be a good idea to go out with a few friends so that the cost could be split.

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

A lot of the non Spanish speakers heavily relied on the Spanish speakers to translate for them.

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? Spanish 4- Senior year of High School
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? There are a bunch of apps that are available for free download where students are able to speak to a live Spanish teacher that are really beneficial.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Teaching in the schools
  • My host family
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • If anything, maybe how free time is distributed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I was going to have a great time! Going in to this experience, I along with most of my classmates felt pressured to perform with no flaws. I learned going into this experience that not everything is going to go as planned and that is OKAY.

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!