The perfect combination of confusion and amazement Past Review
By A student (Vassar College) - abroad from 06/01/2019 to 06/22/2019 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
It was 100% worthwhile. My Spanish improved drastically and I made amazing friends.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks | 
Review Your Program
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 * Overall educational experience
 Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.  | 
 
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 * Host Country Program Administration
 On-site administration of your program  | 
 
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 * Housing:
 How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?  | 
 
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| * Food: | 
 
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 * Social & Cultural Integration:
 How integrated did you feel with the local culture?  | 
 
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 * Health Care:
 How well were health issues addressed during the program?  | 
 
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? | 
Yes
 I learned a lot. Not only about the Spanish language and Costa Rican culture, but about understanding people from different backgrounds and being open to new and uncomfortable experiences. I learned how to get around in a new country and find beneficial ways to spend my time.  | 
Finances
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 * 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)  | 
 
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $15/wk | 
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes | 
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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? | Beginner | 
| 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? | Spanish Beginner 2 | 
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 
Other Program Information
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 * Where did you live?
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 * Who did you live with?
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 * Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? | 
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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? | I felt well prepared for the trip. | 
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 AdventurerThe 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. |