Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

10 out of 10 would recommend but next time Mexico!!! Past Review

By (Eastern Kentucky University) - abroad from 06/12/2019 to 04/13/2019 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I could live abroad. As bad as it sounds I didn't miss home. I could have stayed and been perfectly fine. Life in Costa Rica is so easy going adjusting back to gringo time after being on tico time for so long was a bit hard!

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.

* 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

I felt safe and comfortable the whole time. The trip is something that I am very proud to say that I was able to experience.

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? 40 dollars at most
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Dont spend your money like you live there is the only I could say. Think about your life after. Blowing through your saving in three months isn't the smart thing to do.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced 1
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? If you have a group of friends and you are the best at spanish take a second to step back and let other people practice. Everyone should get a chance to speak with the locals and practice. That can be hard when everyone around you is better and speaks for you. Give the beginners a chance.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The food
  • White water rafting
  • My family and friends
* What could be improved?
  • Listening to what people want for their housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Uber, although it is illegal, is cheaper and safer in my opinion. Crossing at the light is not dangerous like most things just use common sense and you'll be just fine.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.