Life-Changing Past Review
By Alyssa Denault (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 06/22/2019 to 07/13/2019 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
100% worthwhile. This experience pushed me way out of my comfort zone, but I don’t regret it one bit. It was an amazing opportunity to travel for the first time, meet new people who will stay in touch for years to come, experience a new culture, and feel the pura vida atmosphere. It was a growing experience being away from my family, but it has helped me to see that it is possible for me to be away from them for a time, experience the world a little at a time, and then return home sweetly. I have learned and experienced the idea that I need to take opportunities that may seem scary and enjoy the moment. Take the time to slow down and realize what beauty and opportunity the world has to offer.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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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| * Safety: |
I got through the experience without any issues, but there is definitely a possibility that safety could be a problem in Heredia, Costa Rica. Listen to your advisors and do not ignore the safety tips they give you. They say it for good reasons. If you use your head and take caution, you will be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would definitely use Sol again, but I would definitely like to visit other countries offered in their program. |
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) |
It all depends on what you want to spend. There are no requirements to spend a lot of money outside of certain meals on excursions. You will spend money on souvenirs and additional excursions that are available to plan, but none of that is required. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$100 (mostly souvenirs) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Now that Uber is legal in Costa Rica, use it especially at night. It is much cheaper than a taxi. When traveling during the day use the train or the bus because they are also very cheap. |
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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | SPN 204: Composition and Conversation |
| 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? | Try to encourage your group to use Spanish with each other. Maybe not all the time, but set times during the day where you only use spanish to communicate. I know English is a comfort zone, but it will really help you feel more comfortable if you use it frequently outside of your host house. I wish I would’ve done that more. Also speak with your host family a lot because they are very patient and are willing to help you improve if you’re willing to speak without fear. Another thing I wish I did more. |
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? | There is a huge mall and plenty of big stores nearby where you can always go to get anything you need. You do not need to pack like you’re going to the middle of nowhere. |
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. |
